Gardens in South Woodford will open to the public this July, inviting visitors to explore hidden plots, wildlife havens and tranquil spaces while raising funds for charity. Fiona Grant encourages you to take a look
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) is pleased to announce that four local gardens will be opening in July, with all proceeds going to a variety of nursing and health charities.
So, what exactly is the National Garden Scheme? Well, what began as a vehicle to fund district nurses 99 years ago has grown into the UK’s most significant funder of nursing. Charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, Carers’ Trust and Horatio’s Garden are all supported by the NGS. Last year alone, £3.9m was raised by some 3,300 gardens across the UK.
Alan Titchmarsh, the new NGS President, notes that the scheme is run by almost 600 volunteers. He goes on to comment that gardening is a craft that continues to amaze him, even after 60 years of earning his living from it. “Not only is it hugely important in terms of caring for the landscape and for wildlife, but also for our own mental and physical pleasure, for joy and for looking after the planet.”
I personally became involved with the NGS nearly seven years ago, when a neighbour suggested we did a joint opening. Firstly though, I had to have my garden ‘assessed’ by East London organiser Teresa Farnham. She immediately put me at ease and said local visitors often have similar sized gardens and are looking for inspiration. If you have a garden that is interesting and would appeal to visitors, I would definitely encourage you to consider opening. It certainly doesn’t have to be a massive show garden! My garden is about 80 feet long behind a Victorian semi. There’s a patio, a small pond and borders stuffed with plants.
One of the big attractions of our open garden is offering a lovely afternoon tea, and we work hard baking for days. Kind friends always donate some of their bakes, too. A wonderful little team of friends serve the teas; I literally couldn’t do the event without them. Last year, we had over 75 visitors.
This July, I’m opening again with my next-door neighbour, who has a spacious patio and child-friendly garden. Another neighbour’s garden has a tranquil white theme and offers year-round interest with shrubs and climbers. The fourth garden has a Koi pond, raised beds and cottage-style planting.
There is always something of interest at an open garden, so do come and join us for a lovely afternoon of plants and cake whilst also supporting worthwhile charities.
Local open garden dates:
5 July, 2pm to 6pm: 83 and 85 Cowslip Road, South Woodford, E18 1JN (£6).
12 July, 2pm to 5pm: 25 Mulberry Way, South Woodford, E18 1EB (£6).
19 July, 2pm to 5pm: 19 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, IG8 9HT (£4).
For more information on local NGS gardens, visit swvg.co.uk/ngs or email teresa.farnham@yahoo.co.uk
