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Australia's Open Garden Scheme was a non-profit organisation that began in Victoria Australia in 1987 but closed its doors in June 2015 due to financial issues. Its aim was to promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening across Australia. Under the scheme, private gardens opened for public viewing for one or two weekends a year. About 650 gardens were opened annually across Australia but declining numbers and competition from groups promoting their own events outside of their booklet meant that it was not viable. Each year over 275,000 adults visit open gardens, together with accompanying children. A schedule for openings across Australia was published annually.〔(Australia's Open Garden Scheme - About Us )〕 The scheme grew out of the practice in Victoria of "grand" private gardens in the hill country near Melbourne opening occasionally for public viewing for the benefit of charities. However the scheme does not limit itself to large gardens, with many normal-sized suburban gardens, and even tiny inner-city plots, included. Most openings in the southern, temperate zone occur between October and May, while tropical gardens open during the winter months. A nominal fee, usually $5 per adult, is charged for each viewing. This money is divided with 35% going to the garden owner or their nominated charity, and 65% going to the Open Garden Scheme. After funding the scheme operating costs, the remainder is given as grants to community garden projects, with over $800,000 in grants being made by the end of 2006. Additionally garden owners have passed on over $3.5 million to their nominated charities since the commencement of the scheme. New organizations have spring up to carry on some of the tradition in individual states including Open Gardens SA and Open Gardens Victoria as well as an independent business "My Open Garden" which promotes open gardens and gardening events across Australia. Tamie Fraser was President of the Open Garden Scheme.〔(Australia's Open Garden Scheme - News )〕 ==References== 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Australia's Open Garden Scheme」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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