How can I open my own garden with the National Garden Scheme?

Updated

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) opens over 3,300 exceptional private gardens across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and it invites garden owners to apply to join them. If you are interested in opening your own garden, the starting point is the "Open your garden" section of ngs.org.uk, where you can find out more about what is involved and how to become part of the scheme. The scheme raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake, so opening your garden means your private space contributes to that fundraising.

What opening your garden involves

The NGS describes garden owners as part of the "National Garden Scheme family", and the scheme could not operate without their support. When you open your garden, visitors pay admission (and often buy teas and cake), and the funds gathered go towards the scheme's charitable donations.

The scale of that fundraising is significant: in 2025 the NGS donated a record £3,875,596 from funds gathered at garden openings throughout the year. Those donations supported people living with cancer, Parkinson's, poor mental health, or the pressures of unpaid caring, by funding nurses, health professionals and case workers.

How to take the first step

  1. Go to ngs.org.uk.
  2. Find the "Open your garden" section (linked from the homepage).
  3. Read the information there about opening your garden and being part of the National Garden Scheme.
  4. Follow the instructions provided to express your interest or apply.

The website is the authoritative source for the current process, criteria and any deadlines, so check it directly rather than relying on second-hand summaries.

What visitors pay (context for garden owners)

Understanding the visitor side helps set expectations. According to the NGS, the average admission price in 2026 to a National Garden Scheme garden is £6.37 for an adult — up just 24p on 2025 — and in most cases children under 16 go free. The scheme positions these visits as affordable days out and good value for money.

Item Detail
Average adult admission (2026) £6.37
Change from 2025 +24p
Children under 16 Free in most cases
Gardens open Over 3,300 private gardens
Areas covered England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands

Other ways to get involved

If opening your garden is not right for you, the NGS also runs related initiatives:

  • The Big British Garden Survey — a biodiversity project run with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). Garden owners can register their garden and take part; the registration deadline given is 30 September.
  • Community Garden Grants — the NGS opens applications for its 2027 Community Garden Grants, supported by the Julia Rausing Trust, between Tuesday 29 September and Friday 30 October 2026. Updated guidelines are available on the website.
  • Staying informed — you can sign up on the site to hear more about gardens, events and NGS activities throughout the year.

For anything specific to your garden — eligibility, what opening entails, and current application details — use the "Open your garden" pages on ngs.org.uk, as those are kept up to date by the scheme itself.