Our partnership with the National Garden Scheme

Over 3,500 beautiful gardens throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland open their gates every year on behalf of the National Garden Scheme. These gardens help raise vital funds to support charities, including ours. 

Find out more about the National Garden Scheme on its website.

We were delighted to be the first guest charity to be named a permanent beneficiary in 2016.

Supporting our Nurse Appeal

We're incredibly grateful that the National Garden Scheme will support our Parkinson's UK Nurse Appeal over 3 years. The National Garden Scheme is a long-standing supporter of our work to fund more Parkinson's nurses and specialists. Since 2013, their donations have supported us to provide initial funding for around 23 new Parkinson's nurse positions.

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, said:

"As the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK, the National Garden Scheme is hugely proud to support the Parkinson’s UK Nurse Appeal. For almost 100 years, supporting nurses has been at the heart of our charitable purpose. 

"Our commitment to Parkinson’s UK has seen £2.5 million donated to create critical nursing posts since 2013. Working together, we can bring closer the day when every person with Parkinson’s has access to the specialist care they need."

The benefits of gardening for Parkinson's

A report by the National Garden Scheme showed that gardening can:

• reduce depression, loneliness, anxiety and stress

• improve balance which can help to prevent falls in older people

• alleviate symptoms of dementia.

The report suggests garden access has the potential to help with healthcare costs and should be used more in our health and social care system.

Read the full report on the National Garden Scheme's website.