Celebrating 40 years of partnership between two national charities.

On 27 June, we celebrated 40 years of partnership with the National Garden Scheme, with a VIP event at York Gate Garden near Leeds.

The sun shone as we welcomed The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE and her Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Victoria Wainwright DL, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Stephen Holroyd, as well as regional representatives of the National Garden Scheme.

The Lord Lieutenant presented a letter from Perennial’s Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy to Dr. Richard Claxton, CEO of the National Garden Scheme, celebrating the £2.6 million the National Garden Scheme has raised over 40 years in support of our work and the impact this has made on the lives of thousands of people working in horticulture.

The event also included a private tour of the beautiful gardens and an opportunity to view an exhibition about the history of York Gate’s support for the National Garden Scheme. Guests gathered in the Summerhouse in the Herb Garden, to enjoy tea and a slice of celebratory cake, cut by the Lord Mayor, whilst garden visitors were treated to free cupcakes to mark the occasion.

The National Garden Scheme raises significant funds for a wide range of health and gardening charities by offering unique access to over 3,300 exceptional private gardens across England, including both of our gardens – Fullers Mill in Suffolk and York Gate near Leeds. As a Perennial garden, York Gate has opened for the National Garden Scheme for 30 years and Dr. Richard Claxton presented us with a commemorative plaque to mark this milestone - a great example of how both charities support each other.

Many of the gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme will be looked after by professional gardeners who can face financial, physical or mental health challenges at any point in their lives. This sustained annual funding from The National Garden Scheme has enabled us to invest in the development of our services so we can provide advice and practical support to thousands of people when they need it most.

Jamie Gault, Perennial's Chief Executive says; “The National Garden Scheme is our largest regular annual donor, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. No one organisation can improve outcomes for the communities it supports in isolation – and without the incredible and valued support of the National Garden Scheme, we would not be in the position we are today.”

Dr. Richard Claxton said: “In 40 years £2.6 million has been donated to support Perennial’s good work, all money that has been collected by private gardens opening around the country. It was a real honour to be present to celebrate both anniversaries. It was also a very special treat to have a tour of these beautiful gardens with the Garden Manager, Jack Ogg, whose knowledge of these gardens clearly runs as deep as his love for them. A great day and a wonderful celebration of generosity and philanthropy” 

Click here to find out more about the National Garden Scheme.

Group Photo: From L-R: Helen Waddington, Perennial Director of Services,  Mrs Lloyd and Mr. Peter Lloyd, National Garden Scheme, David and Elizabeth Smith, Local Representatives for the National Garden Scheme, Dr. Richard Claxton, CEO for the National Garden Scheme, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Victoria Wainwright DL, Jamie Gault, CEO of Perennial, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Stephen Holroyd, Andrew Jackson writer in residence at York Gate, Susan Burgess, Trustee of Perennial