Mid Wales open gardens break records and raise tens of thousands for charity

The events across North Powys throughout 2024, where homeowners opened up their spectacular gardens for the public to enjoy, generated a total of £50,528.84 - from admissions, refreshments, plant sales and donations

Throughout the year 6,759 people visited the gardens.

Gill Powell from the National Garden Scheme (NGS) said they were thrilled at the success of the events.

She said: "Both figures show a significant increase from last year and we are hugely grateful to all our supporters for enabling us to donate such impressive amounts to our wonderful nursing and caring charities."

Gill added that there is still the opportunity to visit one spectacular garden until the next programme of openings begins next spring.

She said: "Although most of our gardens are closed until next Spring you can still visit the beautiful gardens of Llysdinam, Newbridge on Wye (LD1 6NB) by appointment with the owners.

"Groups of two to 60 are welcome until December 16."

People can visit www.ngs.org.uk for further details.

Gill also thanked all those who have supported the events throughout the year, saying: "We could not do it without you! We now look forward to the launch of the NGS Handbook for 2025 in February: copies can be ordered in advance at a reduced price from the website.

"We have three new village openings and 18 open-by-arrangement gardens of particular interest to gardening groups.

"There is also a Christmas Book Raffle (£5 per ticket) to win a selection of 14 recently published books which will close on Sunday, December 8." 

The National Garden Scheme has also recently received an incredibly generous donation of £1.5 million from the Julia Rausing Trust, which will enable them to support the Community Gardens Scheme for a further five years.

Around £250,000 is distributed annually to community gardens who meet the criteria; although applications have closed for this year, the award will enable the NGS to continue to support community gardens without using funds raised from its open gardens.

As part of Black Friday the National Garden Scheme website is also offering a number of bargains - with offers valid until midnight on Monday, December 2.

Gill said: "All funds raised in aid of the NGS and the vital nursing and health charities we support."