Beautiful gardens are still drawing the crowds

A charity fundraising idea to invite people to wander around some of Britain’s most memorable gardens has proved so popular that, decades since it started, it is going from strength to strength.

The National Gardens Scheme celebrated its 90th anniversary at the weekend.

In its first year 609 gardens were open with visitors paying a shilling a head.

This year the scheme has more than 3,800 gardens raising money for nursing and caring charities.

In 2016 the scheme shared £2.7m between nine good causes.

Steve and Paula Routledge, who run Floral Media, on Norwell Road, Caunton, first opened their country garden four years ago.

They are so committed to the scheme that this year they became publicity officers for the Nottinghamshire area.

Paula said since taking on the publicity role they had made time for themselves to visit some of the amazing gardens that opened to the public.

“We have been in the horticulture industry for more than 25 years and our passion for seeing new gardens and learning new things will never diminish,” she said.

Paula regards it as an honour to be part of the scheme and is encouraging others to join in, regardless of the size of their garden.

“A lot of work goes into opening the gardens with all the gardeners working tirelessly,” she said.

“It is their passion, and watching people enjoying your garden makes it worth all the effort.”

'I think we all like to look at how other people garden'

There are 70 gardens that will have opened in Nottinghamshire this year.

Some have been open before. Thrumpton Hall, for example, one of the original group of 1927 gardens, was open on Sunday for the anniversary celebrations, but there are always new ones to visit as well.

Floral Media will be open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday with a £3.50 admission charge for adults and children free.

Visitors can enjoy the overflowing rose beds, shrubs and herbaceous plants. They also have vegetable and cut flower beds, a gravel garden, wildlife pond, cottage garden and a rockery.

Homemade teas and plants will be for sale and in the afternoon there will be performances by The Jolly Beggars, a local folk music band.

“I think we all like to look at how other people garden, gain ideas and talk to fellow enthusiasts,” said Paula.

“Last year we had more than 300 visitors and we are hoping for even more this year.”

Other gardens in the area that are open over the summer include: June 11, Halam gardens and wildflower meadow; June 18, Hopbine Farmhouse, Ossington and Ossington House; June 25, Norwell Gardens; July 9, The Coach House, Fosse Road, Farndon, and Wellow gardens; July 16, Eton Avenue Growers Association off Hawton Road, Newark; July 23, Park Farm, Southwell; July 30, 5A High Street, Sutton-on-Trent.

Full information about all the gardens taking part in the scheme in Nottinghamshire is available in its yellow booklet which is available at tourist information offices, shops and at participating gardens. Information is also available on the free GardenFinder app or on www.ngs.org.uk