The launch of the National Garden Scheme’s annual Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health heralds Gardens and Health Week 3-11 May and puts the goodness of gardens in the spotlight. This year's theme is 'Green Medicine'.
Having spoken to a huge variety of people who are living with, or who have survived an illness, there is no doubt that gardens and green spaces play a huge role in keeping us mentally and physically well. From the wonderful Danny Clarke and his passion for community gardens to Dr Susan Taheri who runs a green prescribing project to garden owners living with Parkinson's and survivors of cancer - the stories included in this edition are hugely uplifting’ George Plumptre - Chief Executive
Visit ngs.org.uk for more information. Online readings can use the following link
Getting out into your own garden is a great way to unwind, whether it’s vigorous digging, pottering (my favourite!) or just relaxing in a comfortable seat with a glass of wine. However, visiting someone else’s garden can be just as beneficial. Visiting the wonderful National Garden Scheme gardens all over Sussex enables you to meet like-minded people, pick up inspirational ideas and, best of all, sit and admire the view while drinking tea and eating delicious cake.
Below are six wonderful East and West Sussex National Garden Scheme gardens to visit in May. There are lots more too so don’t forget to pick up your copy of the 2025 Sussex Booklet available free from many local stores, garden centres and libraries or click on the following link if you are reading online.
Cookscroft Bookers Lane Earnley Chichester, Sussex PO20 7JG. Saturday 10th May 11am-4pm with entry £5
A garden for all seasons which delights the visitor. Started in 1988, it features cottage, woodland and Japanese style gardens, water features and borders of perennials with a particular emphasis on southern hemisphere plants. Unusual plants for the plantsman to enjoy, many grown from seed.
Bignor Park Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1HG Tuesday 13th May, Tuesday 17th June, Tuesday 9thSeptember 2pm-5pm with entry £5
11 acres of peaceful garden to explore with magnificent views of the South Downs. Interesting trees, shrubs and wildflower areas. The walled garden has been replanted with herbaceous borders and the Dutch garden has a new central obelisk and planting including climbing roses, salvias and echinaceas. Temple, Greek loggia, Zen pond and unusual sculptures.
New for 2025: The White House, Redbridge Lane, Crowborough, TN6 3SR.
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May from 11am to 4pm with entry £6.
Sitting high on a hill with 180-degree panoramic views, overlooking the Downs for 25 miles in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The main garden has been redesigned to incorporate the borrowed landscape with herbaceous borders in a cottage garden style. Don’t miss the moongates in the walled kitchen garden.
Bumble Farm Drungewick Lane Loxwood Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 0RS is open for the National Garden Scheme Sunday 25th May, Monday 26th May, Saturday 14th June and Sunday 15thJune 2pm-5pm. Admission £6,
Delightful large country garden. Passionately and imaginatively created by enthusiastic owner over the past 20 yrs. An interesting garden with a series of circular lawns surrounded by borders, full of mass drift, repeat planting of harmonious perennials, roses, shrubs, and more. A newly developed white garden, wisteria pergola, kitchen and cutting garden, fountains and various seating areas.
Why support the National Garden Scheme
With record donations in 2024 the power of gardens and garden visits for good causes is evident. 2024 was another landmark year for the National Garden Scheme with the charity donating a record £3,501,227 from the 2024 garden opening season. The impact of these donations to our major nursing and health beneficiaries means that thousands of people who live with health conditions such as cancer or Parkinson’s, who have poor mental health, or who struggle financially as unpaid carers, have been supported by our funding of the nurses, health professionals and case workers who support them. Our funding has also provided support to those in the Gardens and Health sector along with Community Gardens and supported gardeners through traineeships.
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Cookscroft Photo: Submitted
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Bumble Farm Photo: Submitted
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Bignor Park Photo: Submitted
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Hollymount Photo: Submitted