Opening the Garden Gates: The National Garden Scheme with Anna Wili

In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate welcome Anna Wili, Head of Marketing for the National Garden Scheme (NGS), a charity with almost a century of history opening gardens for good causes. Anna shares how the NGS began in 1927 as a way to fund district nursing, and how it’s grown to over 3,500 gardens opening each year, raising more than £74 million for nursing and health charities.We explore the unique blend of horticulture, hospitality, and heart that makes garden visiting so special. From peeping behind rarely opened gates to enjoying a slice of homemade cake. Anna reveals how the NGS champions the link between gardens and wellbeing, the variety of gardens that take part (from manicured estates to wildlife havens), and the personal stories that bring each opening to life.With the charity’s centenary celebrations in 2027 on the horizon, Anna also outlines exciting plans for brand partnerships with the garden industry, opportunities for garden centres and suppliers, and how professionals across the sector can get involved.Whether you’re a garden centre owner, a manufacturer, or simply a passionate gardener, this episode is packed with insights into:How the NGS sustains a 100-year tradition of generosity and community spiritThe role of gardens in health, biodiversity, and wellbeingOpportunities for collaboration and brand licensing in the run-up to the centenaryHow to become an NGS garden owner and why you shouldn’t be shy about your patchAnd of course, we discover which celebrity Anna would most like to see open their garden for charity…Listen in and be inspired to throw open your own garden gates or work with the NGS to help them grow their impact even further.National Garden Scheme: https://ngs.org.uk/Your hosts:Phil Wright: ⁠⁠http://wrightobara.com⁠⁠Kate Turner: ⁠⁠http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk