Gardens of delight

Susan Copeland, county organiser for the National Garden Scheme in Essex, showcases some of the exceptional private gardens that will be opened exclusively to the public as part of this fabulous initiative.

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With garden visiting becoming an evermore popular occupation, perhaps even an obsession, the arrival of spring is the ideal time of year to take a look at gardens which are opening around the county and start planning.

Television programmes may tempt us with gardens around the country and further afield, but the superb gardens which open their gates to the public in Essex shouldn’t be overlooked. With strict guidelines as to which gardens can be accepted onto the scheme, visitors can be sure that they will witness the best horticultural examples, as well as receiving excellent hospitality.

Originally established to raise funds for district nurses, the National Garden Scheme (NGS) is now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK with beneficiaries including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the NGS has donated a total of £58 million to nursing and health charities since it was founded in 1927. In 2019 the scheme made total annual donations of £3 million from the 2018 season and as the county organiser for Essex I am very proud to report that more than £183,000 of that was raised in Essex.

And this year promises even more. Looking over the calendar for the year I am excited to see a number of debutant gardens providing our loyal visitors with new destinations as well as a chance to revisit some favourites. Here are some of the highlights.

NEW FOR 2020