Scotland’s Gardens Scheme enables people to visit hundreds of wonderful, mostly private gardens throughout Scotland each year, raising money for charity through admission prices, plant sales, and teas. 

Every year, the charity invites new gardens to take part, and is now calling for gardens of all shapes and sizes, from castles to cottages and from urban to rural, to open in aid of good causes in 2023. The charity also encourages community gardens and allotments, and groups of smaller gardens opening together in villages or local streets.

Garden openers will join an amazing network of gardens opening around Scotland, following a tradition of over 90 years. This year alone, nearly 500 gardens have taken part in the scheme, and it is estimated that around 40,000 visitors have enjoyed open gardens throughout Scotland already this year.

Liz Stewart, Chief Executive of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme said, “Although this year has still been far from ‘normal’ with continuing covid infections and cost of living concerns, we know that our garden open days bring a welcome escape and joy to so many. And it’s not just the charities and visitors that benefit, we know that our amazing family of garden owners and volunteers love sharing the fruits of their labour, their knowledge, and their enthusiasm with other garden lovers.” 

A new garden owner for 2022 reflecting on her first ever open day with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme said, “We did our best and worked hard. The weather was perfect, and the baking of my generous girlfriends was SUPERB! We had 120 adults, 8 children and 4 dogs visiting. The oldest [visitor] was 101 years old and the youngest, 1 year 8 months. We made £1278 in total and had extremely positive feedback from our visitors.”

The Difference You Will Make 
Gardens opening through Scotland’s Garden Scheme help to support the work of hundreds of charities and garden openers can choose to support a cause close to their heart, with 60% of funds raised going to their charity of choice. The remaining 40% goes to support Scotland’s Garden Scheme with net proceeds going to their main beneficiaries, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, Maggie’s, and Perennial. Gardens may open as a one-off event, as a series of openings, as part of a group, or even by arrangement.

The Support You Will Receive 
Gardens are promoted in Scotland’s Gardens Scheme’s famous yellow Guidebook, on its website and nationally distributed leaflet, in social media and e-news, as well as with posters, materials and in the press, with advice and support from a wonderful team of local volunteers and Head Office staff.

With many people gaining a new interest in gardening over the past two years, it is a great chance to share your space, your passion for gardening, and to inspire others by opening your garden as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. New gardens are being recruited right now so get in touch before 30th September! More details are available on the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme website, or email info@scotlandsgardens.org, or call 0131 226 3714 for an informal discussion.