The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has supported National Trust gardens since the late 1940s.

Their assistance comes through generous donations funded by garden owners opening their gardens each year on behalf of the charity.

Initially, NGS funds supported a wide range of projects in National Trust gardens. Since 2001, NGS contributions have been solely available for Careership.

Careership is a joint initiative between the National Trust and NGS. It is designed to ensure both we and private owners have access to a continuous supply of suitably qualified graduate gardeners, competent to work in historic and fine gardens.

At present 13 students each year are supported directly by the NGS, of which one is directly supported by the Leffman Bequest.

The success of the scheme to date can be measured by the number of post-Careership gardeners now employed by the National Trust (a growing number of whom have risen to Head Gardener grade), and by private gardens.

Many National Trust gardens open their gates each year for the NGS and the cost of admission on these days goes directly to help raise funds for all the scheme's beneficiaries.