General Queries


Q. What is the purpose of The National Gardens Scheme?
A. The National Gardens Scheme is a non-profit making organisation in England and Wales raising money for national nursing, caring gardening charities and other charitable causes by receiving donations and other support as a result of opening gardens of quality, character and interest to the public.

Q. Where does the money raised in gardens go?
A. We support national nursing caring and gardening charities with a proportion of some openings going to other charities nominated by the garden owner.
Major beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Queen's Nursing Institute, National Trust, Perennial - The Royal Fund for Gardeners' Children, Crossroads and Help the Hospices. £15 million has been donated over the last ten years to charitable causes as a result of garden openings.

Q. I have a complaint, what should I do?
A. It is always better if you can let the garden owner know straight away. Most complaints can be sorted out at the place you are visiting, and our garden owners will welcome the opportunity to do this if at all possible.

If it is not possible to complain at the time you can contact NGS by email, in writing or by telephone. Tel: 01483 211535.

Q. Is the NGS a charity?
A. Yes The National Garden Scheme is a registered charity and the funds raised from our garden openings are donated to nursing caring and gardening charities.


Q. What is NGS policy on organic gardening
A. Many of our gardeners are committed to organic gardening and are happy to discuss their experience with you. Look in the garden descriptions in The Yellow Book, County Leaflets or on Gardenfinder.


Q. Where can I buy NGS products?
A. Our online shop sells The Yellow Book which is also sold at all good booksellers.


Q. Where can I enjoy home made teas?
A. Most NGS gardens offer refreshments to visitors. For afternoon opening delicious home-made teas are on offer. In the evenings you can enjoy a glass of wine in participating gardens. See garden descriptions for more details.


Q. Is there a programme of events?A. These are organised by individual gardens and include music, art exhibitions and valuation events. See individual garden descriptions or visit our events pages.


Q. How do I sign up to the email newsletter? A. A newsletter goes out to all our garden owners and registered supporters twice a year. Visit the email sign up page to receive your copy.

Q. When will the Yellow Book be available, what is the price and where can I buy one?
A. Usually from the end of February price £7.99. Thousands are printed and it can take a few days for all the retailers to put them on their shelves. High Street retailers stock The Yellow Book, along with garden centres and smaller booksellers in England and Wales. You can also purchase via our website

Q. What are County Leaflets?
A. County leaflets contain all the garden entries in the Yellow Book for each county area and are distributed in that county. Other outlets such as libraries, information centres, local post offices and garden centres will stock them.

Q. Does the NGS go to garden shows?
A. Come and see us at various shows throughout the year see our calendar of events. Many county organiser teams have a presence at local shows too. Do come along and see us and find out more about our activities.

Q. Does the NGS sell garden vouchers (to redeem in nurseries)?
A. No, contact your local Garden Centre.

If you have a question which is not answered here, please contact Head Office by emailing info@ngs.org.uk or telephone 01483 211535 with your question.