More gardens to visit
Fundraising charity the National Garden Scheme (NGS) hopes to open 657 new gardens this year as part of its annual visiting programme.
As part of a developing trend, the much-loved organisation now lists 1,110 gardens opening by arrangement from the 3,602 opening this year, with 800 just opening on a specific day or as part of a group. Also on the increase are the 1,705 gardens that welcome dogs as well as their owners!
“Importantly 2,050 of our gardens offer plants for sale, raising £600,000 each year from this alone,” said NGS chief executive George Plumptre. “Although not able to open last year, some garden owners still put out plants at the garden gate to raise funds.”
Pandemic restrictions are still affecting openings, particularly those opening early for snowdrops. The NGS is also organising more online talks.
“We’re being pragmatic about opening gardens in the weeks up to Easter, but hope to continue as normal thereafter,” said George. “One of our highlights is the firsttime opening in July of Stafford House, near Dorchester, Dorset, home of Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and wife Emma.”
www.ngs.org.uk.
World Fairs at Beaulieu,” said Bob Sweet, Horticultural Director of BBC Gardeners’ World Fairs. “The event has been in the planning for a few years and, being purely outdoor, we are fortunate to have the freedom to plan in plenty of space for visitors to explore and shop, whilst maintaining social distancing.” Tickets are on sale soon.
Visit www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com for details.