Open Your Garden?

Posted: 16/7/2012

Do you have an interesting garden of quality and character?

Are you willing to raise much needed money for National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland? 

Opening your garden is a rewarding way to share your passion and hard work whilst raising much needed funds. Up to 20 gardens in Northern Ireland take part in the Ulster Gardens Scheme as part of the weekend scheduled Openings and the Gardens Open by Appointment scheme.

Many people continue to open their garden year on year because they find that the experience is such an enjoyable one.

The size of your garden is not critical, and many UGS gardens are typical back gardens.  Experience shows us that garden visitors are not attracted purely by the extent of a garden; people are looking for interesting planning and design, a good range of plants and gardens which have been tended with love and care. Openers are free to organise Teas for a charity of their choice. Teas can prove to be an additional attraction as well as a boost to the funds of the chosen Charity.

You could decide to open once a year, although a number of people do find that opening twice is ideal and adequately enables them to justifiably showcase their hard work. As the climate in Ulster can be unpredictable opening twice can be advisable to ensure a greater chance of fine weather. Some of our very dedicated gardeners like to be able to exhibit different seasons in their gardens and therefore choose to open to the public in the spring, summer and autumn.

Check List

Is your garden interesting?

Is the planting and/or design attractive?

Is your garden well maintained?

Do you enjoy talking about your garden?

Are you ready for a fun day?

If you think you could open your garden and raise funds, why not discuss the possibility with a member of our friendly volunteer committee. Please either email us at

info@UlsterGardensScheme.org.uk or call 078 6023 1115

You don’t need a garden worthy of a gold at Chelsea to be part of UGS!

Other ways to support UGS:

  • Visit any of the Open Gardens
  • Make a donation. (Cheques made payable to the Nat Trust and sent FAO Margaret Gray, Ulster Gardens Scheme, Rowallane House, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co Down, BT24 7LH)

 

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