Opening gardens, transforming lives

Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Garden Scheme work together in a unique partnership, where opening beautiful private gardens to the public helps transform lives.

Since 1984, the National Garden Scheme has donated over £17.2 million to Macmillan Cancer Support, helping to fund care units in Bristol and Chesterfield – including 149 Macmillan nurses and vital professionals. Together, we're also inspiring more people to visit gardens, to enjoy the sense of wellbeing a beautiful outdoor space can bring.

Visiting these exceptional gardens will help us open the doors to the Y Bwthyn NGS Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Unit in Wales, our latest joint project and the direct result of a shared commitment to supporting people when they need help most.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,600 private gardens in England and Wales, and raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the scheme has donated £55 million to nursing and health charities since 1927.

Celebrating 35 years of partnership

‘We are so proud to be celebrating our 35th anniversary with the National Garden Scheme this year,' said Lynda Thomas, CEO, Macmillan Cancer Support. 'As our longest standing partner, the National Garden Scheme makes a considerable difference to the lives of people living with cancer. The vital money they raise through garden visits will help us to open the doors of the new Y Bwthyn NGS Specialist Palliative Care unit, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, later this year. Visiting gardens really does change lives and we look forward to working together for many more years to come.'

Gardens and Health

During our partnership, we've worked together to promote the benefits that visiting a garden can have on health and wellbeing. Taking a stroll around a local oasis of calm could be the perfect way to lower your stress levels and enjoy a spot of physical activity. The National Garden Scheme’s Gardens and Health campaign will run in May 2019, highlighting the benefits that visiting a garden can bring you.

How to get involved

To support our partnership, and to find a beautiful garden near you, visit the National Garden Scheme website or buy the Garden Visitor's Handbook 2019 in our shop.

*Pictured, left to right: Elaine Wilson, Macmillan Strategic Partnership Manager; Roger Start, Lead Cancer Clinician; Martin McMillan, National Garden Scheme.