The National Gardens Scheme was founded in 1927 in England with the aim of "opening gardens of quality, character and interest to the public for charity". Originally, the money was raised to provide pension support for district nurses; 609 private gardens were opened and £8,191 was raised.
Over time, other charities were included in the scheme. In 1948, the new National Health Service took over the paying of pensions to district nurses, and in 1980, the National Gardens Scheme Charitable Trust was launched, with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as Patron.
