The National Garden Scheme opens up over 3,500 private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Island to raise money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas, and cake.

The National Garden Scheme was originally founded in 1927 to raise funds for community nurses and they continue to support them today with over £67 million donated to nursing and health charities. In 2022, over £3 million was raised nationally and over £43,000 in Cornwall.

The organisers behind the scheme explain how they don't only open the gardens for charity, they said: "We are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. We also support charities doing amazing work in gardens and health and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects."

The scheme will take place across a number of months with each garden offering different open days and opportunities to book.

There are lots of gardens that will be included around Cornwall, with three located around Falmouth and even more located a bit further out near Truro.

Let's take a look at which gardens have been included around Falmouth:

Ethnevas Cottage Constantine, Falmouth, Cornwall

• The garden is open for pre-agreed dates/bookings between 13:00 and 17:00 PM from Apr 2023 to Jun 2023.
• Bookings will be available for groups between 1 and 20.
• Homemade Teas will be available as refreshments.
• Admission will be £5.00 for adults and free for children.

Ethnevas Cottage (Image: National Open Garden Scheme)

Here is the description given for the garden on the website: "Isolated granite cottage in 2 acres. Intimate flower and vegetable garden. Bridge over a stream to a large pond and primrose path through a semi-wild bog area. Hillside with grass paths among native and exotic trees. Many camellias and rhododendrons. Mixed shrubs and herbaceous beds, wildflower glade, spring bulbs. A garden of discovery with hidden delights."

For more information: National Garden Scheme

Navas Hill House, Bosanath Valley, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth

• This garden will be hosting an open day on the 7th of May between 14:00 and 17:30 PM
• Cream teas on the veranda/terrace. 'All you can eat' £5.00. Refreshments in aid of Marie Curie
• Admission is £5.00 for adults and free for children

Navas Hill House (Image: National Open Garden Scheme)

Here is the description for the garden from the website: "8½ acre elevated valley garden with paddocks, woodland, kitchen garden and ornamental areas. The ornamental garden consists of 2 plantsman areas with specialist trees and shrubs, walled rose garden, water features and rockery. Young and established wooded areas with bluebells, camellia walks, and young large leafed rhododendrons. Seating areas with views across wooded valley."

For more information: National Garden Scheme

Lower Penbothidnow, Penbothidno Lane, Constantine, Falmouth

• This Garden will be hosting open days on Sunday the 14th of May and Sunday the 6th of August
• The Garden will also be open for bookings between May and October
• Open between 14:00 - 17:30 PM
• Home-made teas available
• Admission for adults is £6 and free for children

Lower Penbothidnow (Image: National Open Garden Scheme)

Here is a description of the garden on the website: "Hillside garden of about 2 acres with different areas planted in different styles and plant selections, ranging from formal to wildflower meadow. Surrounded by field and woods. Colour year-round with high point for shrubs and trees in late spring and with herbaceous border, hydrangeas and flowering shrubs in Jul/Aug. Ample outside seating. Plenty to interest a plantsperson."

For more information: National Garden Scheme

The website includes lots of information such as how to get involved, a national garden map, virtual garden tours, and ways to donate: Home - National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)