Celebrating The Great Outdoors in Gardens and Health Week 2026
The publication of the National Garden Scheme’s sixth Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health (cited as one of seven horticultural media musts by Pro Landscaper in 2025) heralds the start of the charity’s Gardens and Health Week (2-10 May) – celebrating all that is good about gardens and green spaces.
Commenting, National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton says: “This is a Little Yellow Book with a big message. Through the tapestry of stories within its pages the power and impact of gardens for health and healing is clear.
“As individuals we need to grab this message and invest in building green time into our daily lives and routines. As a society we can’t afford not to.”
The digital publication The Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health brings to life the National Garden Scheme’s Gardens and Health programme* which not only supports hundreds of people and projects from community gardens and horticultural therapy to gardens at Maggie’s and Horatio’s Garden but also supports thousands through the simple act of opening gardens to the public.
“This year, our theme is ‘The Great Outdoors,’ and the book is packed with brilliant stories, hints and tips all focussing on how gardens and time spent outdoors can affect our health for the good. The publication, which includes personal and practical stories, is as beautiful as it is vital,” adds Richard Claxton.
Through many personal stories and expert opinion from contributors including Dr Susan Taheri, Dame Laura Lee, Tom Hoblyn, Arit Anderson, The Beardy Gardener, a host of medical professionals, and garden owners, plus key nursing charities, the book explores the benefit of gardens and gardening for our own, and the planets, health.
Commenting on contributing to this year’s book Leigh Johnstone, aka The Beardy Gardener, said: “I love this publication and am thrilled to be involved.” You can read his story about how the joy of creating a garden changed his life on page 48.
Writing in this year’s publication on the importance of rewilding the hearts of the young, Andrew Jackson adds: “Every year, the National Garden Scheme opens thousands of private gardens … not just to show off borders and blooms, but to tell stories.”
You can read The Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health here
