Here in Britain we have what is called The National Garden Scheme- it was founded in 1927 to raise money for the queens nursing institute by opening gardens of quality and interest to the public .N.G.S. across England and Wales welcome over half a million visitors each year-most gardens are privately owned and open up just a few times a year -some open as part of a group with the whole community involved-they raise nearly 2 million pounds a year ! A few years ago we decided to get a dog from the local rescue centre- North Clwyd Rescue [ www.ncar.org.uk ] the rescue centre receives no state funding and relies on voluntary donations- so in order to help boost their coffers I decided to do my own version of the open garden scheme and let the public in [well-members of the local horticultural society , friends and family and some of the rescue centre`s staff/supporters ! Everyone chipped in-making lots of yummy cakes-visitors paid 2.50 for a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a tour round my garden [I have a lot of nerve-my garden is not huge-but hey ! it was all for a good cause, We raised over £280.00. Later on in the year my brother opened his allotment and did the same thing raising money for his local church .This year I have decided to open my garden again to raise funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Oh boy ! Have I got some work to do ! This use to be our vegetable patch- last year it became my cutting garden-hard to believe it did look rather nice !- I do like to leave all the seed heads on for the birds [ thats my excuse and I`am sticking to it ] We thought it might be a nice idea if we could get a few more volunteers to open their gardens on the same day - have a walking tour of gardens ? What do you think ? I will take some cuttings to pot up and sell- Ann will bring some of her homemade jam [well I`am hoping she will-she did last time ] and hold a raffle- rather hoping John will make me some more of his yummy cakes ?
Will let every one know when I set the date for -till then I`d better get cracking and do some work ......................
Here in Britain we have what is called The National Garden Scheme- it was founded in 1927 to raise money for the queens nursing institute by opening gardens of quality and interest to the public .N.G.S. across England and Wales welcome over half a million visitors each year-most gardens are privately owned and open up just a few times a year -some open as part of a group with the whole community involved-they raise nearly 2 million pounds a year ! A few years ago we decided to get a dog from the local rescue centre- North Clwyd Rescue [ www.ncar.org.uk ] the rescue centre receives no state funding and relies on voluntary donations- so in order to help boost their coffers I decided to do my own version of the open garden scheme and let the public in [well-members of the local horticultural society , friends and family and some of the rescue centre`s staff/supporters ! Everyone chipped in-making lots of yummy cakes-visitors paid 2.50 for a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a tour round my garden [I have a lot of nerve-my garden is not huge-but hey ! it was all for a good cause, We raised over £280.00. Later on in the year my brother opened his allotment and did the same thing raising money for his local church .This year I have decided to open my garden again to raise funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Oh boy ! Have I got some work to do ! This use to be our vegetable patch- last year it became my cutting garden-hard to believe it did look rather nice !- I do like to leave all the seed heads on for the birds [ thats my excuse and I`am sticking to it ] We thought it might be a nice idea if we could get a few more volunteers to open their gardens on the same day - have a walking tour of gardens ? What do you think ? I will take some cuttings to pot up and sell- Ann will bring some of her homemade jam [well I`am hoping she will-she did last time ] and hold a raffle- rather hoping John will make me some more of his yummy cakes ?
Will let every one know when I set the date for -till then I`d better get cracking and do some work ......................
12 comments:
I can see that it will take a little work, that plus Spring, to get it going good! Lovely idea!
Brilliant idea Jan. I'd love to offer our garden but it's not really in walking distance!! Just let us know what you want us to do. Love Jayne xx
Let me know well in advance and I will see if I can arrange a camping trip to Wales!! And of course I will supply plenty of cards for you to sell. xxxxx
one thing janet didnt say
is that her garden won BEST GARDEN IN PRESTATYN in last year's PRESTATYN FLOWER SHOW
How I wish I could take your garden tour!
Sure you will do it again Janet sorry cant do my garden but will surport you any way I can xxx
Janet, You have whipped me up into a frenzy designing "Garden themed" cards. If you have any good photos of your garden, send me them and I'll turn them into cards for you. xxx
Brilliant Jan, you can rely on me I will be there, John is right you are too modest you were a well deserved winner last year you have the most beautiful garden,and just think all the extra gardening will help you get in shape for the rock chic calender,I'm thinking I might open mine too. much love Ann xx
p.s. I love the cards Diane, and your garden theme.
Diane ! you are a gem ! lol xx
Ann that was last year-the frost has taken its toll on the garden this year- plus I have rather neglected it lately ! still -I enjoy a challenge !
Lets go for it !
what a generous person you are and what a lovely idea. Can't see our garden for snow!!
Gill in Canada
Wonderful idea:) I'm sure it will be a huge success. For those unable to visit please can you take some photos♥ Linda xxx
Post a Comment