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The National Gardens Scheme Elspeth Thompson Bursary

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NGS logoThe National Gardens Scheme (NGS) offers a bursary in memory of Elspeth Thompson who died in 2010. The bursary is administered by the RHS.

Aim

Elspeth ThompsonElspeth Thompson was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Gardens Scheme, and wrote a much loved ‘Urban Gardener’ column in the Sunday Telegraph. Elspeth’s husband Frank commented ‘She had a knack of seeing and creating beauty in unlikely places and was enthusiastic about those who gardened for the benefit of others’.

The NGS bursary is intended to support community projects that capture this spirit. An annual bursary fund is available to provide financial assistance to amateur gardeners within community groups, to enable them to create a garden or horticultural based project for the benefit of the community, or to enable them to acquire horticultural knowledge and skills and to develop and share their love of gardening for the benefit of their community group.

General conditions of application

No fixed amount is set, and more than one bursary may be awarded in a particular year. It is envisaged that the maximum amount awarded would not normally exceed £5,000, but smaller project proposals are equally welcome.

Applications are considered annually in February, and the closing date for applications is 31 December. Community groups wishing to apply are requested to download and complete an application form.

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Download application form and guidance notes here

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