While Sheila didn't win the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine People's Choice award, she was gracious in celebrating the deserving winner with their beautiful small garden.

The recognition sparked something wonderful! Sheila, as a gardening author, will have an article appearing in the April issue English Garden magazine, and also Gardeners' World Magazine will feature an article about her garden in April!

Both pieces will advertise the open garden days for NA Advocacy on 24-25 April, bringing our cause to thousands of garden enthusiasts across the UK. Do mark your calendar if you happen to be near Edinburgh around Friday/Saturday, 24/25 April 2026, 1pm - 5pm, admission £5.00, and the address is: Mercat Cottage Garden, 1 The Cross, Pencaitland, East Lothian EH34 5DA.

This is exactly the kind of creative advocacy that makes such a difference for small charities like ours. Sheila's determination to continue to make this into an opportunity, and to use her platform to raise awareness of NA syndromes through showcasing her beautiful garden, exemplifies the spirit of our community. You can see photos below from last year's open garden in August. 

Note from us: Thank you, Sheila, for your continued dedication, creativity, and generosity. Your support makes a real difference to us and to everyone in the NA community. We hope many of you will visit on 24-25 April, and don't forget Alex's book will be available to buy!