From tiny tots to teenagers – there’s something for all to enjoy!
The National Garden Scheme was founded in 1927 by the Queen’s Nursing Institute and almost 100 years later the joy of visiting gardens is still going strong.
Queen’s Nurse, Fiona Rogers shares her story about great days out with tots and teenagers …
I’m a proud Queen’s Nurse working for the Queen’s Nursing Institute whose main benefactor is the National Garden Scheme. Supporting the generous garden owners who open their gardens to raise money is a small way of saying thank you.
2024 has been an exciting year having the joy of a first grandchild, Sofia. Loving both gardens and gardening and knowing the benefits of being outdoors, it felt natural to introduce Sofia too. Being outdoors is good for both my mental and physical wellbeing. As a member of #NHS1000miles community I try to be active and post on X on a Sunday at 19:30 a photo and weekly mileage. The benefits of being outdoors are well documented for all ages. North Yorkshire boasts breath-taking scenery and being sandwiched between the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales provides opportunities right on the doorstep.
Our first experience with Sofia was with the beautiful Harrogate Stray cherry blossom this spring. The array of stunning pink flowers is just magnificent and very Instagram-able! Since then, we have visited a few National Garden Scheme open gardens and discovered not just beautiful gardens but so much more: trains, llamas, chickens, old farm machinery…. Her little face lights up as she experiences the delights of the gardens: trees swaying in the wind, water babbling in the streams, the colourful palette of flowers. There is so much to see, smell, touch – a sensory treat for all ages. And, not forgetting taste, with delicious homemade cakes and refreshments available too.
Another first has been taking my cousin’s 16-year-old daughter Alex to her first National Garden Scheme open garden. Excitedly, we set off despite thunder showers predicted. We did get caught in a shower or two, but it was fun finding places to shelter amongst the garden structures and nature’s own umbrellas. Alex loved the variety of what she found at the garden, “I love there is more than just flowers, there were ponds, cows and other things,” she said. She was unaware that people opened their gardens for charity and enjoyed the freedom to walk around at her own pace. Despite the weather she said, “It’s just good to be outdoors”. I could sense her wonderment at the beauty of the gardens, the tranquil ponds with the scenic Dales in the distance.
The National Garden Scheme “find a garden” webpage is simple to use to find out which gardens are open and when. The website also provides useful information about directions, facilities and if a garden is family friendly (pushchairs and gravel have been a bit of a challenge!) The Yorkshire National Garden Scheme Facebook page has updates too.
Our experiences visiting gardens as a family create everlasting memories and stories to tell. I hope my love for gardens and gardening will inspire Sofia and Alex and in years to come we can share our memories and enjoyment of visiting open gardens and the fun we had!
Find out more about budget family days out this summer by clicking here
