The Garden That Gives Back: A Personal Journey with the National Garden Scheme
By Susan Bennett
Almost 30 years ago, Maureen Lipman chose ours as her “FAVOURITE GARDEN” for a fundraising auction at the Garden History Museum.
An invitation to join the National Garden Scheme followed and Earl and I have opened three times a year ever since.
Like many visitors holidaying in Devon, attracted by bright yellow posters, I took my mother to enjoy tea and cake in lovely gardens. I had no idea where the entrance money went.
I soon learned the rich history, including how District Nursing was inspired by Liverpool Industrialist, William Rathbone taking on a private nurse to care for his wife in 1859, keeping her on after her death to care for the deprived in the area. Encouraged by Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria, funds were raised to recruit and train nurses. In 1927 the National Garden Scheme was founded, funded by individuals opening their gardens for a shilling a head, leading to the inauguration of the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
We are now main benefactors to Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hospice UK, QNI, Parkinson’s UK and many other Health and Garden charities.
Shortly before our NGS event on April 28th, my only brother, Brian Rose, was suddenly diagnosed with inoperable cancer. It was a HUGE shock. He was 78, single. Told all his conditions were treatable, he was called back to hospital urgently. I was called by a doctor -“Sorry to tell you Susan, we found cancer cells in all his major organs. Palliative care. Weeks to live. “
I was torn apart. From his bed Brian urged me “Get on with the Garden Opening. More people will benefit than you sitting here with me!” He was a Buddhist. Totally at peace, but keen to be at home. I had no idea where to turn. Macmillan took over. Handing over to St Luke’s Hospice, a hospital bed, and essential equipment was organised, medication, GP supervision, District Nursing….. all FREE plus a key safe to give his wonderful carers access.
Once home, he was able to spend his final weeks, albeit bedridden, pain-free, enjoying visits from friends, family and fellow Buddhists who chanted with, and for him. We BOTH had peace of mind. I felt held. So much anxiety lifted from my heart, grateful for the professionalism and care that was PRICELESS.
Brian died on May 15th in the presence of his closest friend. On his bed, a red rose from a carer and a photo of our mother Bertie Rose.
In 2023 Earl and I raised over £8,500 welcoming visitors to our garden, including groups from overseas. (Only possible with the help of our DREAM TEAM of volunteers).
Little did I know then that I was to become a beneficiary of our charities. The reality of what we do became tangible. Next time you visit an NGS garden, you can be sure the money you donate will be a blessing to an unknown recipient like me. To find out more about your local garden displays please visit: ngs.org.uk