National Gardens Scheme The Yellow Book

Monies raised from garden openings has enabled the National Gardens Scheme to donate over £2 million to its beneficiaries each year. More than £20 million has been donated to charity since the National Gardens Scheme began in 1927.

The Yellow Book lists county by county the gardens that open for the National Gardens Scheme. Each county has a diary section listing all the days when fine, mostly private, gardens open their gates to the public to raise money for charity. Short descriptions about the gardens include direction, opening dates and times.

The Yellow Book is a major source of income for the National Garden Scheme and is available from all good bookstores throughout the UK (prices vary). Website visitors may purchase the book directly from the National Gardens Scheme Website or from the National Gardens Scheme Head Office on 44 (0) 1483 211535.

The book contains lively up-to-date articles from gardening professionals, celebrities and writers such as Alan Titchmarsh, Matt James, Mary Berry and many more. There is also a listing of over 100 gardens offering bed & breakfast, self-catering or hotel accommodation, making the Yellow Book an enjoyable travelling companion.

Approximately 530 new gardens are opening for the Scheme this year with themes as diverse as Japanese, Mediterranean and Victorian restoration. Discover water features and walled gardens, sensory gardens, school gardens and sculptures, town gardens and topiary and even a prison garden. Allotments too have a strong presence this year along with many fruit and vegetable gardens including examples of heritage vegetables and rare animal breeding.

Enthusiasts will be impressed by the number of gardens which house National Plant Collections, ensuring the preservation of many plants. For those attempting their first garden, there is no better place to find friendly advice, new ideas and usually inexpensive plants. From the traditional to the downright quirky, you’ll find it at a ‘Yellow Book’ garden! Something for everyone. Families looking for a pleasant afternoon outing will find many gardens that offer woodland or waterside walks. A number of gardens are designed with children or grandchildren in mind. Some garden owners encourage visitors to bring picnics. Everybody, whether green-fingered or not, enjoys the fine teas that are often provided. And an ever increasing number of gardens offer evening openings – a pleasant way to wind down after work.

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