The National Garden Scheme needs you

Despite having to close its garden gates for the first time in its 93-year history, the National Garden Scheme has launched a visually glorious campaign that will keep its stunning gardens virtually open

- Naomi Slade and Vicky Flynn

In 1927, the National Garden Scheme opened the gates of private gardens for a little genteel snooping and a spot of tea and cake, with 600 gardens charging a shilling on the gate to raise much-needed funds for nurses working in local communities.

Then, it was a great success but, fast forward to 2020, and a global catastrophe has again brought the need for public support for front-line community nurses into sharp focus. The sad truth is that not only do coronavirus victims need care, but other illnesses have not gone away. We can do more than clap for the carers.

Over 3,600 gardens – including more than 50 in Berkshire – were due to open across England and Wales, aiming to raise £4 million for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK and the QNI. But due to the coronavirus lockdown, garden gates must close, dramatically hitting the beneficiary charities.

Heather Skinner, County Organiser for Berkshire, said: “This is my 13th year volunteering with the National Garden Scheme, and it is certainly the unluckiest year imaginable. June is a peak month for us and many gardens will be looking at their best. Our volunteer team has been working hard, however, and although the gardens are closed, through the coming weeks virtual garden visits, many filmed by their owners, are being hosted on the National Garden Scheme’s website.”