In addition to Supporting the NTS in general, there are also specific ways in which you can support our gardens such as :

• Financial Contributions
• Sponsoring Garden Items
• Volunteering
• Supporting Scotland`s Gardens Scheme
• Buying NTS plants

Financial Contributions
Maintaining the Trust`s gardens to the high standard expected of Scotland`s leading conservation organisation requires a budget of around £1.1 million every year. Funding is primarily derived from membership subscriptions, visitors entrance fees, donations and legacies thus by joining the NTS, visiting our properties, or making a donation you will be contributing to the upkeep of our gardens. If you would like to contribute specifically to NTS gardens or indeed to a particular garden then you can specify this when donating your gift.

Sponsoring Garden Items and Donations
Some people like to support their favourite garden by sponsoring the purchase of a specific object such as a tree or bench for it. Donations might be in memory of a friend or relatives, or to commememorate a special personal event such as an anniversary in which case there is the option of displaying a plaque to this effect or the inclusion in the property`s donation`s book. If you would like more information on making a donation to a garden, you can contact the Garden`s Office.

Volunteering
The Trust`s gardens could not survive without the help of numerous volunteers who come in all ages, shape and sizes! They undertake a variety of different tasks according to their interests and levels of expertise.

If you are keen on gardening and have some time to spend you could consider volunteering for your local NTS garden. By doing this you will not only be providing invaluable support to help maintain the garden, but will also be picking up a wealth of horticultural knowledge. E.g. At Kellie Castle you would learn all about organic gardening skills. Volunteers also sometimes help out at Garden Events, for example by providing refreshments or giving information to visitors. Another way of volunteering is by attending Thistle Camps, some of which involve are based in NTS gardens.

There are also a few volunteers who provide administrative support in the Gardens Central Office and other regional offices.

For more information see the Volunteers page or contact the Head of Volunteering by email or phone 0131 243 9475.

Supporting Scotland`s Gardens Scheme
Scotland`s Garden Scheme (SGS) is a charity which organises open days in gardens throughout Scotland. The charity generously donates a proportion of its proceeds to the NTS to support the conservation and maintenance of our gardens, so by visiting some of the Open Gardens and making a donation you will be supporting the SGS garden and our work. See the Scotland`s Garden Scheme website for more details and a diary for the Open Gardens.

Buying NTS plants
The Trust`s plants sales make a valuable contribution to the upkeep of our gardens so if you are thinking of buying some new plants or seeds, why not check out our Plant Centres or come along to one of our Plant Sale events where you will not only get top quality plants but may also be able to get some unusual samples from our gardens.

To find out more about supporting the Trust - click here.