The National Garden Scheme (NGS) is marking nearly a century of opening private gardens across England to the public to raise funds for charity. In 2025, the scheme donated a record £3.9 million, primarily supporting nursing and hospice organisations. Sponsored by investment managers Rathbones, the NGS continues to attract visitors interested in horticulture, biodiversity, and community-driven gardening projects.
The scheme provides a detailed Garden Visitor’s Handbook, a guide listing dates, locations, and descriptions of participating gardens throughout the summer. This year’s edition highlights a broad spectrum of garden styles and sizes, showcasing both traditional English gardens and more experimental plantings. Notable trends include an increase in tropical and exotic plants, even in northern urban areas such as Sheffield and Hemel Hempstead, and a growing emphasis on perennials, inspired by gardeners like Piet Oudolf. Garden wildlife, particularly pollinators, also features more prominently than in past decades.
Visits often feature diverse attractions, from unusual garden art to workshops. For example, Alpaca Farm (Oak Tree Farm) in Woodborough, Nottinghamshire, opens July 11, inviting visitors to observe spinning and felting demonstrations and purchase herbal products, with the garden supported by an alpaca herd.
Selected gardens across England offer a range of experiences this July. Near Helston, Cornwall, Kestle Barton’s prairie-style planting promises vibrant summer colors, open on Wednesdays. In Yorkshire, Littlethorpe Manor near Ripon spans 11 acres of hedging and water features, opening July 5. London visitors can explore five historic railway cottages’ front gardens on Dorset Road, N22, in an area featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World, also opening July 5. Nearby, Alexandra Palace’s allotments display urban community gardening with an emphasis on biodiversity.
In West Sussex, Town Place near Sheffield Park offers a three-acre garden blending sculptural topiary inspired by Henry Moore with a unique hornbeam cloister, open July 5. Sullington Old Rectory in Pulborough opens July 7 and 8, featuring expanded borders and a South African-themed section; visits require pre-booking.
Other notable openings include Terstan near Longstock, Hampshire, opening July 26, known for its cottage garden design and scheduled live music events; Goldstone Hall near Market Drayton, Shropshire, with award-winning gardens supporting the hotel’s restaurant; and Ruthall Manor near Bridgnorth, presenting mature trees and wrought-iron features, opening mid-July.
Tissington Hall in Derbyshire will open on July 6, continuing a tradition of nearly nine decades with its renowned rose garden and fine borders.
Wales also offers several opportunities, including Aberdwyl Manor in Corwen on July 8 and 22, Fairdene Gallery in Powys with a lecture and garden visit by artist Frieda Hughes on July 15, and Crûg Farm near Caernarfon on July 19, where plant collectors focus on Asian mountain species.
Garden openings in Norfolk include Rockcliffe near Upper Swell on July 8, featuring a newly established orchard, and Lexham Hall near Swaffham on July 15, noted for its woodland, lakes, and peak walled garden borders.
Visitors, including international tourists, are welcome at all NGS gardens. While originally an English initiative, the scheme’s generosity and variety have inspired similar efforts abroad. The combination of garden exploration, often accompanied by refreshments and opportunities to support charitable causes, remains a popular feature of English summers.