National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme offers a bursary in memory of Elspeth Thompson who died in 2010. Administered by the RHS, it is intended to support community gardening projects aimed at bringing the community together by the sharing and acquiring of horticultural knowledge and skills, and by inspiring a love of gardening across all age groups.
About Elspeth
Elspeth was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Garden Scheme, and wrote a much-loved Urban Gardener column in The Sunday Telegraph. Elspeth’s husband Frank said of her
‘She had a knack of seeing and creating beauty in unlikely places and was enthusiastic about those who gardened for the benefit of others’.
How to apply
Applications for funding are considered in February each year, the closing date for applications is 31 December of the preceding year. No fixed amount is set but the maximum amount awarded would not normally exceed £5,000.
If you wish to apply, please email Rowena Wilson, RHS Bursaries Co-ordinator, for further information regarding the application process.
Awards granted in 2017/18
Confederation of Indian Organisations - Leicester: Provision of poly tunnel and seating at Community Allotment
Denbigh in Bloom - Denbigh N.Wales: Create a wildlife friendly garden close to approach to Denbigh Castle
Frome Allotment Association - Frome, Somerset: Install a piped mains water supply at the allotment
Grapes Hill Community Garden - Norwich, Norfolk: Create a communal grow area within the city garden
GROW Community Garden - Loughton, Essex: Develop sensory garden area
Lindengate - Wendover, Bucks: Enable gardeners to design and create garden features to their own specifications
Mary Stevens' Park Growing Together - Stourbridge, W.Midlands: Expand into a new growing space
1st Ockford Ridge Rainbows - Godalming, Surrey: Regenerate area of land to enhance gardening programme of the Rainbow Unit
Serenity Social & Therapeutic Horticulture - Killberby, Darlington: To create suitable area to run therapeutic horticultural project
Shocklach Oviatt Primary School - Shocklah, Malpas, Cheshire: Enhancement of school vegetable garden
Talgarth & District Regeneration Group - Talgarth, Powys: Extend current vegetable box planting and transform wasteland area
Thames Ditton Station Group - Thames Ditton, Surrey: Provision of bee friendly planters
Awards granted in 2016/17
- Aspire Academy - Harlow, Essex: To establish a 'nuture space' for pupils.
- Caxton Youth Organisation - Westminster, London: To create a multifunctional space to meet the sensory needs of young people.
- Fern Grove Community Garden - Liverpool: To install a polytunnel.
- Ford Park Community Group - Ulverston, Cumbria: To create a community orchard and 'Berry Buffet'.
- Foxhole Community Garden - Dartington, Devon: For the creation of a sensory plant area for families and visitors to enjoy.
- Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire: For new planting in the splays at the Hospice.
- Gro Organic CIC - Solihull, Birmingham: For equipment and plants for activities for 'Urban Street Gardening Crew' project.
- Northallerton Secret Garden - Northallerton, North Yorkshire: To restore neglected gardens.
- St Peter's Community Garden - Cardiff: To complete a planting scheme.
Further Information
Please contact the RHS Bursaries on 01483 479719 or email at ngsbursary@rhs.org.uk
