Small grant funding is available to support the creation of a garden, or a similar project such as an allotment, with a horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.

In 2024, the National Garden Scheme (NGS) awarded a total of £232,000 across 89 projects.

Projects should bring people together and encourage sharing of gardening skills and knowledge.

Community groups (established with their own bank account) can apply for £1,000 to £5,000 to cover expenses such as:

• plants and containers
• materials for flower or vegetable beds and other hard landscaping
• greenhouses, polytunnels and sheds
• seating
• hand tools and certain garden power tools (eg strimmers)
• materials for providing refreshments.

Questions about the funding or applying can be emailed to the scheme’s Administrator, Vince Hagan.

The closing date for this funding round is 12 noon on Monday 20 October 2025.

All applications will be assessed and successful groups will be notified in April 2026.

For full guidance and details on the funding, visit the National Garden Scheme website.