National Garden Scheme gardens to remain open virtually

The National Garden Scheme has had to close its garden gates for the first time in its 93 year history due to government guidance surrounding the coronavirus. But that hasn't deterred the organisation from making the gardens available to the public.

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Today the NGS announces that its gardens will remain open virtually through the coming weeks, and will attempt to raise funds to replace lost income from gardens being closed.

Virtual garden visits will be filmed by their owners and hosted on the National Garden Scheme's website, delivered to people's inboxes via a weekly newsletter.

Mary Berry, president of the NGS said: "Right now people are not able to visit the gardens and there is no money being raised. In fact, as things are, the charity’s income is likely to be down by 80 per cent during 2020.

"So a team at the National Garden Scheme made up of garden owners, volunteers and staff have organised a marvellous campaign which we are launching today.

"I think it’s a fantastic idea, typical of the resourcefulness which has kept the National Garden Scheme going for over ninety years and I urge you to support the campaign generously and enjoy the stunning gardens."

You can sign up to the weekly information about the virtual garden visits here.