Open Gardens in France: How the Scheme Works

France, like the UK, has a charitable open gardens organisation, OGJO – Julie Evans explains the key role that its coordinators and garden openers play

Across France, thousands of private gardens open their gates each year in support of charitable causes. Behind these welcoming spaces is a volunteer-led association, Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts (OGJO), built on generosity, community spirit and a shared love of gardening.

OGJO connects garden owners with visitors, raising funds for charities that support children, families and local communities. While each open garden is unique, the success of the association relies on a simple, powerful idea: people working locally, together. At the heart of this are garden openers and coordinators – volunteers who bring the network to life.

KEEPING IT LOCAL

As OGJO has grown, it has become clear that a centralised approach is neither practical nor sustainable. Instead, the association depends on local coordinators who act as a point of contact within their region.

The coordinator role is varied but rewarding. It includes identifying new gardens that may wish to open, keeping in touch with existing garden openers, and offering practical support as they prepare for their open days. Coordinators often help with the organisation of events, answer questions, and provide reassurance – particularly to novice openers.

Many coordinators attend local garden groups, plant fairs or community events to spread the word about OGJO. Most build up small local teams of volunteers who can lend a hand on open days if needed, helping to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

The role suits people who enjoy visiting gardens, meeting others and connecting with people. Confidence, friendliness and enthusiasm are far more important than specialist knowledge. While speaking some French can be helpful, it is not essential. Basic computer skills are useful, as much of the necessary communication takes place online, but above all, coordinators share a genuine interest in people and gardens.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

I recently became a coordinator for OGJO in the Dordogne. Like many volunteers, I stepped into the role not because I considered myself an expert, but because I could see how important local coordination is to the association.

What struck me most is how welcoming and generous the gardening community is. Many garden owners are modest about what they do, yet the impact of opening their gardens – both financially and socially – is enormous. As a coordinator, my role is simply to make things easier: answering questions, offering reassurance and helping garden openers feel supported rather than isolated.

For anyone considering becoming a coordinator, it is reassuring to know that you are never expected to do everything alone. The role grows gradually, at your own pace, and you become part of a wider network of volunteers who are always willing to share advice and encouragement.

OPENING A GARDEN

For many people involved with OGJO, opening a garden is about far more than horticulture. It is a way of sharing, connecting and giving back. One long-standing garden opener, Valérie, describes her experience: “For more than 10 years, I have opened my garden with my heart, in support of charitable organisations. Encouraged in the early days, I dared to take the leap despite my doubts.

“Opening my garden has motivated me to care for it, to create and to innovate. Open days are always moments of joy, sharing and conviviality, filled with encounters, smiles and exchanges. Being able to support charitable causes through my garden has become a true reason for being – and something I intend to carry on.”

Stories like this lie at the heart of OGJO. They show how opening a garden can be both deeply personal and quietly powerful, bringing people together while supporting causes that matter.

A LONGSTANDING CONNECTION

For Corinne, gardening has always been part of her family story. Inspired by her mother and two grandmothers before her, she began travelling to the UK many years ago in search of garden inspiration – and quickly found more than she expected.

Visits to famous gardens such as Sissinghurst, Chartwell and Wisley, as well as smaller, lesser-known places, revealed not only beauty, but an entire ecosystem of volunteers, charities and garden openings organised in support of good causes. It was this model – combining gardening, generosity and community – that Corinne wanted to bring back to France.

She introduced the concept within her local association, Parcs et Jardins de l’Oise, launching garden openings known as Jardins du Cœur. From the outset, these events supported the charity À Bras Ouverts, which organises weekends and holidays for children with physical and mobility disabilities, with the help of young volunteers.

“For many volunteers, becoming a coordinator is a chance to meet inspiring people and to help something meaningful continue to flourish”

In 2016, during a plant fair in Chantilly, Corinne met the friendly OGJO team. Their experience and long-established know-how immediately stood out. Recognising the strength of the organisation, her group decided to join OGJO without delay. The transition from Jardins du Cœur to OGJO happened smoothly and naturally.

Today, as coordinator for garden openings in the Oise department in Hauts-de-France, Corinne values the collaboration on several levels: practical organisational advice, flexibility in adapting to local needs and the strong friendships that have grown between teams.

In 2025 alone, 13 gardens opened under her coordination. As in previous years, a shared meal for visitors was organised, with proceeds being donated to OGJO. A plant exchange and brocante, organised by committed and generous members of the association, also contributed significantly to the funds raised. At the same time, À Bras Ouverts has continued to receive a generous annual donation.

Rather than opening gardens in isolation, Corinne and her team aim to organise groups of openings and create small circuits between nearby gardens. The plots themselves may not be grand or spectacular, she says, but they all have charm, and their diversity is always engaging for people. Opening six or seven gardens across two neighbouring villages on Mother’s Day has even become a cherished tradition.

Over time, she has noticed that sharing the experience encourages hesitant garden owners to take part. Many return the following year, delighted by both the pleasure they receive and the pleasure they give. These open days, she says, are moments outside of time – shared experiences of generosity and happiness.

BECOME AN OGJO COORDINATOR

As OGJO continues to grow, the association is always keen to hear from people who might consider becoming local coordinators. You do not need any specialist gardening knowledge, nor a large amount of time. What matters most is having an interest in people, a love of gardens, as well as a willingness to help others share their passion.

For many volunteers, becoming a coordinator is a natural extension of enjoying gardens and community life in France – a chance to meet inspiring people, support worthwhile causes and to help something meaningful continue to flourish.

For more information, visit opengardens.eu If you are interested in becoming a coordinator or a garden opener, contact Susan Lambert at [email protected]