The National Garden Scheme is calling for garden owners across the country to be part of the fundraising initiative in its centenary year.

Founded in 1927 to raise money for district nurses, the scheme has since donated more than £77.8m to health charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie through admission proceeds.

It is now inviting people to open their gardens for next year, with centenary openings to be supported by national, regional and local media campaigns.

“Whether you have an historic estate with rolling acres, a country cottage, an enthusiastic village of gardeners, a tiny urban sanctuary, or community allotments, we’re asking garden owners across the country to help raise vital funds for some of the UK’s leading health and nursing charities and to make 2027 a record-breaking year,” says chief executive Dr Richard Claxton.

Those interested need to complete their registration by mid-September to be included in the centenary publications such as the 2027 Centenary Garden Visitor’s Handbook.

“Our centenary is a celebration of the generosity of garden owners over the last 100 years,” says Claxton. “By opening your garden in 2027, you aren’t just sharing a beautiful space – you are providing a lifeline for nursing and health charities that need our support more than ever.”