Eversheds Sutherland Vegetable Garden © Diana Jarvis
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A Sunday walk in the gardens of the Square Mile
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Recommended by Area Coordinator Marion Blair
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.
The City gardens are largely unknown to most people, and yet they are gems of urban greening, of vital importance to City visitors and 400,000 daily commuters. This route links three private gardens in the area from St Pauls to the Barbican. No longer than a mile or so, it will take you through some of the Corporation of London’s green spaces, both at ground and high level.
CITY OF LONDON
2 London Wall and the Salters Company Garden. A staircase on your right leads to the Highwalk gardens – another strongly designed area – or stay at ground level, head north, and turn right then left into Moor Lane. On your left is the awardwinning Pop Up Air Quality Garden with its signature galvanised pipes, created in 2017 by Friends of City Gardens volunteers.
Start by visiting the garden of The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers (page 21), then head towards St Pauls tube station near the Cathedral. Opposite, to the north, is Christchurch Greyfriars, a jewel of herbaceous planting within the setting of a Blitz-bombed Sir Christopher Wren church.
Take the staircase onto the Barbican Podium. Head up wide stone steps to pass the fascinating Barbican Conservatory, part of the original 1950s Brutalist architectural design. Bear left when you see Ben Johnson House ahead, then turn left to Beech Street Gardens. Designed by Nigel Dunnett for sustainability and low maintenance, they provide a year-round tapestry of colour and texture.
Continue north up King Edward Street and enter Postman’s Park on your right. This tranquil green space, with its stunning handkerchief tree, houses the poignant Watts memorial celebrating the lives of ‘ordinary heroes’. Exit via the opposite gate, turn left up St Martin’s Le Grand, and head for the roundabout.
Take the right-hand ramp into Fann Street. Turn right for the delightful Barbican Wildlife Garden (page 18) or head into the Golden Lane Estate for the allotment garden of The Golden Baggers (page 19). Both are exemplars of sustainability and biodiversity and serve excellent homemade cakes!
Turn right along London Wall, glancing down at the Barbers Surgeons’ Garden with its historic John Gerard herbal garden. Go across Wood Street and veer left by the 14th century Elsing Spital arch into the impressive corporate planting of 1 &
Finish your walk by returning to nearby Barbican or St Paul’s underground stations.
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Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: 1 Wood Street Access: No wheelchair access – roof garden access by stairs only Nearest stations: Bank, St Paul’s Buses: 8, 25, 242
underplanted shrubbery, ponds, native hedges, trees plus potting and compost areas. There is a bird hide and also bee and bird boxes, bird feeders and insect log piles. Sightings are reported weekly to the British Trust for Ornithology and shared with Greater London Green Information. Gardeners from the team led by Jo Rodgers will be present. Open: Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12-4pm Entrance: Fann Street Access: Mulch/woodchip paths – relaying for easier wheelchair access Nearest stations: Barbican (not Sunday), St Paul’s, Farringdon, Old Street, Moorgate Buses: 4, 56, 153, 55, 243 Website: barbicanwildlife.blogspot.com
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CL5. The Golden Baggers EC1Y 0ST Map 7
Residents of the Golden Lane Estate have turned an old, unused nursery playground into the thriving Golden Baggers community food-growing space. The initiative began in 2010 with 20 one-tonne bags on the playground but, as its popularity grew, a further 20 bags were added a year later. Early in 2016 the bags were replaced by boxes to create a more permanent and accessible solution. Today, there are 42 individual boxes for growing fruit, vegetables, salad crops and flowers. There is also a communal herb garden, soft fruit, potted apple trees, grapevine, a small wildlife area and a children’s shed and digging box. Gardeners from the team led by Su Pearson will be present. Open: Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Entrance: In the middle of the Golden Lane Estate, adjoining the Ralph Perring Centre, between Basterfield House and Hatfield House Nearest stations: Barbican (not Sunday), Farringdon, Old Street Buses: 4, 55, 56, 153, 243
CL2. Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens EC4R 3TE Map 7
Barbican Wildlife Garden, Fann Street © Anna Barclay
CL1. Barbican Wildlife Garden, Fann Street EC2Y 8BR Map 7
The Royal Horticultural Society and London in Bloom awarded this garden a Level 5 Outstanding ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Award’ in 2018. The garden, which is a Grade II Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, strives to enhance biodiversity in the City and to provide a peaceful environment for local residents. Features include a wildflower meadow, sunny and dry pollinator bed garden, a shaded
This private rooftop terrace garden offers stunning views of London’s skyline and is a perfect example of planting for biodiversity right in the heart of the city. It shows how a wide range of plants can be grown successfully in a garden all year round. The multi award-winning garden, which includes a lawned area laid to golf green specification, features unusual and exotic plants as well as garden favourites. Paul Burnage from Grasshopper Displays (garden contractor) provides the vision for this rooftop garden which stems from his love for all things horticultural. Gardener Paul Burnage will be present to chat with visitors. Open: Sunday 10am-4pm Entrance: The River Building, Cousin Lane Access: Access via lift with some stairs Nearest station: Cannon Street Buses: 15, 17 Conditions: Long queues may occur to gain access to the garden. WC
WC Drapers’ Hall Garden © Stephanie Stephenson
CL3. Drapers’ Hall Garden EC2N 2DQ Map 7
Drapers’ Hall Garden is part of the original garden bought by the Drapers’ Company from King Henry VIII in 1543. It remained a welcome retreat until Throgmorton Avenue was built in 1874. The Great Garden had to make way for the demands of the commercial City, although the upper garden near Drapers’ Hall was retained and renovated. Today’s layout dates from 2014 when the company celebrated the 650th anniversary of the 1364 Royal Charter from King Edward III. The garden has five mulberry trees, one of which was planted by Her Majesty the Queen in 1955 and one by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1971. Open: Sunday 10am-4pm Entrance: Throgmorton Avenue Access: Wheelchair-accessible Nearest stations: Bank, Liverpool Street, Moorgate Buses: 100, 153, 214 (westbound) + 11, 76, 133, 141 Website: www.thedrapers.co.uk
CL4. Eversheds Sutherland Vegetable Garden EC2V 7WS Map 7
This secret roof garden brings colour to the top of an award-winning environmental building and transforms a simple sedum green roof into a full living roof designed for biodiversity. The garden also features wild plants to encourage a variety of wildlife. Volunteer gardeners Julie Bridgland and Marta Gradek, who have won individual Golden Pollinator Awards, will be present: they experiment with the crops and varieties they grow, including beefriendly plants for the rooftop beehives. The garden has won many awards, including City in Bloom, the Most Innovative in Design Award and the Outstanding Food Growing, Commercial, and Gold Awards for the vegetable garden and the green roof. Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens © Anna Barclay
CL6. Inner Temple Garden EC4Y 7HL Map 7
This three-acre garden offers peace in the centre of the City, within the historic precincts of the Inner Temple. There has been a garden here since the 12th century. At the main entrance, a deep herbaceous border flanks 18th century gates. In June this border comes alive with alliums, hesperis, foxglove and aquilegia. Together with salvias, asters, geraniums, grasses and dahlias, the border gives colour until winter arrives. There is also a woodland garden, herbaceous and shrub borders with interesting foliage plants, container displays and a majestic avenue of plane trees along the Broadwalk, offering glorious views along the Thames. Head Gardener Sean Harkin and his team will be present. Open: Sunday 1-5pm Entrance: Crown Office Row, via Tudor Street security gate Access: Via a level path but a couple of slight inclines Nearest stations: Blackfriars, Temple Buses: 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 63, 76, 100, 172, 388 Conditions: Professional photography by prior arrangement Website: www.innertemple.org.uk/estate-garden/the-innertemple-garden WC
Inner Temple Garden © The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
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CL7. The Master’s Garden EC4Y 7DE Map 7
CL11. Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School EC3A 5DE Map 7
This hidden gem can be found on the north side of the Temple complex, a short distance from Fleet Street. The L-shaped garden runs between Temple Church and the Master’s House, which was the residence of the Master of the Temple at the Temple Church. The main garden is an elevated plateau, built above 17th century catacombs to create more burial space when the Temple Church crypts were full. This quiet garden, which has been planted with a mix of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, is a real treasure in a very historic part of the City of London. Gardener Bob McMeekin will be present. Open: Sunday 1-5pm Entrance: Tudor Street, east side of the Temple Church Access: Via steps only Nearest stations: Blackfriars, Temple Buses: 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172
The roof garden at Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School boasts views across the City of London and comprises raised fruit and vegetable beds. These are complemented by companion planting and varieties which enhance the local air quality. There are also containerised fruit trees as well as a composting system which ensures a rich learning resource of worms, woodlice and centipedes. The school’s Gardening Club grows and harvests the crops which are used by the kitchen, parents and staff. Birdlife is in abundance in this vibrant garden which showcases the importance of plants to our environment. Gardener Catherine Tidman and members of her team of volunteers will be present. Open: Saturday 12-4pm Entrance: St James’ Passage, off Duke’s Place Access: By 69 steps only – no lift Nearest stations: Aldgate, Aldgate East, Tower Gateway, Fenchurch Street Buses: 25, 100, 205 Website: www.sirjohncassprimary.org
CL8. Middle Temple EC4Y 9AT Map 7
Wander through courtyards and cloistered areas of barristers’ chambers and discover a secret vegetable and cutting garden behind the Church of the Knights’ Templar (next to the Master’s Garden – see separate entry). Admire two fine mulberry trees planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in Fountain Court. Charles Dickens sought inspiration for scenes in Pickwick Papers and Great Expectations around these squares. In the main garden the fine medieval hall forms a spectacular backdrop for a terrace of mixed shrubs and roses and a seasonal planting scheme. This is where the first recorded performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night took place. Head Gardener Kate Jenrick and her team will be present. Open: Sunday 1-5pm Entrance: Entrance to garden is at the bottom of Middle Temple Lane; access to Middle Temple Lane through gate on the Embankment, or from Tudor Street (no entry via Fleet Street) Access: Most courtyard areas accessible to wheelchairs; access the main garden via gate next to Greenhouse, off Temple Place Nearest stations: Temple, Blackfriars Buses: 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172, 341, 388 Conditions: Last entry into main garden 4.45pm Website: www.middletemplehall.org.uk/
Nic’s Secret Garden © Sarah Hudson
CL12. The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers EC4M 7DD Map 7
NEW CL9. Nic’s Secret Garden EC3R 5BJ Map 7
Nic’s Secret Garden in the corner of All Hallows Church is a small oasis in the urban city jungle and an exemplar of one person’s passion for gardening. Nic Guerra, one of the Corporation of London gardeners, created this garden and runs it in his spare time – he and members of his team of volunteers will be present during the weekend. The nursery is overflowing with plants that have been rescued or donated. Nic and volunteers nurture the plants which are then passed onto neighbouring community garden projects. Nic is a passionate and knowledgeable champion of bringing biodiversity into city spaces and works with local schools and horticultural volunteer and community groups. Open: Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Entrance: Byward Street, next to All Hallows Church Nearest stations: Tower Hill, Tower Gateway Buses: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1 Website: www.friendsofcitygardens.org.uk
Stationers’ Hall Garden is a delightful hidden courtyard garden dominated by a London plane tree which was planted in 1837 and said to have gained nourishment from the ashes of illegal books burnt here in earlier times. The Stationers’ Company, who received their charter from Mary Tudor in 1557, were printers and booksellers, ‘stationed’ in and around St Paul’s Churchyard. The hall and a warehouse were rebuilt after the Great Fire and these form three sides of the small courtyard garden. On the fourth side is the Wren church of St Martin within Ludgate. Gardener Howard Sanderson will be present. Open: Sunday 10.30am-4pm Entrance: Ave Maria Lane Access: Access via ramps throughout garden Nearest station: St Paul’s Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 76, 344 and more Website: www.stationers.org
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CL10. Nomura International plc EC4R 3AB Map 7
Now in its seventh year, this multi award-winning garden on the sixth-floor of No 1 Angel Lane offers spectacular unobstructed views of the River Thames from a development occupying the largest area of open riverside space in the City of London. The terrace garden at Nomura International plc is open to staff and clients to enjoy London’s breathtaking scenery. ISS Facilities Landscaping look after the formal gardens and volunteers from Nomura’s switchboard team plan and maintain the kitchen garden. The garden won the Best Large Garden 2018 in the Flowers In the City Campaign, the Gold Award in 2016 and the Skyline trophy in 2017. Gardener Eileen Arrowsmith and members of the ISS team will be present. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: 1 Angel Lane Nearest stations: Monument, Bank Buses: 15, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344 Conditions: Last admission 4.30pm Website: www.nomura.com Nomura International plc © Anna Barclay
The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers © Anna Barclay
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CL13. Vestry House EC4R 0EH Map 7
Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School © Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School
This award-winning garden was developed on the historic site of the 12th century church of St Laurence Pountney and the College of Corpus Christi. These two buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and were never replaced. In this unique, privately owned space, there is a mix of traditional parterre-style planting and a more contemporary design. Nectar-rich flowers grow in a secluded area in a naturalistic style. The wisteria walkway and espalier fruit trees reflect the formality, while textural hard landscaping contrasts well with the perfect grass lawn. Tombs and headstones are woven into the planting design which focuses on increasing biodiversity. Gardener Marion Blair will be present. Open: Sunday 11.30am-3pm Entrance: Laurence Pountney Hill Access: No wheelchair access; mainly laid with stone, small gravel and decking Nearest stations: Bank, Monument, Mansion House Buses: 15, 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 344, 521