OGSW 2019 Guidebook - Camden by London Gardens Trust

Alara Permaculture Forest Garden © Anna Barclay

A walk around Bloomsbury

Recommended by Area Coordinator Anne Greig

This walk links OGSW gardens open over the weekend and other green spaces open to the public. Please check garden opening times before starting your walk. A walk around the Bloomsbury area will immerse visitors in some of London’s finest 18th century Georgian squares and gardens. As well as showcasing historic planting schemes, your visit will take in smaller neighbourhood gardens relevant to the 21st century. The gardens of the Bloomsbury area can easily be seen in one day. A good starting point is the volunteer-run Phoenix Garden (page 14) at St Giles-in-theFields, a short walk from Tottenham Court Road underground station. Then take in the contrasting spaces of Bedford Square (page 11) and the smaller, characterful Ridgmount Gardens (page 14). Montague Street Gardens (page 14, open Saturday only) can also be found behind the Georgian house façades on Montague Street.

CAMDEN

British Medical Association Council Garden © Diana Jarvis

Cross Russell Square, where an attractive café offers the opportunity of a break for tea and cake. Continuing your walk, the wild garden at Collingham Gardens Nursery (page 12) is reached from Henrietta Mews at the junction with Wakefield Street and Handel Street. From there, only on Sunday, a walk through St George’s Gardens leads to Mecklenburgh Square (page 14), originally laid out between 1810 and 1812, with its mature planes and other ornamental trees and shrubs. On Saturday only, a visit to the Edwin Lutyens-designed British Medical Association Council Garden (page 12) is a must, with its planting scheme devised to show medicinal herbs and their historic role in health and nutrition. From here, those with the time and inclination can take the short tube ride from Euston to Hampstead where three very different gardens await exploration. From Gainsborough Gardens (page 13), on the site of the former 18th century pump house, walk past Burgh House with its charming café and remnant of a garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Next stop is the wonder of the walled gardens at the National Trust’s Fenton House (page 13) and, just around the corner, Branch Hill Allotments (page 11).

A Sunday walk around St Pancras Recommended by Area Coordinator Lisa Barr

This walk links OGSW gardens open on Sunday and other green spaces open to the public. Please check garden opening times before starting your walk. 1.7 miles – diversions may be in place due to ongoing construction work in the area. This walk around the vibrant area of St Pancras will showcase a permaculture garden, a sustainable urban garden and the beautifully designed terraces of The Aga Khan Centre and Victoria Hall. From King’s Cross St Pancras, head north on Pancras Road and then onto Camley Street until you reach Alara Permaculture Forest Garden (page 11) on the right, a garden tended entirely on permaculture principles. Head back down Camley Street, this time taking Somers Town Bridge over Regent’s Canal, and enter Gasholder Park on the left. Enjoy this setting next to the canal amongst the naturalistic planting, before following the path round to Handyside

Street where the Aga Khan Centre – Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross (page 11) is located. Enjoy a guided tour around the stunning terraces, before heading through Lewis Cubitt Park to The Skip Garden, Global Generation (page 15). This moveable garden has been built from recycled materials, which mostly originated from the King’s Cross construction site. Stay a while for refreshments in their café before following Tapper Walk to Victoria Hall – The Institute of Ismaili Studies (page 15).

11 NEW CM1. Aga Khan Centre – Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross N1C 4DN Map 2

The contemporary Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross – part of the new Aga Khan Centre – have been designed to showcase the diversity of Muslim cultures and also to bring a conceptual ribbon of Islamic-inspired gardens to this developing area. There are six gardens, terraces and courtyards at the Aga Khan Centre, two at Victoria Hall and two in the public realm – Jellicoe Gardens and Lewis Cubitt Square. They range from contemplative courtyards inspired by Andalusia and loggias inspired by the Middle East, to rooftop spaces inspired by South and Central Asia. The Aga Khan Centre is home to the Aga Khan Foundation UK, Aga Khan University – Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and The Institute of Ismaili Studies – all founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. 45-minute guided tours will be available on a first come first serve basis. Depending on demand queuing may be necessary. Last tour at 4.30pm. Open: Sunday 10.30am-5pm Entrance: 10 Handyside Street Access: Disabled toilets and lifts are available, but some areas of the building can only be accessed by stairs Nearest stations: King’s Cross, St. Pancras Bus: 390 Website: www.agakhancentre.org.uk WC

Head back to the station via Coal Drops Yard, an area where historic buildings have been reimagined and filled with inspiring shops and restaurants.

Aga Khan Centre - Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross (Garden of Life) © John Sturrock

CM2. Alara Permaculture Forest Garden N1C 4PF Map 2

These interlinked gardens on Camley Street have been created from a piece of derelict land, just a 10-minute stroll from King’s Cross. Some 50 tons of rubbish were removed in 2005 as work started on transforming the largest area into a Permaculture Forest Garden, using coppiced sweetchestnut logs. This has been planted with silverberry, pomegranate, Japanese wineberry, apricot, apple, pear, plum and edible hawthorn and the garden now produces more than 80 different food crops. There is a vineyard by a lorry park, an orchard by a cash and carry and compost heaps. A greenhouse was added and the meeting area extended in 2014. Garden Creator Alex Smith will be present all weekend. Open: Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Entrance: Camley Street – between Booker Cash & Carry and Alara Access: Vineyard, orchard and raised beds suitable for wheelchairs; permaculture garden has steps and very narrow paths Nearest stations: Camden Road, Camden Town, King’s Cross, St Pancras Buses: 46, 214 Website: www.alara.co.uk WC Aga Khan Centre - Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross (Garden of Life) © John Sturrock

CM3. Bedford Square WC1B 3HH Map 6

Bedford Square, built between 1775 and 1786, is London’s best and most complete Georgian square. Most of the elegant surrounding buildings, with their distinctive Coadestone entrances, are now offices, but were once fashionable townhouses. Pre-war iron railings enclose the large oval garden at the centre while shrubberies and mature plane trees provide screening. The garden’s main lawn has been re-turfed, perennials have been added to borders and shrubs and trees have been well pruned. A restored summerhouse, Victorian stumpery and pocket planting of herbaceous plants provide more interest. Other Bloomsbury squares and gardens which are normally open to the public will also host activities during Open Garden Squares Weekend – see https://bloomsburysquares.wordpress.com for event details. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: North side of square Access: Hard surface only at garden entrance Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street Buses: 10, 24, 29, 73, 134 + 1, 7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 Website: www.bedfordestates.com

CM4. Branch Hill Allotments NW3 7LT Map 1

Allotments are, by their very nature, hidden treasures and the site of Branch Hill Allotments is no exception. Located on the corner of Oak Hill Way, Branch Hill and Frognal Rise, dozens of vegetable plots have been developed in the former gardens of an Edwardian mansion. John Spedan Lewis, founder of the John Lewis Partnership, lived at Branch Hill House for many years. In the 1970s enterprising and greenfingered locals started growing vegetables organically on the site and the Branch Hill Allotments Association now manages the plots for Camden Council. Open: Saturday 2-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm Entrance: Corner of Oak Hill Way and Frognal Rise Access: Steeply sloping site with narrow grass paths and steps Nearest station: Hampstead Buses: 46, 210, 268 Conditions: Visitors are advised to keep to the main paths

Alara Permaculture Forest Garden © Janne Watson

CM5. British Medical Association Council Garden WC1H 9JP Map 6

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the home of the UK’s professional association for doctors. This picturesque garden is a hidden central London gem. It was built on the site of Tavistock House, once the home of novelist Charles Dickens, on the corner of Tavistock Square. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the garden and today it is planted extensively with medicinal herbs. The garden centres on an oval pond and is home to an abundance of physic plants, showcasing the continuing role of plants in contemporary pharmacology. Daniela Sikora, who has been the gardener at the BMA for 28 years, will be present. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm Entrance: Via main entrance to BMA House in Upper Woburn Place, opposite NE corner of Tavistock Square Access: Wheelchair access to garden by prior arrangement only Nearest stations: Russell Square, Euston Buses: 59, 68, 91, 168 WC

CM6. Collingham Gardens Nursery WC1N 1PH Map 6

This hidden semi-wild garden has been providing a rich outdoor learning environment for preschool-aged children for more than 50 years. It is full of birds, foxes, squirrels and bugs and has been described by past visitors as “a magical green oasis for young children in London” and “how a nursery should be”. There is a woodland area, mud pit and kitchen area, water play, grassy hill and lots of flowers and vegetables, planted and cared for by the children and parents. The garden is named after philanthropist John Cyril Lees Collingham who acquired the derelict land in 1935. It used to be part of the burial ground of St George the Martyr. Open: Saturday 10am-4.30pm, Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm Entrance: From Henrietta Mews at junction with Wakefield Street and Handel Street Access: Access via ramp; paths can be narrow, uneven, slippery and muddy Nearest stations: King’s Cross, St Pancras, Russell Square, Holborn Buses: 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 Website: www.collinghamgardensnursery.com WC

Fenton House © Anne Greig

CM7. Fenton House Garden National Trust NW3 6SP Map 1

Fenton House, at the top of Hampstead’s Holly Hill, has extensive walled gardens with formal walks and lawns, a sunken rose garden, kitchen garden and a 300-year-old orchard. On the upper level, south of the house, a broad path runs from a wrought-iron gate alongside mature heritage trees and newly created beds. To the north are terrace walks around a formal lawn and sunken rose garden. Relaxed planting among trimmed yew and box hedges provides yearround colour and interest. Steps beyond the rose garden lead to a sunken, walled orchard area, glasshouse, culinary herb border, cut-flower beds and vegetables. Open: Saturday 11am-4.30pm, Sunday 11am-4.30pm Entrance: Hampstead Grove Access: Upper walk, with views over whole garden, accessible to wheelchair users; large number of steps to lower terraces of garden and orchard Nearest station: Hampstead Buses: 46, 210, 268 Conditions: Normally open but requiring payment Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house Collingham Gardens Nursery © Anna Barclay

CM8. Gainsborough Gardens NW3 1BJ Map 1

Gainsborough Gardens is a circular garden on the site of the former Hampstead Wells spa, a popular place for fashionable Londoners in the 18th century. The buildings were eventually converted to other uses, including an evangelical chapel, and were demolished at the end of the 19th century. Today, the garden at the centre of the gated enclave of private houses features mature trees and luxuriant planting. Shrubberies surround the lawns and a path runs round the edge with small pergolas marking the garden entrances. In a nod to the site’s history, Chalybeate Well (erected in 1882) can be found opposite the north entrance. Gardeners Lynne Acred and Adrian Crimmin will be present for part of each day. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Well Walk (north), Heathside (south) Nearest stations: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath Buses: 46, 268 + 24

CM11. Mecklenburgh Square WC1N 2AD Map 6

Samuel Pepys Cockerell and Joseph Kay designed this square, named after Queen Charlotte (formerly Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz) for the Foundling Estate in the early 19th century. The Grade II listed two-acre garden was laid out in 1810-12, close to the original design, with fine mature planes and other ornamental trees, formal lawns and gravel paths. A New Zealand plant section includes some rarities. There is a fern bed, and a herb garden planted with assistance from the Wellcome Trust. A children’s play area, barbecue pits and tennis court cater for the postgraduate students and their families who live around the square. Other Bloomsbury squares and gardens which are normally open to the public will also host activities during Open Garden Squares Weekend – see https://bloomsburysquares. wordpress.com for event details. Open: Sunday 12-5pm Entrance: Gate on east side of square Access: Wheelchair accessible Nearest stations: Russell Square, King’s Cross Buses: 17, 45, 46 + 19, 38, 55, 243 Website: www.mecklenburghsquaregarden.org.uk NEW CM12. Montague Street Gardens

WC1B 5BL Map 6

Bloomsbury is famous for its formal garden squares which are overlooked by the many period properties that line its leafy streets. This historic secret garden at the heart of the Bedford Estate is one of 10 squares in the elegant Bloomsbury area. A private garden, it stands behind two magnificent wrought iron gates and features swirling paths, formal lawns and mature trees. The garden is managed directly by the Bedford Estates’ gardening team. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm Entrance: Montague Street Nearest stations: Holborn, Russell Square Bus: 10 Website: www.bedfordestates.com

15 Star Community Garden

CM13. The Phoenix Garden WC2H 8DE Map 6

The Phoenix Garden was created by local volunteers in 1984 and is the last of the Covent Garden Community Gardens. It provides a peaceful green retreat for local residents, workers and tourists and is a haven for a diverse range of urban wildlife. Formerly a car park, the garden’s bedrock of rubble has required a careful selection of plants that suit difficult conditions. The garden opens daily and is a registered charity, managed by a team of volunteers and funded through donations and grants. Awards received include Natur im Garten ecological garden (2016) and a Camden Design Award (2017) for the new community building. Open: Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-6pm Entrance: St Giles Passage off New Compton Street (signposted from Shaftesbury Avenue/Charing Cross Road); garden remains open until dusk Access: Refurbished paths are now accessible Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Covent Garden Buses: 8, 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176 Website: www.thephoenixgarden.org WC

CM14. Ridgmount Gardens WC1E 7AU Map 6

Ridgmount Gardens is a residential garden occupying a lengthy strip of land opposite the imposing Ridgmount Mansions, a Victorian-era apartment building. Stretching from Chenies Street to Torrington Place, a path follows this narrow garden through a series of miniature lawns, interspersed with herbaceous borders. A planting programme has seen the development of mixed herbaceous borders and a woodland glade area while a new sunny border by Chenies Street is now well established. There are also ornamental birdbaths at either end of the garden. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Near Chenies Street end Access: Very narrow path, not suitable for wheelchairs Nearest station: Goodge Street Buses: 10, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390 Website: www.bedfordestates.com

CM15. Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden NW1 4LE Map 5

The Medicinal Garden contains 1,100 different plants connected to the history and practice of medicine worldwide. They are arranged according to their geographical origin around the modernist headquarters of the 500-year-old Royal College of Physicians. All plants are labelled and some have colour-coded texts highlighting links to doctors in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cardiology and Shakespeare’s poetry. Notable collections include citrus, cycads, South African flora and an area dedicated to plants used by 17th century physicians. The garden aims to give delight and generate interest, displaying beautiful plants from around the world while offering insights into their qualities and uses. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Main garden at end of St Andrews Place; access from Outer Circle only, not Albany St or Peto Place Access: Part of the garden has no path, just sloping lawn; mostly brick paths; wheelchair ramps where there are steps outside; lifts inside the building Nearest stations: Great Portland Street (not Sunday), Regent’s Park Buses: 18, 27, 30, 88, 205, 453, C2 Car parking: No parking on site Website: http://garden.rcplondon.ac.uk WC

Star Community Garden

CM16. The Skip Garden, Global Generation N1C 4AQ Map 2

The Skip Garden is an exciting example of organic urban agriculture on one of Europe’s largest development sites at King’s Cross. The mobile food garden serves as an educational platform where local children, young people and business volunteers work in partnership on tangible projects to improve local sustainability. This unique space where food and wildlife-friendly plants grow out of skips and containers is also a Capital Growth training hub. Other features include a hive, a recycled window glasshouse and an insect wall. Garden tours will be available. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Tapper Walk, off York Way; can also be reached on foot or bicycle from King’s Cross St Pancras and Goods Way – from Granary Square turn onto Stable Street and continue straight, past Lewis Cubitt Park (entrance beside the Viewing Platform) Access: Part of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs but not all of it; uneven ground and gravel area which might be difficult to cross for people with walking sticks Nearest station: King’s Cross, St Pancras Bus: 390 Website: www.globalgeneration.org.uk WC Montague Street Gardens © Anne Greig

CM17. Victoria Hall – The Institute of Ismaili Studies N1C 4DD Map 2

Victoria Hall is a Stanton Williams-designed student residence, which was commissioned by the Aga Khan Development Network. There are two gardens integrated into the building, which form part of a unique series of contemporary landscape-designed gardens in King’s Cross. The two gardens at Victoria Hall seek to capture the essence of the gardens of southern Spain (1st floor) and Morocco (8th floor). Ten gardens in total form a ribbon pathway of Islamicinspired gardens in King’s Cross: six gardens, terraces and courtyards in the Aga Khan Centre, two at Victoria Hall and two in the public realm, Jellicoe Gardens and Lewis Cubitt Square. 30-minute guided tours will be available on a first come first serve basis. Depending on demand queuing may be necessary. Last tour at 4.30pm. Open: Sunday 10.30am-5pm Entrance: 25 Canal Reach Access: Wheelchair users can access the 1st floor courtyard but will not be able to go out onto the 8th floor terrace, though glimpses out onto the terrace may be possible from the entrance door Nearest stations: King’s Cross, St Pancras Bus: 390 WC