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.

I‘ve gardened for a living for over 60 years now,” says Alan Titchmarsh CBE, “and for pleasure for almost 70 years. It’s so heartening to think that something I love – carried out by thousands of extraordinarily generous garden owners – helps to improve the lives of so many people right across the country every day.

“For me the National Garden Scheme is the heart and soul of Britain, and proof of just what good can come from looking after your own little bit of the planet and sharing it with others.”

Step inside Berkshire’s most beautiful gardens

This spring, gardens big and small across Berkshire 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?

Opening a garden to give back

Patricia Vella and Jon Black opened their Wargrave garden as a way to “give back”, having been introduced to the NGS through Jon’s aunt.

“When we visited we would often take her to visit one of the many NGS gardens in Essex, where she lived. She suffered from dementia in her last years, but gardens always reached her – and she enjoyed the tea and cake! After she passed, we saw an appeal from Berkshire NGS for new gardens to open and felt it was an opportunity to give back.”

Her haven in Beverley Gardens RG10 8ED has primarily Mediterranean and exotic planting and “is intended to evoke a sense of being on holiday” and with their young grandniece a frequent visitor, it is also designed with exploration in mind, the chickens and ducks in particular are always an attraction for youngsters.

“We want our visitors to have a relaxing afternoon out with tea and homemade cake and were delighted when one of our NGS visitors settled down on the hammock seat with a book and fell asleep,” adds Patricia.

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. 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, children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family to enjoy.”

A waterside retreat in Newbury

For many owners, it’s a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists. The ‘social’ aspect of opening a garden is invaluable for Karen Swaffield whose pretty waterside garden at Island Cottage, Newbury RG14 5HT, is set between the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Karen loves to see visitors enjoying her garden.

“The visitors are always so appreciative and it’s nice to just chat about garden things with like-minded people. I’ve picked up lots of tips and met some lovely people. I have given a talk about how the garden has developed with some pics and video, which was nerve-racking but really enjoyable.

“People enjoy my carrot cake and cream teas! I have a team of friends who help with teas and chats, so it’s also a get-together time.”

From stud farm to garden sanctuary

Another garden which will welcome visitors is Deepwood Stud Farm near Maidenhead. Visitors enjoy four acres of formal and informal gardens, including a small lake with a Monet-style bridge, set within a 25-acre stud farm.

Its owner Christabel Goodwin tells us: “We’ve been opening our garden through the NGS for about 12 years and have found it a wonderful experience. It’s great to have a reason to make an effort in the garden and the visitors are – without exception – delightful.

“One lady returned a few months later with lots of little fish for the pond and people are always offering me cuttings or spare plants. I think our visitors also love being able to see the horses through the windows of the herbaceous border.”

The healing power of green spaces

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

So this year, make time to explore Berkshire’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.

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