Originally set up in 1927 to support district nurses, the National Garden Scheme now raises millions of pounds for nursing and health charities each year. The charities they support include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, hospiceUK, Carers’ Trust, The Queens Nursing Institute and ParkinsonsUK. The NGS also supports the Gardens and Health programmewhich raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of gardens and gardening.They also offer grant bursaries to help community gardening projects and support gardeners at the start of their career. In 2020, they donated £2.88 million, and despite the challenges of the year, over 72p in every £1 raised at the open gardens goes straight to the beneficiaries. You can find out more about how they help and support charities, gardeners and the Community Gardens Award programme here
Whitfield Gardens will be open for the NGS on 24th March and 16th June 2024.. The entrance fee is £5.50 (children under 12 free). Dogs on leads are welcome. The gardens are open from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
Once again we are able to offer teas with delicious home-made cakes, the proceeds from which go to support our two local medieval churches.