The Open Garden Scheme
The common name, well to us at least, for the National Garden Scheme, producers of the 'Yellow Book' of gardens to visit. if you want a local one, they are often to be found by the counter in garden centres, or indeed from us on request, if we have any left! They cost whole fifty pence each, and give details of gardens open in Cambridgeshire. There is a huge thick tome which gives national details, and can be got from bookshops, or online from the NGS at www.ngs.org.uk .
The scheme raises thousands of pounds annually for Marie Curie, and other charities.
Our involvement began in 2004. After a bit of egging on by various neighbours and friends, and having visited other gardens involved in the scheme,we contacted the national office of the NGS. They put us in touch with the Ely are organiser. She made arrangements to come and see us.
Nobody likes to feel that they are being assessed, with the chance of rejection, and we were no different. Instead, we met a fellow enthusiast who was both kind an supportive. We were accepted into the scheme, and the clock began to tick. There are al
ways things to do in a garden, and ours was no exception. For our first year, this was the revamping of an area we call a paterre, removing rotten wood edging, and replacing it with rope edging.
Every year since then, there's been some sort of project to be undertaken before the Big Day. This year is no different, with the revamping of our long herbaceous border. We look forward to the event, enjoying talking to a large number of people in a small amount of time! Do come if you are able. We choose to think of it as a chance for people who enjoy any form of gardening to come together and celebrate the common interest. Enjoy the garden, watch the train, buy some plants, and help us to raise money for some deserving causes.
2012
This year, the Ely Open Gardens are opening. We shall be open, and have plants for sale. The train will definatly be running! Watch this space and our events page for dates and times.