Marking the first National Day of Reflection

Since the first lockdown began in 2020, the impacts of the pandemic have effected hundreds of thousands of people. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Many of those people are part of the National Garden Scheme family; staff, volunteers, garden owners and supporters.

Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind. So, on 23rd March, we will come together to mark the first National Day of Reflection – led by our beneficiary Marie Curie – to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and look to better times.

“Among the first virtual garden visits that we shared in 2020 one commemorated the loss of a great National Garden Scheme supporter, Mary Caroe,” says Chief Executive, George Plumptre. “For fifty years her family’s garden at Vann in Surrey has delighted National Garden Scheme visitors. Developed from a former market garden by the passion, love and commitment of Martin and Mary Caroe, our film was created as a tribute to them both and to all those who have been effected by the pandemic. Mary died from Covid-19 in May 2020.

“To mark this National Day of Reflection we feel it’s fitting to remember Mary and all those bereaved by the pandemic by re-sharing this film of her beautiful garden and looking forward to a brighter future.”