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Couple's Decade of Giving Blooms with National Award
6 Jun
Summary
- Couple recognized for 10 years of opening their garden for charity.
- National Garden Scheme has raised over £77.8 million for charities.
- Gardening faces UK challenges but volunteer interest is rising.
David Hines and Liz Kelly-Hines of Hale Village have been honored with a National Garden Scheme (NGS) award, celebrating ten years of opening their private garden to the public. This recognition highlights their consistent support for the NGS, a scheme that facilitates yearly openings of over 3,500 private gardens to raise funds for various charities.
The NGS has been a significant philanthropic force, generating more than £77.8 million for nursing and health charities. These funds benefit organizations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, and Hospice UK. Entry fees, averaging £16.37 for adults, alongside sales of refreshments and plants, contribute to this impressive total.
Amidst reported challenges in UK horticulture, including declining skills and unequal access to green spaces, there's a concurrent rise in gardening enthusiasm. A 2025 report indicated an increase in volunteers for community gardening groups and a strong interest in volunteering. The NGS itself saw its largest charitable collection in the 2025 season, raising £3.9 million, underscoring a continuing appreciation for gardens in the UK.
