PLANS by the National Garden Scheme to launch the 2020 garden visiting season with 585 new gardens and a number of planned openings have been put on hold.

The scheme's chief executive George Plumptre said: “Our trustees have taken the difficult decision to ask all our garden owners not to open their gardens in aid of the National Garden Scheme until further notice.

“Managing social distancing and preventing people from travelling unacceptable distances has become a priority for the public good.”

This is the first time in the charity’s 93-year history that all the gardens have been closed. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, National Garden Scheme trustees are still able to commit in excess of £1 million to its beneficiary charities and to 44 community garden projects throughout England and Wales this year.

Visit ngs.org.uk for more information about the national Garden Scheme.