Through its nationwide ‘Open for Good’ campaign, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme (SGS) aims to encourage seasoned horticulturists or enthusiastic amateurs to participate by opening their gardens to the public for one or more days, or collaborating with neighbours to open their village, street, or local area.
The sister organisation to the National Garden Scheme (NGS) in England and Wales, the SGS supports the opening of gardens throughout Scotland to the public, raising funds for charity through garden gate tickets, plant sales and teas. 60% of funds raised at each garden opening is allocated to the charity of the garden owner’s preference, while the remainder is distributed to the beneficiary charities of the SGS, including Maggie’s, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland and Perennial. In 2024, the gardens opening for the scheme raised over £290,000 for charitable causes.
“Your garden can do good. It doesn’t need to be pristine or perfect, but it does have to be well loved and cared for — every garden has a story, and by sharing yours, you can raise vital funds for charities and good causes across Scotland,” explains Liz Stewart, SGS Chief Executive.
Opening Dalswinton Mill garden for the scene since 2018, the plantsman and former curator at RHS Wisley, Colin Crosbie said: “One of the reasons I love opening our garden for SGS is how it benefits charities and it’s so important to understand that it’s not just the charities that Scotland’s Gardens Scheme supports but every garden owner can choose their own charity. This year we are supporting the Loch Arthur Community.
Crosbie added: “When you’ve spent all those hours working in your garden, you want to share it with people, and I love sharing my garden. And if by doing that and having people coming in and enjoying it, it helps to raise money for charity, it’s just a wonderful win-win situation. You hear the hubbub of people asking questions about your garden and I just love it. Opening your garden to help other people – what could be better!”
Libby Webb who has opened her urban walled garden in Edinburgh, for the scheme for the first time this year, in support of CHAS and The Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “There is something uniquely wonderful about sharing your garden with others. I opened my little city garden for the first time this year with the brilliant and supportive Scottish Garden Scheme and was thrilled to share the joy of gardening with so many knowledgeable and interested people while raising much needed funds for amazing charities. It’s a total win-win, if you love your garden, I highly recommend that you open it, as others will love it too. Take the plunge, you’ll thank yourself”.
All gardens, be it a city courtyard, community allotment, wildlife garden, walled garden or large country estate, are encouraged to participate – full details here. According to the SGS, every garden can offer something unique and has a story to tell.
