With their origins in the hills of the Eastern Mediterranean, tulips have caused a sensation in the horticultural world for centuries. Endlessly adaptable they are perfect in pots, urns or any other type of planter; scattered naturally through a meadow; or incorporated into a mixed border design. The National Garden Scheme has an array of wonderful gardens opening – tip toe on to find the perfect garden to visit.
Daffodils offer a wonderful sunny face to the world and help lift our spirits as spring arrives. Many National Garden Scheme gardens have hosts of daffodils, some in drifts, some scattered among orchards or in borders, beds and pots.
Here’s a taster of what’s in store in 2026.
To help celebrate Community Gardens Week (31 March – 6 April) the National Garden Scheme is delighted to announce the distribution of £294,241 of funding to 118 community garden projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, supported by the Julia Rausing Trust.
You can now order our Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2026. It will arrive hot off the press at the start of the garden visiting season offering you thousands of gardens to explore including new horticultural gems and old favourites to revisit. Every purchase you make supports the National Garden Scheme and the vital nursing and health beneficiaries we support.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. We can’t do this without the wonderful support of our garden owners. Find out more about opening your garden and being part of the wonderful National Garden Scheme family.
2025 was another landmark year for the National Garden Scheme with a record £3,875,596 donated from funds gathered at garden openings throughout the year. The donations helped thousands of people living with cancer, Parkinson’s, poor mental health, or the pressures of unpaid caring, by supporting the nurses, health professionals and case workers who care for them.
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activities throughout the year
£475,000
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£125,000
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£320,000
£288,876
