Gardens Galore to Explore - for charity

Visit 50 Shades of Green, 20 Bevan Close, Walsall. Photo courtesy NGS.

As most gardeners will know, the National Garden Scheme is a long-standing charity that raises money for nursing and health charities. The NGS gives visitors the opportunity of accessing over 3,500 amazing private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, raising funds through garden admissions, teas and cakes.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors the NGS has donated over £67 million to nursing and health charities – the core beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Additionally, the NGS is passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardening and supports charities doing amazing work in gardens and health, and grants bursaries to help community gardening projects.

Discover more by visiting their website, but meanwhile, here’s a handful of gardens open for the NGS today – Bank Holiday Sunday 27 August 2023.

27 Wash Green, Matlock, Derbyshire. Photo Courtesy NGS.

27 Wash Green, Matlock, Derbyshire: A secluded 1 acre garden, with outstanding 360-degree views. There is an inner enclosed area with topiary, pergola and lawn surrounded by mixed borders, with a paved seating area. The larger part of the garden has sweeping lawns, with large borders, beds, wildlife pond with summerhouse, bog garden, areas of woodland and specimen trees. A quarter of the plot is a productive fruit and vegetable garden with polytunnel. So plenty to explore! Open Sunday 27 August, 11am-4pm – Adults £4, children free.

12 Water Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire. Photo courtesy NGS.

12 Water Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire: This small, eclectic hillside cottage garden on different levels, has been created as a series of rooms. Each room has been designed to capture the stunning views over Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Mini woodland walk, ponds, eastern and ‘infinity’ garden all with an emphasis on holistic, sustainable and organic principles. Open Sunday 27 August and Monday 28 August – 11am-4pm. Adults £4, children free.

Cedar House, Wasperton, Warwick. Photo courtesy NGS.

Cedar House, Wasperton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 8EB: Large former vicarage garden, mature and exciting. Colourful herbaceous borders, collection of mature acer palmatums, walled garden, woodland glade and walk with mix of young and mature specimen trees, tranquil grass and bamboo area leading to the swimming pool garden. Several seating areas to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful setting. Open Sunday 27 August, 1pm – 5.30pm. Adult £7.50 children free.

Bridge Nursery, Tomlow Road, Napton. Photo courtesy NGS.

Bridge Nursery, Tomlow Road, Napton, Southam CV47 8HX: Clay soil? Don't despair. Here is an acre of garden with an exciting range of plants which thrive in hostile conditions. Grass paths lead you round borders filled with many unusual plants, there's also a pond and bamboo grove complete with panda! A peaceful haven for wildlife and visitors. A visitor commented 'it is a garden that is comfortable with itself.' Tea or coffee and biscuits gladly provided on request. Open Sunday 27 August 10am – 4pm Adult £3.50 children free.

50 Shades of Green, 20 Bevan Close, Shelfield, Walsall. Photo courtesy NGS.

50 Shades of Green, 20 Bevan Close, Shelfield, Walsall, West Mids. WS4 1AB: The garden is 15m x11m taking several years to create and landscape one area at a time. There are many distinctive areas including two ponds linked by a stream with a stone waterfall, many water features, places to sit, watch and relax. Wildlife is welcome and encouraged. The planting style is varied and includes architectural plants for foliage and texture, with over 40 trees. A calm garden of surprises, intrigue and discovery. Open Sunday 27 August 11am – 8.30pm. Adult £3.50 children free.

Discover many more Open Gardens, and learn of the National Garden Scheme's charity work: https://ngs.org.uk/