Tag: National Garden Scheme

The Great Outdoors celebrated in new digital publication from the National Garden Scheme

The publication of the National Garden Scheme’s sixth Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health (cited as one of seven horticultural media musts by Pro Landscaper in 2025) heralds the start of the charity’s Gardens and Health Week (2-10 May) – celebrating all that is good about gardens and green spaces.

 Commenting, National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton says: “This is a Little Yellow Book with a big message. Through the tapestry of stories within its pages the power and impact of gardens for health and healing is clear.   

“As individuals we need to grab this message and invest in building green time into our daily lives and routines.  As a society we can’t afford not to.”  

The digital publication The Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health brings to life the National Garden Scheme’s Gardens and Health programme* which not only funds hundreds of people and projects – from nurses and community gardens to the creation of gardens at Maggie’s and Horatio’s Garden – but also supports thousands through the simple act of opening gardens to the public. 

“This year, our theme is ‘The Great Outdoors,’ and the book is packed with brilliant stories, hints and tips all focusing on how gardens and time spent outdoors can affect our health for the good. The publication, which includes personal and practical stories, is as beautiful as it is vital,” adds Richard Claxton.  

Through many personal stories and expert opinion from contributors including Dr Susan Taheri, Dame Laura Lee, Tom Hoblyn, Arit Anderson, The Beardy Gardener, a host of medical professionals, and garden owners, plus key nursing charities, the book explores the benefit of gardens and gardening for our own, and the planets, health.   

Commenting on contributing to this year’s book Leigh Johnstone, aka The Beardy Gardener, said: “I love this publication and am thrilled to be involved.” 

You can read his story about how the joy of creating a garden changed his life on page 48.  

Writing in this year’s publication on the importance of rewilding the hearts of the young, Andrew Jackson adds: “Every year, the National Garden Scheme opens thousands of private gardens … not just to show off borders and blooms, but to tell stories.” 

From the elemental chemistry that connects us to the soil to the social connections formed in gardens, the stories are testament to the enduring goodness of time spent outdoors. 

Dame Mary Berry supports garden fundraiser 

Gather friends and family for a garden get-together

Gardens are good for us and socializing in them even more so!

This year the National Garden Scheme is inviting people across the UK to bring together friends, family, neighbours and colleagues for a Great British Garden Party – a joyful community fundraiser supporting vital nursing and health charities. 

Championed by Dame Mary Berry, the much‑loved Queen of Cakes, the Great British Garden Party celebrates the simple pleasure of sharing time together while raising money for charities that play a crucial role in so many lives, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing and Parkinson’s UK. 

At its heart, the initiative celebrates community and the joy of sharing time with others. From your own garden to public parks and workplace green spaces – or even kitchen tables and front gates – everyone is encouraged to host a get‑together in their own way, creating memorable moments and making a meaningful difference. 

Speaking about the Great British Garden Party, Dame Mary Berry said: “I am delighted to invite everyone to gather friends, family and colleagues for a Great British Garden Party. 

“Whether you have a large garden, a small outdoor space or no garden at all, what matters is coming together. These gatherings are about reconnecting, celebrating friendship and community, and supporting nursing and health charities that many of us, our families and friends depend on in times of need.” 

The beauty of the Great British Garden Party lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Past hosts have thrown open their garden gates and invited neighbours for afternoon tea, often making new friends along the way. Others have gathered loved ones to mark a special occasion, suggesting a donation in place of gifts. 

From barbecues and family bake‑offs to picnics in the park, book swaps in the office or plant and produce stalls by the front gate, every event is different – and all are welcomed. The choice is entirely up to the host, making it easy for everyone to get involved. 

Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, said: “The Great British Garden Party is such a great idea. It’s perfect for that situation where an informal gathering is taking place anyway – a birthday party, a silver wedding celebration, or even just having friends over for a barbecue, and this can be turned in a modest way into a fundraiser. 

“It also allows people to share their garden space with friends and family, without going as far as a public ticketed opening, allowing both small, intimate or large, sociable gatherings to raise valuable funds for our Beneficiary Charities – all in the special sanctuaries of our own gardens.”  

The official Great British Garden Party campaign week takes place from Monday 13 July to Sunday 19 July, but supporters are welcome to host their event at any time that suits them, throughout the year. 

Taking part couldn’t be easier. Hosts can sign up via the National Garden Scheme website, invite their guests, and receive guidance and support from the National Garden Scheme events team. 

For more information or to register your Great British Garden Party, visit:

 www.ngs.org.uk/gardenparty. 

SIGN UP AND JOIN IN 

Gardens can save our sanity

New National Garden Scheme report highlights the importance of gardens and outdoor spaces during lockdown 

A new report from the National Garden Scheme emphasises the vital role that gardens and outdoor spaces played – and continue to play – in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the nation during lockdown.

Bringing together feedback from garden owners, viewers of their unique Virtual Garden Visits that aired throughout lockdown, and an online survey conducted in August, the National Garden Scheme report confirms that the power of gardens to do good has never been more important.

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme said, “Anecdotally, from the responses we received to our Virtual Garden Visits during lockdown, we knew that gardens (real and virtual) were playing a significant and important role in people’s lives.

“In August, to back this up, we ran an online survey entitled ‘The importance of our gardens and outdoor spaces during lockdown’. Over 2,400 people responded giving us a set of key statistics which confirmed much of the feedback we had already established; that access to gardens and green spaces can play a vital role in our ability to cope in times of crisis.

“The report lays out our findings, the statistics along with some of the long-form stories that survey respondents shared with us, and the feedback from a selection of our own National Garden Scheme garden owners.”

KEY FINDINGS: 2,419 people responded to the online survey

92% said their gardens and outdoor spaces were ‘extremely important’ to them during lockdown in terms of health and wellbeing

87% said that a key benefit gained from access to their garden/outdoor space during lockdown was ‘It helped to relieve stress.’

100% of those with balconies or window boxes (35 respondents) said a key benefit was the reduction in stress – all of these respondents were within an urban or suburban environment

Of respondents with access only to a public outdoor space (20 respondents) 95% said that a key benefit was that ‘It helped to relieve stress’ (as opposed to 87% overall)

78% said that a key benefit gained from access to their garden/outdoor space during lockdown was ‘It helped them appreciate nature’

69% said that a key benefit gained from access to their garden/outdoor space during lockdown was ‘It kept them fit and contributed positively to their physical fitness’ 

86% said they used their gardens more during lockdown77% used their gardens for relaxation

81% spent their time growing and propagating seeds

70% grew their own produceEnjoying time to watch and encourage wildlife, connecting with neighbours ‘over the garden gate’, completing overdue garden projects and enjoying the sanctuary of their outdoor spaces were common themes in the long form responses.

THE REPORT

Gardens and Coronavirus 2020

The importance of garden outdoor spaces during lockdown
Read and download the full report here:
PDF https://ngs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Survey-Results-September-2020.pdf Webpage https://ngs.org.uk/new-report-gardens-and-coronavirus-2020/

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE & IMAGES

Virtual Garden Visits specifically related to health and wellbeing from which garden owner quotes are taken:
Long Crendon, Bucks (group): https://ngs.org.uk/long-crendon-a-community-of-gardeners/ Blockley, Gloucestershire (group): https://ngs.org.uk/blockley-gardens-gloucestershire-at- one-with-nature/

Warton, Lancashire (group): https://ngs.org.uk/warton-gardens-lancashire-the-essence-of- the-national-garden-scheme-ethos/
Algars Manor, Gloucestershire (family of GPs): https://ngs.org.uk/picture-perfect-algars- manor-gloucestershire/

Hambledon House, Hampshire (general overview of benefits of gardening and opening your garden): https://ngs.org.uk/hambledon-house-hampshire-harts-delight/
Garden Owner Case studies:

Dave Darwent, Sheffield: “It came as a bit of a surprise that opening my garden is a kind of therapy for my mental wellbeing” https://ngs.org.uk/dave-darwent-it-came-as-a-bit-of-a-surprise-that-opening-my-garden-is-a- kind-of-therapy-for-my-mental-wellbeing/

Amanda Cooper, Oxfordshire: The sanctuary of my garden in lockdown

https://ngs.org.uk/amanda-cooper-the-sanctuary-of-my-garden-in-lockdown/

All gardens and health related films: https://ngs.org.uk/gardens-and-health-we