Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens, Dorset, has been honoured in recognition of 30 years of opening Knoll Gardens on behalf of the much-loved charity the National Garden Scheme (NGS), raising funds for Nursing and Caring charities.
To celebrate 30 years of opening for the NGS, further awards were given to other Dorset gardens for their longstanding NGS service at a recent ‘Thank you Party’ in the stunning grounds of Manor Farm, Hampreston.
Alison Wright, NGS South West Regional Chair and Dorset County Organiser, presented the awards – which ranged from garden trowels to beautiful, brass sundials – assisted by other members of the South West Team.
On receiving his award Neil commended the NGS and said that working with them had made him realise the ethos of the charity was as much, if not more, about bringing people together than the gardens and plants themselves – both garden owners and those who enjoy visiting them, whether gardeners or not! He added that simply walking around a garden can really lift your soul, and that plants have the power to make us all feel that little bit better, whenever we choose to visit them.
You can visit the naturalistic plantings at Knoll Gardens from Wednesdays to Saturdays with this year’s NGS Open Day to be held on Friday 20th September, when admission charges will be donated to the NGS charity.
