The fruit of garden tourism may fall over the wall: Small private gardens and tourism

Although more than 5000 gardens are open to the public in Great Britain, the practice of visiting private gardens has been little researched compared with other types of attraction and open spaces. This paper presents results of an investigation of small private gardens that are occasionally opened to the public. Owing to its scale and national prominence, the NGS (National Gardens Scheme) was used as the basis for exploratory research focusing on smaller domestic private gardens in suburban or village settings. In the light of empirical studies, the characteristics and motivations of garden owners and of visitors are discussed, as well as community benefits that are indisputably part of the garden tourism in villages and suburbs. Results show that small private gardens are attractive to many people, not just those with a specific interest in gardening, but also those looking for a pleasant day out. A growing sense of community was noted in villages where private gardens are open, as was the importance of wanting to share the pleasure in gardening.

► Qualitative research of private gardens listed in the UK National Garden Scheme.
► Explores the motivations of owners, visitors, neighbors and the community benefits of such garden tourism.
► For owners, garden opening provides valued social contact.
► Garden opening is seen as a way of communicating within a town, suburb or village.
► Domestic gardens may be seen as a relatively new tourist attraction improving the life of local people and visitors.