From 26th April, all National Garden Scheme gardens in Wales will be able to open again. In order to follow the latest government guidelines and restrictions visitors are advised to pre-book entry slots via the National Garden Scheme website in advance before travelling www.ngs.org.uk
Our first garden to open in Glamorgan this year is Slade Garden in Southerndown. Slade garden is an unexpected jewel right next to the sea with views overlooking the Bristol Channel. Opening on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd May, booking is essential via the National Garden Scheme website https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/4563. A family friendly ten acre garden perfect for kids to run wild. The garden tumbles down a secluded valley from the house at the top, with woods stretching down to the coast, and being sheltered by a long belt of woodland from the sea. You can walk along the shell paths in the woodlands which are carpeted with bluebells, the bright indigo perennials pop up all around or you can just sit on the numerous benches listening to the cacophony of bird song. In front of the house and cottages are delightful formal areas with a rose and clematis pergola and herbaceous borders. You should ensure your visit also includes the gorgeous Southerndown beach. Tickets are £5 for adults and children go free.
Llandough Castle garden is opening on the 7th, 8th and 9th May, booking is essential via the National Garden Scheme website https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/35090. Set within castle grounds and with a backdrop of an ancient monument, the three and a half acres of garden include a potager with a hint of the Mediterranean, formal lawns and herbaceous beds, a wildlife pond with waterfall and a woodland garden with stumpery and sculpture. There will be a tea and coffee van and homemade cakes. There will be a hunt the creature trail for children and a map of the garden with a little history of the castle.
Pheasant Acre Plants will be there with plants for sale along with some craft staffs from local artisans. Tickets are £5 for adults and children go free.
25 years of garden giving
In 2021 the National Garden Scheme celebrates 25 years of support and over £20 million in funding for three of its key beneficiaries: Marie Curie, Hospice UK and Carers Trust.
“Twenty-five years ago, in 1996 our donations went to support district nurses and Macmillan nurses. The addition of these three charities extended donations to palliative care nurses, hospice care and carers, thereby making a significant expansion to our charitable impact,” says National Garden Scheme Chief Executive George Plumptre. “Since then, the combined total of more than £20 million that we have given to these three great organisations has made us the most significant cumulative funder of each. The total, and our ability to provide long-term funding commitments to these nursing and health charities, is something that we are immensely proud of and keen to celebrate.”
About the National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme was founded in 1927 by The Queen’s Nursing Institute to raise money for district nurses. Ever since then it has given annual donations to nursing and health charities totalling over £60 million. It gives visitors unique, affordable access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales and raises impressive amounts through admission charges and the sale of tea and cake.
Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we are now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK. As well as the Queen’s Nursing Institute, our beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust and Parkinson’s UK.
