Powys Gardens News and Openings for Charity
It’s All Change with the National Garden Scheme; Dr Alison Kemp has become the new County Organiser for South Powys taking over from Owen Hughes. Alison has recently retired and brings a wealth of hands-on experience, having designed and developed her garden in Cwmdu with her husband Dr Douglas Paton. The garden has been developed from scratch. Originally barren farmland, the inspiring space that has been opened for the past two years under the National Garden Scheme. With a deep appreciation for gardens and community, Alison is now focused on building the team across South Powys, with the aim of encouraging and supporting existing garden owners and discovering exciting new gardens to join the scheme, helping to grow and strengthen the National Garden Scheme presence in the county. With a particular focus on the centenary celebrations in 2027, Alison and Gail Jones, South Powys publicity officer aim to promote and increase National Garden Scheme activities in the county.
South Powys has so far raised almost £15,000 and welcomed over 1900 visitors; together with North Powys we’ve raised £48,000 and fed and watered over 6,000 visitors! Amazing! We thank our fabulous garden owners that create such special gardens for us all to visit. Also to all the lovely people who come along to our open gardens we thank you all. Diolch. If you would like to volunteer please contact either Susan Paynton – 01686 650531 susan.paynton@ngs.org.uk or alison.kemp@ngs.org.uk
The NGS Community Garden Grants 2026 applications will be opening in two weeks’ time. Generously supported by the Julia Rausing Trust, potential applicants can apply between Monday 15th September and Monday 20th October so now is the time to assess your eligibility and prepare your application.
“We welcome applications for projects that foster diversity and/or support people with physical or mental disabilities. With all applications considered on their individual merits, awards between £1,500 and £5,000 will be granted”.
Watch our film from NGS Ambassador, garden designer and TV presenter, Danny Clarke describing the importance of community gardens.
Registration for 2026 gardens has now opened to ensure inclusion in the publicity material for next year. We are always on the look-out for new gardens to add to our growing list, so if you own or know of a garden that would fit the bill please get in touch with our Area Organiser, Susan Paynton on 01686 650531 or email at susan.paynton@ngs.org.uk It doesn’t have to have sweeping lawns and perfectly manicured borders: often small gardens, particularly when open as part of a group/village scheme, are of great interest and delight to our visitors. One small hamlet with six riverside gardens who opened for us last year raised well over £1,000, engendering huge community spirit and new friendships in the process. Susan will be happy to tell you more, so why not call her and discover how to join us and help support our wonderful health and well-being charities.
