The National Gardens Scheme Elspeth Thompson Bursary

The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) offers a bursary in memory of Elspeth Thompson who died in 2010. The bursary is administered by the RHS.

Elspeth Thompson was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Gardens Scheme, and wrote a much loved ‘Urban Gardener’ column in the Sunday Telegraph. Elspeth’s husband Frank commented ‘She had a knack of seeing and creating beauty in unlikely places and was enthusiastic about those who gardened for the benefit of others’. The NGS bursary is intended to support those individuals or community projects that capture this spirit.

An annual bursary fund is available to provide financial assistance to amateur gardeners, either individuals or community groups, to enable them to create a garden or horticultural based project for the benefit of the community, or to enable them to acquire horticultural knowledge and skills and to develop and share their love of gardening.

No fixed amount is set, and more than one bursary may be awarded in a particular year. It is envisaged that the maximum amount awarded would not normally exceed £5,000, but smaller project proposals are equally welcome.

Applications are considered annually in February, and the closing date for 2012 applications has now passed. Applications submitted now, will be considered for 2013 bursaries.

Individuals or community groups wishing to apply are requested to download and complete an application form:

Download guidance notes and application form

Further information about Elspeth Thompson and The National Gardens Scheme is available at www.rhs.org.uk\courses\bursaries