Swifty's Credit Crunch Gardening Tips

Joe Swift, Garden Designer, presenter on BBC Gardeners World, celebrated allotment holder, and NEW NGS President, offers his advice on how to keep a watchful eye on how much you spend whilst having a great afternoon out.

Joe says ‘Visiting gardens that open for the NGS is a great way to gain inspiration for your own garden and the cost of entry is relatively low. On average the admission price is close to £3 for adults and accompanied children aged sixteen and under are generally admitted free. So your tenner will certainly go a long way!

There are over 3,700 garden openings this year for the NGS, so there is sure to be one nearby if you are looking for some great plant bargains to take home there may well be a plant sale at the garden you visit. Teas and homemade cake, at very reasonable prices, also feature at many garden openings.

The money raised by the NGS is donated to some really great charities, who are also likely to be feeling the effects of the current downturn. By visiting a garden you will also be helping them through these tough economic times.

Wow, what a great thing to do - you have a value for money, relaxing afternoon and you also get to help some really fantastic charities. If you don't have a garden yourself to relax in, losing yourself in an NGS garden is a great way to help escape from economic gloom.'

Full details of the gardens that open for the NGS can be found on GardenFinder or by purchasing a copy of The Yellow Book. Free county guides are also available look out for them in public libraries, garden centres and tourist information centres.