National Gardens Scheme


The National Garden Scheme opens privately owned gardens in England and Wales on selected dates for charity. It was founded in 1927 with the aim of "opening gardens of quality, character and interest to the public for charity". The scheme has raised over £60 million since it began, and now opens over 3,700 gardens a year.
When the scheme began 609 private gardens were opened and £8,191 was raised. A small number of the original "pioneer" gardens still participate in the Scheme, while many more have joined. Over 3,700 gardens were due to open in 2020 but the impact of COVID-19 COVID-19 meant that most openings were cancelled. However, new online virtual garden tours were introduced. County organisers are responsible for vetting gardens to make sure they are of sufficient interest.
Visitor information is published in a publication called "The Garden Visitor's Handbook". There is another Yellow Book for the separate Scotland's Gardens scheme.

Charities supported

Originally the admission fees raised money for district nurses, although the creation of the National Health Service in 1948 changed the nature of the support required.
In 1980, the National Garden Scheme Charitable Trust was launched as an independent charity with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as patron. The current patron is Charles, Prince of Wales.
The Queen's Nursing Institute is still one of the charities supported. along with Perennial, Macmillan Cancer Support and others.

Media interest

The National Garden Scheme was featured in a Twofour produced BBC2 programme Open Gardens.