Open Garden Support Recognised

The Walled Garden at Scampston Hall opened for The National Gardens Scheme as part of celebrations to mark the 85th year of the initiative which raises money for several nursing and caring charities. Malton's Scampston Hall is one of only four founder gardens in Yorkshire that opened to raise money for the National Memorial for Queen Alexandra, patron of the Nursing Institute in 1927 and opened again this year.

In the first year W.H. St Quintin, the owner of Scampston Hall and a notable plantsman, author and naturalist, welcomed visitors, who paid one shilling each, to visit the gardens around the hall.

To mark the occasion NGS County Organiser, Jo Marks, presented a stainless steel plaque to the current owner, and W.H's great grandson, Sir Charles Legard.

"It is a pleasure to have been associated with The National Gardens Scheme over the years," said Sir Charles. 'Gone are the days when Scampston had a huge army of gardeners working in the private grounds for the family. Nowadays the original kitchen garden of the hall, which has been totally redesigned by the Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, is open for visitors to enjoy throughout the season and operates with far fewer staff."

Fellow volunteer Regional Organiser, Biddy Marshall, said: "In this anniversary year we acknowledge and appreciate all the hard work of the oWners who welcome visitors on a particular day. The NGS scheme gives people the chance to visit a wide range of gardens in the county and if you haven't been to Scampston it is well worth a visit. Last year our Yorkshire owners were proud to raise £131,000 for our charities."

For opening times and further details about Scampston see www.scampston.co.uk and for other gardens opening for The National Gardens Scheme see www.ngs.org.uk