OGSW 2019 Guidebook - Kensington & Chelsea by London Gardens Trust

Collingham Gardens © Diana Jarvis

A Saturday walk around Kensington and Chelsea

Recommended by Area Coordinator Daniel Cutter This walk links OGSW gardens open on Saturday and other green spaces open to the public. Please check garden opening times before starting your walk. Begin at Gloucester Road station (or for step-free access via public transport, arrive at Earl’s Court tube and start/end between Nevern Square and Earl’s Court Square). Turn left out of the station entrance and head north up Gloucester Road. Cross the busy Cromwell Road and take the first left onto Cornwall Gardens road. The centralmost garden opens for OGSW, so continue along the road and cross Launceston Place – the gates to Cornwall Gardens (page 39) are on your right. Continue west along Cornwall Gardens road until it turns to the right. A small pedestrian route breaks off at this corner – follow this straight and it soon becomes Lexham Walk, dropping you at the north east corner of Lexham Gardens (page 42) where the garden entrance is clearly visible.

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

Continue west along Lexham Gardens road, to the south of the garden itself. Continue across Marloes Road to the end of Lexham Gardens, where it meets Earl’s Court Road, then cross straight over onto Logan Place. At the end of Logan Place, turn left onto Cromwell Crescent. At this point you can take the opportunity to visit The Mosaic Rooms – the free galleries and bookshop focusing on contemporary Arab culture, alongside a café and adjoining pop-up garden, make for an interesting diversion.

To continue your garden visits, head south, crossing Cromwell Road and joining Nevern Road, at the end of which lies Nevern Square (page 42). To find the entrance, turn left onto Nevern Place then right onto Nevern Square road. Turn right (south) out of Nevern Square then left onto Trebovir Road. This leads to Earl’s Court Road, where you can find a variety of restaurants. Head south on Earl’s Court Road and take the second right onto Earl’s Court Square road, leading to Earl’s Court Square garden (page 40). Next, head back towards and then cross Earl’s Court Road. Proceed along Bolton Gardens then Wetherby Gardens, before turning right to Gledhow Gardens (page 40). At this point, you can complete the loop by rejoining Wetherby Gardens/Wetherby Place and continuing east until you reach Gloucester Road. Turn left to return to Gloucester Road station. You could also choose to take a 25-minute stroll south through Chelsea to Paultons Square (page 42) and Carlyle’s House (page 39). These gardens are within a 10-minute walk of each other, but do note their respective closing times.

A Sunday walk around Kensington and Chelsea

A Sunday walk around Notting Hill and North Kensington

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.

Recommended by Area Coordinator Daniel Cutter

Begin at South Kensington station. Head towards the south end of Exhibition Road, where the Ismaili Centre (page 41) sits at the junction with Thurloe Place. Leaving the Centre, continue 50m along Thurloe Place to reach Thurloe Square Garden (page 45) – its entrance is on the opposite (south) side. Next, retrace your steps to South Kensington station. This offers many options for coffee or lunch before heading west.

From Bramham Gardens it is a short walk to Earl’s Court Station – turn right out of the gates, then first left onto Bramham Gardens road and continue to the Earl’s Court Road. Turn right and the station is 200m ahead. For those with extra time, both Earl’s Court Square (page 40) and Nevern Square (page 42) are an easy 10-minute walk away. A 20-minute walk to Edwardes Square (page 40) is worth the effort!

Moving on, take Harrington Road, directly opposite the station, and continue straight, crossing Queen’s Gate and then turning left onto Gloucester Road. Continue down Gloucester Road to Hereford Square (page 41) – the entrance is on the opposite side.

This area boasts some of the finest squares in London, and certainly some of the largest. Take the underground to Notting Hill Gate (Central Line) and begin your tour there. Walk down Pembridge Gardens and you’ll come across the exquisite Pembridge Square (page 43) – prizewinning and breathtakingly beautiful, with various ‘rooms’ where you can sit and smell the roses, ponder life in a wild garden or dappled woody glade, let the children run free in the play area or discuss planting techniques with the gardeners. You will pass a number of possible refreshment stops on the way to Ladbroke Square Garden (page 41), or take refreshments in the gardens themselves. This is a magnificent square, and one of the largest private squares in London. Flanked by Kensington Park Gardens on one side and Ladbroke Square on the other, you can get lost in its variety and beauty.

Turn right out of Hereford Square and head north to Wetherby Place. At the junction, turn left, continue for just over 1km, and then turn right onto Ashburn Place. Continue straight until you reach Courtfield Road, then turn left and continue to Courtfield Gardens (East) (page 39). Turn right out of the garden and then right onto Courtfield Gardens road. Continue straight across Collingham Gardens road to reach Courtfield Gardens (West) (page 40) with entrance gates located on the far side. Exit onto Laverton Place, then take the first left onto Collingham Gardens road to Collingham Gardens (page 39). Then head back to Laverton Place and turn left, before taking the first right onto Bramham Gardens road. The entrance to Bramham Gardens (page 38) is on the far side.

Recommended by Area Coordinator Marlene Johnson

Now continue along Park Road and you’ll come across the little-altered Stanley Crescent Garden, built in 1852 (page 45). After enjoying this shady, smaller square with its many old and protected trees, you can either go north to Rosmead Garden (page 43) or alternatively walk back along Ladbroke Grove to visit the peaceful woodland Hanover Gardens (page 40), in

Courtfield Gardens (West) © Janne Watson

the heart of the Ladbroke Estate. As it’s Sunday, the quiet, picturesque route to St James’s Gardens (page 44) is not to be missed. Here you will find charming backstreets and wide avenues, and of course the odd pub or two. St James’s Gardens surround the church of the same name. Enjoy a break and a moment of quiet reflection as you admire the vista along Addison Gardens. Now visit Norland Square (page 42), originally part of the Norland Estate which is just a 10-minute walk away. Enjoy drinks and cakes whilst listening to the birdsong, before taking off again along Holland Park Avenue towards Royal Crescent, in the direction of Shepherd’s Bush. Just opposite the Hilton you’ll find the recently restored and award-winning Royal Crescent Gardens (page 44), also part of the Norland Estate and laid out in 1846 by Robert Cantwell. Royal Crescent Gardens will host Croquet and Cocktails – so what better way to end your tour? Once you’ve tried your hand at croquet and enjoyed a cocktail or two, you’ll be ready to take the subway back to Shepherd’s Bush underground, on the Central line – or perhaps it’s time to take a trip round Westfield, book a table for dinner or catch a film!

KC4. Carlyle’s House SW3 5HL Map 10

The Chelsea home of influential social commentator and historian Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane is now owned by the National Trust. It opened as a literary museum in 1895, having been built in 1708 when Chelsea was still a riverside village. The rectangular garden is enclosed by high brick walls and laid out with low box hedging, fruit trees, grapevines, herbs, roses and cottage garden plants. There is also a vegetable patch and a small grassed area, and the original earth closet building is still used today! Open: Saturday 10am-4pm Entrance: 24 Cheyne Row, through house Access: Too narrow for wheelchairs Nearest stations: Sloane Square, South Kensington Buses: 11, 19, 22, 49, 170 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carlyleshouse

from Russell Road, on the opposite side of the railway from Olympia exhibition centre. There will be a chance to meet plotholders, volunteers and the Council’s two community gardeners. Open: Sunday 11am-4pm Entrance: Russell Road Access: Some slightly uneven garden areas and access between plots narrow in places; nearest toilets on opposite side of platform (inside station) Nearest station: Kensington Olympia Buses: 9, 27 Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/environment/environment-project/ royal-borough-environment-project

KC5. Collingham Gardens SW5 0HW Map 10

Bramham Gardens © Janne Watson

KC1. Bramham Gardens SW5 0HF Map 10

Bramham Gardens is a large, tranquil one-acre lawned garden which was established in the late 1800s. The garden is shaded by some of the tallest plane trees in any London square and is flanked by pink red-brick Victorian houses, and terracotta houses in Dutch Gothic style by architect Harold Peto. Like many of the neighbouring streets, Bramham Gardens derives its name from the Yorkshire connections of the local landowners, the Gunter family. In recent years the garden has seen much new planting. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: West side Access: One step up into garden Nearest station: Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 + C3, 74, 328 southbound

KC2. Cadogan Place North Garden SW1X 9SR Map 10

Leading landscape gardener Humphry Repton designed the North garden in 1806 with a focus on creating hollows, hillocks and gently winding paths. As part of the WW2 war effort, part of the garden was requisitioned to host a barrage balloon in 1939 and railings were removed. The War Office took over the entire garden in May 1942 to station tanks, anti-aircraft guns and troops. In the 1970s the garden had to be re-landscaped when an underground car park was built beneath it. The now shallow soil presents interesting horticultural challenges and opportunities. The garden features some unusual trees, including a Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus molle) and a chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach). Gardeners including Chris Hoad will be present, and handouts will be available detailing general layout and plants of interest. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Opposite 55 Sloane Street Access: Good access from Sloane Street Nearest station: Knightsbridge Buses: C1, 19, 22, 137, 452 Website: www.cadogan.co.uk

KC3. Cadogan Place South Garden SW1X 9RX Map 10

Cadogan Place was the first square to be developed by Henry Holland, together with Sloane Square, from 1777. The South garden of Cadogan Place was once known as the London Botanic Garden. The lawn features mulberry trees which are believed to be some 300 years old and grown originally for the silk trade. On the east side, a walk running the length of the garden has been completed for springtime. Near the tennis courts, black bamboo and willows screen a water garden which is currently undergoing some work. The award-winning Hans Sloane Garden, adapted from a 2003 Chelsea Flower Show design, can be found at the centre of the garden. This celebrates the life of physician and collector Sir Hans Sloane. As with neighbouring Cadogan Place North, gardeners will be present over the weekend and informative handouts will be available. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Opposite 91 Sloane Street Access: Ramps Nearest stations: Sloane Square, Knightsbridge Buses: C1, 19, 22, 137, 452

The original layout of the award-winning Collingham Gardens remains amazingly intact. The simple and symmetrical design incorporates wide lawns, curving gravel paths and tall plane trees, and reflects Harold Peto’s naturalistic style. Shrub beds frame the open, central and circular lawn, with each bed featuring a Japanese cherry tree, ensuring a wonderful display of springtime blossom. In the 1880s Ernest George and Harold Peto, both highly regarded late Victorian architects, designed the Grade II* listed terraces which border the gardens. Individual front and rear elevations were conceived for each house, helping to create an organic village feeling. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Collingham Gardens gate Access: Gravel paths Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 + 74, 328, C3 (southbound)

Community Garden Cluster at Kensington Olympia – Olympia Community Kitchen Garden © William Rallison

KC7. Cornwall Gardens SW7 4AW Map 10

Cornwall Gardens is a garden square with three private communal garden enclosures, each laid out formally with straight paths around the perimeter. The original Victorian market garden was developed by the Broadwood family, who were famous piano makers, and was sold for development from 1866 to 1879. Known as Little India due to its colonial links, the gardens became home to writers, painters, financiers and other fine Victorian minds. The gardens are shaded by some of London’s tallest plane trees dating from 1870, and the trees, lawns and flowering shrubs provide the peaceful and inspirational atmosphere of a woodland garden. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm Entrance: Central section (west of Grenville Place) Access: One step down at gate to garden level Nearest station: Gloucester Road Buses: 49, 74 Website: www.cornwallgardens.org

KC8. Courtfield Gardens (East) SW5 0NQ Map 10 Collingham Gardens © Diana Jarvis

NEW KC6. Community Garden Cluster at Kensington Olympia W14 8HU Map 10

Cadogan Place South Garden © Diana Jarvis

Two of the three community garden projects in this cluster off Russell Road are located on disused railway platforms at Kensington Olympia Station. Two kitchen gardens provide growing spaces in raised beds for Kensington and Chelsea residents, and the third is a market garden project called Cultivating Kensington and Chelsea. Here, volunteers and the Council’s community gardeners run some small glasshouses to raise seedlings to sell to both kitchen garden plotholders and the public. Network Rail have generously allowed platforms to be used for the kitchen gardens, part of a wider ten-year-old community gardening scheme. Access is

Courtfield Gardens were built as part of the Gunter Estate in the mid-19th century. When plans were being drawn up to develop the area around Earl’s Court Manor (next to Earl’s Court station), the Gunter family gave some of the fields to be used for a new church – St Jude’s. The church opened on Christmas Eve in 1870 and closed as a parish church in 2004. Now the building is home to St Mellitus Theological College. The surrounding sunken garden is now for the private use of local residents. It features ornamental flowerbeds, a bank of azaleas and rhododendrons and selfseeded violets. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Opposite 62 Courtfield Gardens Access: Sloping gravel path leading down to main garden Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: 49, 74 + 430, C1

KC9. Courtfield Gardens (West) SW5 0PD Map 10 A spectacular London plane tree dominates this awardwinning mid-Victorian garden, which is for the private use of residents only. Rare ornamental trees (wedding cake, handkerchief, tobacco and giant sequoias) feature alongside a wide variety of shrubs. Dating from 1873, the Square gets its name from a meadow in the Earl’s Court Manor estate – Court Fields – which was demolished when the underground was built. Perimeter railings have been reinstated (after the original railings were used in the war effort) together with a wildlife area and pond, some tropical beds, a native fruit tree orchard, play area and a Victorian arbour and gazebo. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: West side of the garden opposite 19 Courtfield Gardens Access: Mostly flat gravel paths, lawn and some woodchip paths Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 + C3, 74, 328 southbound Website: www.courtfieldgardens.net

KC10. Earl’s Court Square SW5 9DG Map 10

Earl’s Court Square is an award-winning Victorian garden, laid out as part of the Edwardes Estate in the 1870s. Having fallen into disrepair after WW2, a Residents’ Association brought the garden under the 1851 Kensington Improvement Act. Landscape gardener and resident Christopher Fair designed today’s layout and it became a Conservation Area in the 1970s. A children’s play area was added in 1980. Anna Surdacka from Charles Wood Landscape Design has tended the garden since 2012. Famous residents have included Royal Ballet founder Dame Ninette de Valois (number 23), choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton, actor Sir John Gielgud, Pink Floyd members and the National Poetry Society (number 21). Gardener Anna Surdacka and landscape consultant Charles Wood will be present during the weekend. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: South side of square; wheelchairs via north gate Nearest station: Earl’s Court Buses: C1, C3, 74, 328, 430 Website: www.ecsgarden.org.uk

Open: Sunday 10am–5pm Entrance: South side, next to The Temple Access: Good wheelchair access and pathways Nearest stations: High Street Kensington, Earl’s Court, Kensington (Olympia) Buses: C1, 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 Conditions: No picnics WC

KC12. Gledhow Gardens SW5 0AY Map 10

This private one-acre garden is named after Gledhow Hall in Yorkshire, the family home of Miss Jane Benyon, who married landowner Captain Robert Gunter in the 19th century. Gledhow Gardens was established on land forming the Gunter estate, an area formerly owned by James and Robert Gunter. The clean microclimate has nourished some of London’s oldest and healthiest trees and encouraged a wide variety of interesting wildlife, including some rare bird species. The gardens now belong to the residents, thanks to the generosity of Dr Robert Ker and the trustees of the Gunter estate. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm Entrance: East side of garden Access: Access via the single gate on the red-brick house side of Gledhow Gardens, off the Old Brompton Road up to Wetherby Gardens Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 Website: www.gledhowgardens.org.uk

Hanover Gardens © Diana Jarvis

KC11. Edwardes Square W8 6HL Map 10

This three-acre garden square was built between 1811 and 1819. By 1820 the garden was laid out much as we see it today, with meandering paths through shrubberies, lawns, flowerbeds, a rose pergola, croquet lawn, grass tennis court and a children’s play area. Italian artist Signor Agostino Aglio designed the garden with help from the Royal Horticultural Society. The plantings and winding walks are different to those seen in most other squares. The square’s head gardener still resides at ‘The Temple’ – a Grecian-style lodge with Doric columns, built specifically for the gardener.

Hereford Square © Janne Watson

KC14. Hereford Square SW7 4TS Map 10

Hereford Square was built between 1845 and 1850 by architect Thomas Holmes, and the garden, complete with iron railings, was finished in 1848 at a cost of £1,300. The square has kept its charm and lots of trees and flowering shrubs make for relaxing strolls. The author of Peter Pan, Sir James Barrie, lived at 133 Gloucester Road on the east side of the square. It is rumoured that Peter flew in through the first-floor window to take the children to Never-Never Land. WW2 bombing destroyed the south side of the square, and US soldiers used the garden as a baseball ground. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: West side of square Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, South Kensington Buses: C1, 49, 430

KC15. The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden SW7 2SL Map 10

This beautiful roof garden is a sanctuary of calm set against the backdrop of a bustling city. It reflects motifs from Islamic architectural heritage in its serene setting and also draws on the traditions of Muslim civilisations that have inspired outstanding buildings around the globe for hundreds of years. The chahar-bagh (four-part garden), delineated by a central fountain, draws inspiration from the Qur’anic imagery of the Garden of Paradise. It combines granite and greenery with geometry, symbolism and the sound and flow of water in a sheltered yet open garden. Tours are provided. Open: Sunday 10am-4pm Entrance: Thurloe Place Access: Lifts to all floors Nearest station: South Kensington Buses: C1, 14, 49, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 Conditions: Last tour/entry at 3pm; no photography

KC13. Hanover Gardens W11 3LN Map 4

Earl’s Court Square © Janne Watson

KC17. Kensington Square W8 5HD Map 10

Hanover Gardens is a tranquil woodland garden situated within the historic Ladbroke Estate. It has views to the spire of St John’s Church and only birdsong and the bells of the church disturb the calm. There are rolling lawns with mature spreading planes and occasional specimen trees, including a tulip tree. These combine with copses of choice woodland planting, such as Callicarpa, Brunnera, Epimedium, Liriope, honeysuckle, hellebores and ferns. Dame Sylvia Crowe, the noted landscape architect and garden designer, lived here for many years. Open: Sunday 2-5pm Entrance: Opposite 11 Lansdowne Walk Access: Most of the garden accessible by wheelchair, apart from one area with steps; gravel paths Nearest station: Holland Park Buses: 31, 94, 148, 228

Kensington Square is a tranquil, leafy green haven on the doorstep of Kensington High Street. It is one of London’s earliest squares and dates from the 17th century. Originally called King’s Square, it was constructed as part of the Thomas Young Estate. The first buildings date from 1682 and the west side was completed in the 1730s. Fields surrounded the square until 1840. Famous residents have included artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-98) who lived at number 41, philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-73) at number 18, musician Sir Charles Hubert Parry (1848-1918) at number 17 and public health pioneer Sir John Simon (1816-1904) at number 40. Gardener Stephen Airey will be present all day. Open: Sunday 10am-4pm Entrance: North side Nearest station: High Street Kensington Buses: 9, 10, 28, 49, 52, 328, 452

KC18. Ladbroke Square Garden W11 3BJ Map 4

This Grade II-listed garden was originally the site of the Hippodrome racecourse entrance, built by John Whyte in 1837. The venture foundered as the course was too heavy-going. An 1849 plan signed by architect and surveyor Thomas Allason shows the garden laid out as it is today, the largest of the Ladbroke Estate’s 16 communal gardens. It is also one of London’s largest private garden squares. Within the railings, shrubs and stately trees enclose a long, eastwest walk along the north side, with winding paths around three spacious lawns, flanked by colourful herbaceous borders. There are two playgrounds for small and older children. Open: Sunday 2-6pm Entrance: Gate opposite number 60 Kensington Park Road only Access: Level access, but gravel paths and uneven surfaces Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate Buses: 27, 28, 31, 52, 94, 328, 452

KC16. Kensington Nursing Home (BUPA) W11 3PH Map 4

At Kensington Nursing Home there are two beautiful but different gardens at the same location. The first is a spacious, mature private garden behind the building, which features an L-shaped lawn. It also has a paved path, a shady area for sitting, raised flower and herb beds, a fascinating Perspex sculpture, mosaics and a sensory area. The second, separate garden features a pergola, which fronts onto Ladbroke Road. On a hot summer afternoon, these gardens, in a very peaceful and tranquil environment, offer a delightfully cool retreat. Open: Sunday 2-5pm Entrance: 40-46 Ladbroke Road Nearest stations: Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park Buses: 12, 94, 148 WC

Ladbroke Square Garden © Stephanie Stephenson

KC19. Lexham Gardens W8 5JA Map 10

Lexham Gardens is an award-winning one-acre square, which was redesigned and replanted in 1990 after developers were thwarted in their plans to make a car park beneath it. When it reopened in 1991, it won first prize in the All London Garden Square Best Garden. It won three more first prize awards and has also won the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Prize nine times. Facilities include a children’s play area and ponds with fountains. Open: Saturday 10am-5pm Entrance: East side Access: Kerb and small step at gate Nearest station: Earl’s Court or Gloucester Road Bus: 74 Conditions: No ball games

KC20. Markham Square SW3 4UY Map 10

Markham Square lies on the site of an old orchard – part of Box Farm – which was acquired by Matthew Markham in the late 18th century. Following the Markham Square Act 1825, the first houses were completed on the west side of today’s garden in the early 1840s. The remaining houses were built during Queen Victoria’s reign, and the garden was planted with 23 flowering cherries, almonds and peaches in 1937 to celebrate George VI’s coronation. After WWII, it was redesigned by the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s head gardener as a private country garden, notable for its light, open aspect and rare shrubs and trees. Open: Sunday 2-5pm Entrance: North side of square Nearest station: Sloane Square Buses: 11, 19, 22, 211, 319

Open: Saturday 12-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm Entrance: East side of square Access: Gravel paths Nearest station: Earl’s Court Buses: C1, C3, 74, 328 Website: www.nevernsquaregarden.co.uk

KC23. Norland Square W11 4PX Map 4

These private communal gardens for the residents of Norland Square were built, together with the surrounding stucco-fronted houses, as part of the development of the Norland Estate in the early 1840s. Borders are filled with mixed shrubs and ornamental trees alongside a meandering shady gravel path. There is also a sunny central lawn with a children’s playground and tennis court. Although the garden lost its original railings, these were reinstated in 2007. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: East side of the square only Access: Access to lawns via gravel path Nearest station: Holland Park Buses: 31, 94, 148 Rosmead Garden © Diana Jarvis

KC25. Pembridge Square W2 4ED Map 4

The award-winning garden at Pembridge Square was built between 1856 and 1864 for the residents of Pembridge Square, on land that was once part of the Hall Estate. The long rectangular garden is surrounded by railings and a privet hedge. It also features a fine woodland area, wild flowers at the east end, a rose garden in the west and a long herbaceous border as well as a children’s play area. The private communal garden has received awards for the best garden in north Kensington and the best large private garden square. Open: Sunday 11am-5pm Entrance: Opposite number 11 Pembridge Square Access: Some narrow gravel paths, but others have been improved to allow wheelchair use Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate Buses: 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 148, 328, 390, 452

KC21. Museum of Brands W11 1QT Map 4

This award-winning garden is situated at the Museum of Brands, originally built in 1866 as the Bayswater Jewish School. The original 1990 planting was a donation from Chelsea Flower Show’s gold medal-winning Crabtree & Evelyn scented garden, to form part of the London Lighthouse HIV/AIDS centre. The south-facing courtyard garden has since developed into a secluded enclave in the heart of Ladbroke Grove. Planting includes herbaceous perennials, climbers and tender sub-tropical plants, such as Brugmansia, Abutilon and Musa, which flourish in this microclimate. Nest boxes encourage small bird species to thrive in the garden. Open: Sunday 11am-5pm Entrance: 111-117 Lancaster Road Nearest station: Holland Park Buses: 7, 23, 52, 70, 228, 295, 452 Website: www.museumofbrands.com WC

KC22. Nevern Square SW5 9NW Map 10

The garden was an integral part of the layout for Nevern Square, which was designed by William Graves and built from 1880-86. It was privately owned until 1974, when local residents formed a non-profit-making company to buy it. In 1978 the Kensington Improvement Act of 1851 was applied to the square, ensuring a regular income for the garden’s maintenance. The garden’s seven magnificent plane trees probably formed part of the original planting, and there are 28 other tree varieties. The simple layout comprises a large lawn with a circular central bed, surrounded by gravel paths and borders planted with shrubs and herbaceous plants.

KC26. Queen’s Gate Gardens SW7 5LY Map 10

Queen’s Gate Gardens were created in the 1860s when a residential square was built on the site of former market gardens. Today’s landscaping largely retains the original Victorian layout and the old mulberry and Catalpa trees are believed to be at least 150 years old. Circles visible in the lawn mark WWII underground bomb shelters. A carpet of bluebells and blossom provide a real ‘wow’ factor in spring, and the garden brings joy and a sense of community to its members all year round. The gardener will be present and happy to answer visitors’ questions. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Opposite 45 Queen’s Gate Gardens, south side Access: Uneven surface and small step at south gate; gravel paths Nearest station: Gloucester Road Buses: 49, 70, 74 Website: www.qgg.org.uk

KC27. Rosmead Garden W11 2JG Map 4

This garden was made famous in the 1999 Notting Hill film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, when the couple climbed a fence to sneak into the private communal gardens at night. It is part of the Ladbroke Estate, which also includes Arundel Gardens and St John’s Gardens - see www.ladbrokeassociation.info for more details about the estate. In 1823, prominent London architect Thomas Allason planned out these generous communal gardens. They were organised in a concentric layout of crescents with the outer crescents dating from the 1860s. Open: Sunday 12-5pm Entrance: Pedestrian gate on Rosmead Road Access: Entry down a steep flight of steps followed by a short gravel slope; uneven path Nearest stations: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate Buses: 7, 23, 52, 228 , 452

KC24. Paultons Square SW3 5DP Map 10

Paultons Square was named after Paultons in Hampshire, the country seat of George Stanley, the son-in-law of Sir Hans Sloane. Sir Hans was Lord of the Manor of Chelsea in the 18th century and gave his name to Sloane Square, Sloane Street, Sloane Avenue and various places starting with ‘Hans’. This is a pleasant Georgian square built in the 1830s on the site of an old market garden. The land was previously owned by Sir Thomas More and Sir John Danvers and this represents the furthest west of the squares leading off the King’s Road. Open: Saturday 12-5pm Entrance: East side only (East North East) Nearest stations: South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Earl’s Court Buses: 11, 19, 22, 49, 211

KC30. St Quintin Community Kitchen Garden W10 6NX Map 4

There will be celebratory events at OGSW 2019 to mark the tenth anniversary of this kitchen garden, created from a disused tennis court. The garden’s 48 raised wooden beds maximise food-growing space, and most of those involved in the garden grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. Plotholders donated OGSW 2017 proceeds to the Grenfell Tower Relief Fund after debris from the fire landed in some plots. St Quintin’s won an Outstanding classification in London in Bloom between 2016 and 2018 (‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ section) and the London in Bloom Excellence in Gardening Award (2015). Individual plotholders have won awards too. The garden featured in The Great British Garden Revival BBC2 series in 2013. Open: Saturday 11.30am-4.30pm, Sunday 11.30am-4.30pm Entrance: On St Quintin Avenue next to the Health Centre Access: Narrow paths, ramps Nearest station: Ladbroke Grove (not Sunday) Buses: 7, 23, 70, 228, 295, 316

KC31. Stanley Crescent Garden W11 2NA Map 4

Stanley Crescent Garden is part of the Ladbroke Estate development and was largely designed and built in 1852-3 by architect, artist and designer Thomas Allom. It is one of the least altered communal gardens on the estate and contains many old, rare and protected trees. Open: Sunday 2-6pm Entrance: South gate in Kensington Park Gardens Nearest stations: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, Buses: 52, 228, 452 Website: www.stanleycrescentgarden.wordpress.com

KC32. Thurloe Square SW7 2SX Map 10

Thurloe Square takes its name from John Thurloe, Oliver Cromwell’s Secretary of State, and is a typical Victorian garden, with mature trees, winding paths, lawns, borders, flowerbeds and a children’s play area. The square was developed in the 1840s to designs by George Basevi, signalling a new period of Italianate town house design in London. In the 18th century the land passed from Anne Browne to her second husband, Thurloe’s grandson. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Gate on south side of square Nearest station: South Kensington Buses: C1, 14, 49, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 Website: www.thurloesquaregardens.com

KC33. West London Bowling Club W10 6PL Map 4

West London Bowling Club is the only bowling club in Kensington and Chelsea. It was established in 1903 as part of St Quintin’s vision for having sports and recreation in the backlands of the estate. Over the years it produced champion bowlers and won awards for its garden. Unfortunately, the gardens suffered a long period of neglect until 2015. Since then, the club’s volunteers have worked to restore the gardens that surround the bowling green, with new roses and fruit trees planted and a pond created. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Off St Quintin Avenue Access: Limited wheelchair access; some narrow paths Nearest stations: White City Buses: 7, 23, 70, 228, 295, 316 Website: www.westlondonbowlingclub.com WC

KC28. Royal Crescent Gardens W11 4SN Map 4

Robert Cantwell laid out the Royal Crescent Gardens in 1846. Perimeter railings, removed in WWII, were restored in 1997 and the gardens were improved from 2003. A rose and herbaceous border surrounds an oak gazebo centrepiece and the garden has two magnificent plane trees, at least 170 years old, as well as a tulip tree, red oak and some younger specimens. It won the Kensington Society award for garden design (2007) and first prize for communal gardens in North Kensington, under the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme (2008). It also came second in that competition from 2009 to 2013 and in 2016 and 2017, and won accolades from the London Gardens Society. Open: Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: Double gates on Eastern side of the Crescent, near Holland Park Avenue Nearest station: Shepherd’s Bush overground and underground and Holland Park underground Buses: C1, 31, 49, 94, 148, 228, 295, 316, Oxford Tube, buses coming to Shepherd’s Bush/Westfield

KC29. St James’s Gardens W11 4RA Map 4

Speculative developer Charles Richardson built the houses around St James’s Gardens and established the gardens themselves in the late 1840s, for the residents of St James’s Square, part of the Norland Estate. He donated the site for St James’s Church to the Church Commissioners as the houses would be more saleable if they had access to their own church. The historic church was designed by architect Lewis Vulliamy and was built between 1844 and 1855. The private communal gardens are laid out in an informal woodland style. Chestnut and lime trees, dating back to the 19th century, dominate the garden. Open: Sunday 10am-5pm Entrance: South side of gardens Nearest station: Holland Park, Shepherd’s Bush Buses: 31, 94, 148, 228, 295, 316, Oxford Tube