Author: Zoe Gater

Need some inspiration for your garden? Visit an NGS garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme.

This spring, gardens big and small across Surrey and beyond will open their gates, inviting visitors to wander among blooms, breathe in the scents of herbs and flowers and find moments of calm. The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million total last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities nationwide.

With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies. Could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A woodland garden in Chobham

Just one of those you can explore is Westways Farm, Gracious Pond Road, Chobham GU24 8HH, owned by Paul and Nicky Biddle who bought the Queen Anne House (not open) 34 years ago. Surrounded by woodlands planted in 1930s with mature and rare rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, it boasts extensive lawns, sunken pond garden and a charming Victorian design glasshouse.

“The bones of the garden were laid out in the 1940s/50s,” says Nicky, “and although when we bought the house it was pretty much a jungle, we knew we had something a bit special.”

Decades of dedication and growth

This was confirmed with a visit from the former head of gardens at Savill Garden and for more than 25 years now the Biddles have been opening their six-acre garden for others to enjoy the lovely woodland and sunken garden.

The hard work, Nicky concedes, is more than worth the effort to meet so many people over the years who have appreciated coming round.

The value of opening a garden

As with all those who open their green and pleasant land for ‘strangers’ to enjoy and no doubt get a few ideas from, she adds: “Probably the greatest bonus is that while we enjoy ourselves we are helping raise much-needed funds for the fantastic charities the NGS supports.”

A record-breaking impact for health charities

“It’s extraordinary to see so many gardens welcoming visitors, and the generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices.

“Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a tangible difference to health and care charities across the UK. “I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens and gardening can have on wellbeing.

“Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. What’s more, spring and summer are a wonderful time to explore, and children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family to enjoy.”

A plant lover’s paradise at Tanglewood Cottage

Tanglewood Cottage, Ottershaw Park, Chertsey KT16 0QG – t/c Barbara Sampson

Forty-three years in the making, this is a true plant lover’s garden with a collection of unusual trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs. Two ponds are nestled within 5 acres of ancient oak woodland, creating a wildlife paradise. Please be aware that paths and grassy areas may become muddy and slippery in wet weather.

A traditional country garden at Dolphin House

Opening a garden is about more than just fundraising. For many owners, it’s a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists.

The two-acre traditional country garden at Dolphin House in Shackeleford GU8 6AH boasts a variety of interesting features notably an extensive serpentine wall reputedly built by the Napoleonic prisoners of war.

Christine Bell says: “We are keen gardens and have done all the planting ourselves the garden is constantly evolving as we try to make improvements and changes. We love meeting other keen gardeners and enjoy discussing plants and all things gardening. We hope visitors will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of a traditional country garden in a lovely village setting.”

The diversity of NGS Gardens

Across the UK, NGS gardens range from tiny urban plots to sprawling country estates. Each garden has its own character, whether it’s a cottage garden full of traditional charm, a chalk garden of rare botanical specimens, or a sculpture-filled landscape. And with by-arrangement visits, even smaller or private gardens can share their beauty with visitors.

Plan your visit to Surrey gardens

So this year, make time to explore Surrey’s best blooms and perhaps discover the therapeutic magic of gardens.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a first-time visitor, the NGS, which celebrates its centenary in 2027, opens doors – and hearts – across the county. With tea, cake, and the chance to support local nursing and health charities, a visit is both a treat and a contribution.

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk.

Liz Nicholls invites you to visit a garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

This spring, gardens big and small will open their gates, inviting visitors like you to wander among blooms and find moments of calm. The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million total last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities.

With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies. Could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A creative escape at Bolters Farm

Bolters Farm in Chilson, near Chipping Norton, will welcome visitors on 3rd & 4th May, along with Kings Cottage, and by arrangement between now and September.

Amanda Cooper, artist and garden owner with her husband Robert, tells us: “We’ve taken part for over ten years and were very pleased to be awarded the special NGS ‘trowel’ last summer! The experience has been nothing but positive. We’ve had one-off visits from the Netherlands and the USA. One fascinating scientist visiting us last summer wished to examine the fig tree to see if a particular tiny white mite had migrated further north… and it had!

“Over the bank holiday, we might expect something like 200 visitors plus privately organised small outings for local clubs and a large party from Germany. Garden visitors are a breed of their own; thoughtful, caring, gentle folk who enjoy the beauty and peace of this area. One couple spent the whole afternoon asleep on a bench in the sun last year!

“Our garden this year features a new little Wendy house that we got for our grandchildren. I’m forever looking to improve the garden’s planting and structure… What I love is how it evolves, as if it has a mind of its own, which it does!

“All our neighbours make the cakes with particular reference to one lady whose husband has Parkinson’s. The NGS gave £450,000 last year to help people with Parkinson’s, so she feels she’s giving back in that way. Another one of my cake makers is 96 this year.”

Community spirit in Abingdon

Becky, Liz and Paul Aylward will again open their gardens at both 116 and 118 Oxford Road in Abingdon on 31st May, and by arrangement between June and July.

Liz says: “We’ve had great pleasure in sharing our garden with people for the NGS since 2012. We were nervous at first, but we’ve made many friends and met so many interesting people. The range is endless, from younger couples with their first home looking for ideas to gardeners more experienced than we’ll ever be!

“We also host gardening clubs and other associations. The most unusual group were from the USA. They arrived by coach and it was a joy to serve them tea in lovely old bone china cups and traditional cakes, many of which they hadn’t tried before. Many visitors return to us because they enjoy it, to see what we’ve changed, and most visitors have tea and buy a few plants – all in aid of charity.

“Our team on the day are key to our success and we couldn’t manage without their input. These are quite small gardens compared with some but they are packed with amazing plants and shrubs, also quirky features made mostly of recycled bits and bobs and unusual planters using things many people throw out.”

Historic gardens in Oxford

Trinity College, Oxford, has been taking part in the scheme for several decades. Its previous head gardener, Paul Lawrence, was due to be recognised by the NGS for his outstanding contribution but sadly he died in 2020. The garden team, now led by Kate Burtonwood, will welcome visitors again on 2nd August.

Kate tells us: “In the last few years, we’ve had visitors from Argentina and New Zealand. They are particularly captivated by the history of the garden – there has been a garden on this site since 1290! This year our new garden areas will hit their stride after six years of intensive work.

“The college management have really listened to messages about sustainability and biodiversity. Our garden now has a less manicured look and very long-flowering seasons to support pollinators through the year. Cream teas will be on sale in the historic Dining Hall for that extra ‘Oxford’ experience. Lincoln College, which is about 100 yards away on Turl Street is also open at the same time.”

A pocket-friendly day out for all

NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton adds: “Spring and summer are a wonderful time to explore, and children often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family.”

Plan your visit

Please visit ngs.org.uk to plan your visits.