New But Familiar Names In Garden Visitors’ Bible

Yellow Book includes 120 gardens from the very first year of the NGS

2012 Yellow Book sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment

The 2012 Yellow Book contains details of more gardens than at any time in the 85 year history of the National Garden Scheme. The inclusion of a variety of new gardens across the country, as well as gardens from the first year of the NGS, has brought the total number to more than 3,800.

These gardens are joined in the Yellow Book by a new name, Investec Wealth & Investment, the investment management company which is sponsoring the guide book. However, although this may appear to be a change, this relationship is the continuation of an 18 year partnership – the Yellow Book was previously sponsored by Rensburg Sheppards which became part of the Investec group in 2010.

One fascinating feature for garden historians is the inclusion in the 2012 Yellow Book of 120 gardens which opened in the very first year of the NGS. Some of these have been part of the scheme every year since 1927, but others are opening for the first time in 85 years.

As well as providing a guide to all the gardens participating in the scheme, the Yellow Book is a crucial element in raising funds for the beneficiary charities. Jonathan Wragg, chief executive of Investec Wealth & Investment, says: “We’re really proud that 2012 marks our 18th year of supporting the Yellow Book. Not only does it provide a wealth of information and inspiration to garden visitors, it delivers significant funds for the charities. We are sure that on its 85th anniversary, the NGS is going to have a very successful year of fundraising in 2012.”

George Plumptre, chief executive of the NGS says: “We are very grateful for Investec’s continued support. Producing a guide with over 3,800 gardens enables us to showcase the full extent of the scheme, and through this we hope to attract large numbers of visitors to our member gardens across the country.”

This year, for the first time, the Yellow Book will also be available as an iphone app, helping people plan their garden visits and also link with friends and coordinate garden trips together.

The 2012 Yellow Book costs £9.99 and is available online from www.ngs.org.uk and from most leading booksellers.

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