Where can I find out about garden openings

The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) is a very British institution. Every year thousands of keen gardeners open their gardens, of every conceivable size and style, to the public to raise money for charity.

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When did it start

The scheme was first introduced in 1927 by a certain Elsie Wragg of the Queens Nursing Institute to raise money for her organisation. Visitors paid a shilling each to visit what was then a handful of generally large private gardens. There are now over 3,500 participating gardens raising over �1 million pounds for various charities annually.

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Every year the NGS publishes a book, affectionately known as The Yellow Book, which details all the gardens open under the scheme county by county, with dates, a small write up on what each has to offer and directions on how to get there. There is also often a localised county booklet with listings, often available from garden centres and nurseries.

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Almost all the year round. For instance, there are plenty of gardens that have particularly spectacular shows of early spring bulbs or camellias and Rhododendrons that are opening now, while others will specialise in spectacular autumn colour.

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Gardens are assessed by teams of local NGS volunteers. There are three basic criteria:

1. The garden should provide a minimum of 45 minutes interest to the visitor.

2. It has to be safe for all visitors. You may have a wonderful garden, but if there is a slippery path on the side of a cliff, chances are you won't make it.

3. It should have some distinguishing feature. A national collection, a water feature, a particular style or even an outstanding view.

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Don't worry if your garden is simply too small to captivate your audience for three-quarters of an hour. Local organisers will often pair you with another garden nearby and get you both to open simultaneously.

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You can order the Yellow Book from the NGS website www.ngs.org.uk, which also has lists of contact telephone numbers and a map showing which gardens are open where and when, or you can telephone 01483 211535.