Local Gardens Reopen for NGS
The National Garden Scheme has announced that some of the gardens across England that support its charity fundraising are re-opening in June.
Locally, there are dozens of keen gardeners that support the NGS by opening their gardens every year. In order to comply with social distancing and other Government guidelines, some will re-open by using a system of pre-purchased tickets for a timed slot. Tickets must be purchased via the National Garden Scheme website.
Numbers of visitors per timed slot will vary from garden to garden, depending on size. These and all other relevant details can be found at a garden’s entry on the website.
Gardens will not offer teas or other refreshments although some gardens with sufficient space will allow visitors to bring their own picnics. All buildings will be closed and access to toilets will only be provided in an emergency and so long as it does not involve access to a house.
George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme comments, ‘We are delighted that we are able to open the gates of some of our gardens in England and welcome people. Right now our gardens are blossoming into their midsummer glories and so it is wonderful that our garden owners can share them with visitors.’
‘While our gardens have all been closed we have run a very successful campaign, Help Support Our Nurses, drawing attention to the amazing work on the frontline of the Coronavirus crisis being done by the nursing charities we support. One hundred per cent of funds raised at gardens during the rest of 2020 will go to the Help Support Our Nurses campaign.’
‘While our gardens have been closed, garden owners have been making videos of their gardens which we have been posting weekly as Virtual Garden Visits and encouraging people to make donations. That library of more than 100 short films will continue to grow through June and be available beyond then.’
You can book tickets for reopening gardens and view virtual gardens at www.ngs.org.uk