National Garden Scheme Volunteers – Making Our Glorious Gardens Help Change Lives

Raising £3.4 million from 2023’s garden visits, the NGS is principal fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carer’s Trust, Parkinson’s UK and other gardening and health charities. Under the patronage of the former Prince of Wales since 2002, and continuing in the role as King Charles III, His Majesty has said “For me, as Patron, the wonderful thing about the National Garden Scheme is its unique blend of Britishness – the marriage of nursing and gardens; the exemplary role of volunteers; the cumulative fundraising power of small events; the championing of local community activity and the celebration of what gardens can do for the benefit of us all…”

Raising £71,000 thus far this year, Warwickshire NGS is looking to welcome new recruits to join our dedicated volunteers.

Warwickshire County Organiser Liz Watson takes pleasure in opening her own Kenilworth garden.  “My volunteering started on retiring from 30 years as a Rolls-Royce Aerospace engineer. We’ve opened for 14 years so keeping borders colourful up to September is my goal,” admits Liz. “Summer is the best time when I really enjoy working with our volunteers and garden owners.”

Assistant County Organisers work closely with our Garden Owners on all their open day requirements. After 30 years in agricultural research, ACO Jane Redshaw now enjoys ornamental gardening - “More cannas than cauliflowers…!” -  with retired knitwear designer Isobel Somers enthusiastically opening her own Haselor village garden, “I have helped other people open theirs for this great cause. Many say it is one of the most rewarding things they have done. To anyone thinking of sharing their own garden - don't hesitate!  It's not difficult, people love to be involved and there is a lot of support available.”

Hazel Blenkinsop coordinates our Warwickshire NGS yellow booklet distributed throughout libraries, tourism and garden centres county-wide. Working as a research director for Ipsos she finds that “…gardens are a great way to get away from the screens of office life! I was particularly struck when one of our Beneficiaries talked about the healing power of gardens and gardening, it’s great to be part of that. My dog and I love visiting the gardens and being inspired to think what we could achieve at home!”

And following a high-flying career in Leisure & Travel - which included Sales and Marketing Director at the St Andrews Old Course Hotel - Hugh Thomas secures vital advertising revenue from the NGS Warwickshire booklet. “I felt some of this experience could be put to good use. Each year we try to cover our 35,000 booklets’ print and distribution costs by generating advertising revenue. What appeals to me is that my efforts go a little way to supporting our nursing and health charities, all from attracting enthusiasts to afternoons spent enjoying private gardens…followed by tea and delicious cake!”

To find out more about volunteering, please contact Liz Watson on 01926 512307 or email liz.watson@ngs.org.uk.

Words & Images © Lily Farrah