Some of the most beautiful private gardens across the UK are to open to the public this week, including one in Balham.

Susan Venner, 58, has lived in Balham for 18 years and is opening her garden as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) – Gardens and Health Week, running between August 18 and August 24.

People who are disadvantaged or living with long term conditions are able to visit these gardens and enjoy a day out for a small entrance fee.

The money raised will go to a selection of charities including Parkinson’s UK.

Ms Venner said: “I have gardened all my life. However, since being diagnosed with Parkinson's being in a garden and gardening has become central to my life.

“For me it brings healing, strength, and optimism. It provides a timeless grounding with nature in the chaos of life. My garden provides a tranquil space for meditation and contemplation as well as an ever-changing opportunity for creativity. All of which is restorative to mind, body and soul.

“Being in the open air with the soil and plants, the changing seasons and the vagaries of the weather, one is humbled yet inspired: bringing a perspective on life that is grounded in nature”

According to NGS, 63 per cent of people said that gardening had a positive impact on both their physical and mental health. 97 per cent said they would recommend gardening as a form of relief from mental health issues while 63 percent agreed that their garden offers them a good form of exercise in the fresh air.

George Plumptre, CEO of the NGS, said: “Visiting a National Garden Scheme garden is probably not the first thing people think of when they’re looking to de-stress. But spending an hour or two wandering around a truly beautiful garden that has been lovingly cultivated by its owners and enjoying a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea, is incredibly restorative and rivals any other act of self-care that is commonly promoted.

“The National Garden Scheme isn’t just about opening gardens for charity - we introduced Gardens and Health Week because we are passionate about promoting the many ways gardens are more than just scenic.

“As our latest research shows, the effect garden visiting can have on mental wellbeing is heartening and I would encourage anyone who would like an escape from their busy life to visit one of our gardens.”