Open Garden Squares Weekend 2013 by London Gardens Trust

8 – 9 June 2013

Open Garden SquaresWeekend

2013

www.opensquares.org @OpenSquares #opensquares

OGSWGuide 2013

Contents

Organised by

Welcome to the Weekend

Essential information

National Trust

Events and activities

Garden listings and maps

Outer London map

A North West London garden details B North East London garden details

C South East London garden details

D South West London garden details

12 14

18 22

E Hammersmith, Acton, Chiswick

G St Pancras, Islington

F Hampstead

H Hackney, Bethnal Green

J Lambeth

K Notting Hill, Bayswater, Little Venice

M City, South Bank

O Belgravia, Pimlico, Westminster

L Marylebone, West End, Bloomsbury N Kensington, Brompton, Chelsea P North Lambeth, Southwark

Supported by

I Docklands

Vouchers

in association with the

76 90 95

Index of gardens

OGSW visitor feedback form

Make a date in your diary for next year’s Open Garden Squares Weekend

14-15 June 2014

Tweet us @OpenSquares

like us on Facebook

www.opensquares.org 2

OGSWGuide 2013

Welcome to the Weekend As we celebrate 15 successful years, we have invited the event’s founder, Caroline Aldiss, to reflect upon how the event has grown from her initial concept all those years ago (see p.5). We’d like to thank Caroline for her hard work in setting up the event and all those dedicated volunteers who have contributed to the development of the Weekend.

elcome to Open Garden Squares Weekend 2013. The London Parks & Gardens Trust, in association with the National Trust, is delighted to present an exciting and diverse array of gardens for you to visit. The event, now in its 15th year, aims to increase knowledge and appreciation of parks, squares, community gardens and other green spaces in London.

And of course we are truly grateful to you, our visitors, many of whom return to the Weekend year after year and engage with us in so many ways. We always like to know what you think, so please tweet us your thoughts and photographs, or add your comments on Facebook. There is also a short survey on the last page of this guide that you can fill out and post to us, or you can complete the full visitor survey online at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/opensquares

From historic and well-groomed squares, to contemporary community allotments and roof gardens – there is a garden for everyone to discover, explore and enjoy. More gardens than ever before are now taking part in Open Garden Squares Weekend, which has grown far beyond what anyone imagined when the first ‘Square Sunday’ happened in 1998. At its beginning, the event consisted of 40 private squares opening on a Sunday afternoon.

All completed forms will be entered into a draw to win £50 of M&S vouchers.

That the Weekend has grown to become a major festival of London’s gardens, is down to the wonderful mix of gardens and the passion of the many volunteers who give their time, both those who work year round to make the gardens bloom and the organising team who volunteer for the London Parks & Gardens Trust.

We are delighted to be working again with the National Trust and Transport for London. This year we are very pleased to have Time Out as our media partner and we would like to welcome our new supporters for 2013: London Square (see page 9) and Hamptons International. Our sincere thanks to all who support this event.

We now have over 200 gardens involved and are pleased to include not only private gardens that you normally can’t get into, but also hidden gems and community gardens that put on events specially for the Weekend.

We truly hope you enjoy the weekend! The Open Garden Squares Weekend Organising Committee 3

OGSWGuide 2013

Essential information

All you need to know

How to use the guidebook Last year we were delighted to respond to visitor requests for more detailed maps. Transport for London's Walking Division and their Legible London team have again produced a number of inner and central London maps, which we hope will encourage you to walk between gardens where possible (you may still need an A-Z or similar). If you need more help, look out for the Legible London signs (like the one in the picture above). There are approximately 900 of them across London. Gardens in outer London can be found on the map on pages 10 and 11. You will be able to walk easily between some of these gardens, but not all, and we suggest you visit Transport for London’s journey planner to work out your best route – www.tfl.gov.uk Use the garden listings key on page 9 to find out more about what's going on in the gardens - which are normally closed to the public, where you can take your dog and those which have toilet facilities.

Our website is a fantastic resource for planning your weekend. ● Use the garden selector tool to search by area, activity and type of garden ● Find detailed information under individual garden listings ● Download walking and cycling guides

Last-minute changes The website will be updated with any amendments and garden withdrawals on Friday 7 June. Follow our blog Tales From Duck Island Cottage. Sign up for our regular newsletter.

www.opensquares.org Tweet us @OpenSquares Use #opensquares facebook.com/LondonOGSW

Don’t miss out A year is a long time to wait for the next Open Garden Squares Weekend! So on page 95 we have some truly amazing offers which mean that you can experience a taste of the weekend all year round. This includes: ● Discounted membership of the London Parks & Gardens Trust ● 2-for-1 entry to National Trust properties ● Discount on the Open House London 2013 guidebook ● Special offer from North One and West Six Garden Centres 4

OGSWGuide 2013

Open Garden Squares Weekend – organised by volunteers First organised by Caroline Aldiss in 1998, Open Garden Squares Weekend continues to be run by the London Parks & Gardens Trust (see back cover) and a team of extremely dedicated volunteers. This year we have introduced volunteer Area Coordinators who look after gardens in specific areas. If you would like to be involved – either on the organising team or by helping at a garden over the weekend – please email vol@opensquares.org

Gardens with special conditions We have a number of very special gardens participating this year, that can only be visited as part of a pre-booked tour.

Prison Gardens The prison gardens can only be visited on escorted tours lasting up to two hours. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Advance booking only. You must be over 21 and have a valid Open Garden Squares Weekend ticket. Further terms and conditions apply. Fully booked at time of going to press. Email reservelist@opensquares.org to go on the reserve list.

The London Parks & Gardens Trust would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who work hard all year round to make the Weekend happen, and all those who give their time over the Saturday and Sunday.

Number 10 Downing Street

I remember the day I thought of opening the garden squares of London, back in the early 1990s in Collingham Gardens, South Kensington. Thanks to the efforts of my original team and those that have followed, the event is firmly established as a wonderful occasion for the London calendar. Open Garden Squares events now also take place across Europe including Slovakia, Amsterdam and Dublin. Bells should ring for the garden committees who provide a warm welcome whatever the weather! And thanks to the general public, who in growing numbers support the event annually. Now celebrating its 15th year, who could have foreseen this tremendous success? It is everything and more I could have envisioned – long may the event hold a place in the hearts and calendars of so many.

There are two tours of the garden at Number 10 Downing St. Places on these tours are allocated strictly by public ballot. See our website for details. The ballot will be drawn on 21 May and the winners will be contacted shortly after 29 May. Good luck!

River Café Head Gardener Simon Hewitt will lead two tours of this riverside terrace garden, describing the challenges of growing everything in containers in exposed riverside conditions as well as the rewards. Advance booking only Fully booked at time of going to press. Email reservelist@opensquares.org to go on the reserve list.

West Ham Nursery Go behind the scenes of the nursery that provides florals for state banquets at the Guildhall and Mansion House. Advance booking only – call 020 8472 3584

Caroline Aldiss, OGSW founder 5

OGSWGuide 2013

National Trust

Fenton House

The National Trust was founded to protect open spaces – especially London’s. In fact, our founder, the social campaigner, Octavia Hill, was inspired to create the charity after fighting, and failing, to prevent the meadows at Swiss Cottage being developed for housing.

century garden at Ham House, the charming town garden at Fenton House and, more recently, a new little park at Rainham Hall. Even Sutton House in Hackney, a Tudor manor surrounded by dense housing, is transforming its old car yard into half an acre of outdoor space for families to enjoy.

London is one of the world’s greenest cities, and we hope it remains that way for many, many years. Octavia believed passionately in what she called ‘green living rooms’ – space for people to breathe fresh air and reflect, away from the frenzy of city life. Her legacy has been the 600,000 acres that the Trust now looks after ‘for the benefit of the nation’.

London’s squares and open spaces are one of the gems of Great Britain – the envy of Paris and New York. And we want to celebrate and support them with our colleagues at the London Parks & Gardens Trust. So why not celebrate with us, cut out the coupon in this guidebook and bring a friend along to one of the National Trust properties named.

Today, in London, we care for several tranquil, green spaces: the vast park and farmland at Osterley, the 17th-

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/london

Meet the National Trust Look out for the National Trust in Earl’s Court Square Gardens. You will be able to meet one of their expert gardeners, find out more about what they do and ask them how to solve your gardening challenges! 6

Events and activities OGSWGuide 2013

Events and activities As always, we have an amazing array of activities taking place – from cycling and walking tours to workshops, plant sales, art exhibitions and an exciting array of performances. You can find further details on the activities available in the individual garden listings. In particular you might like to look out for:

Walking tours We are delighted to offer a number of guided walks, all led by experienced and friendly guides. It’s a great way to visit both some of the popular gardens as well as take in some of the more secret ones. Saturday 8 June Ninety-minute guided walks, taking in the pleasures of the City gardens and important sites, are planned for both the morning and afternoon. Pre-booking essential – email marion.blair@mac.com after 1 May. These tours are a fantastic way of getting the most out of visiting the City Gardens. There will also be three guided walks starting from the gates of Bedford Square at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and finishing at the British Medical Association in time for their tours at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm respectively. No booking required – just turn up with your Open Garden Squares Weekend ticket. Sunday 9 June One-hour, Middle and Inner Temple Walks, taking place on Sunday morning and afternoon. Pre booking essential – email marion.blair@mac.com after 1 May. There will also be three two-hour guided walks starting from the gates of Bedford Square at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and finishing in or near Bedford Square. No booking required – just turn up with your Open Garden Squares Weekend ticket.

Cycling tours Back by popular demand are our cycling tours, led by experienced and friendly members of the London Cycling Campaign. Where possible, the rides will go through quieter, characterful streets, many of which form part of the London Cycle Network. Rides on both days are expected to finish at Covent Garden at about 5.30pm. You are welcome to leave or join the tours at any point. No need to book – just turn up with your Open Garden Squares Weekend ticket and bike. Saturday 8 June Saturday’s ride will start at 10am from the South West end of the Covent Garden Piazza in front of St Paul’s Church and will visit gardens in Camden and Islington. Sunday 9 June The ride will start at 10am from the South West end of the Covent Garden Piazza in front of St Paul’s Church and will visit gardens in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

OGSWGuide 2013 Events and activities

Events and activities Late night opening! A number of visitors have asked for gardens to open later and the Brunel Museum Garden is happy to oblige. Enjoy a cocktail in their small, but perfectly formed, roof garden and watch the sunset over London. Open Garden Squares Weekend ticket holders are offered a discount on their cocktails (£5 instead of £7). Open till 10.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

London Gardens Online! Interested in finding out more about the gardens you have visited? The London Parks & Gardens Trust’s Inventory of Parks, Gardens, Squares, Churchyards, Cemeteries and other Green Spaces of Local Historic Interest is available online at londongardensonline.org.uk. The inventory includes information on many of the gardens opening for Open Garden Squares Weekend. All the sites listed must be at least 30 years old and have some historic element of formal layout or landscape design, or have important social history. Gardens which can be found on the inventory are indicated by a magnifying glass symbol.

Access The majority of gardens consider that they are accessible for visitors with disabilities. In some cases we have shown where access is difficult. This is, for instance, because of the lack of a dropped kerb, steps within the garden or at the entrance, narrow paths or uneven surfaces. All obstacles, where known, are indicated. Access to a small number of gardens is very difficult because of the nature or location of the garden. For safety reasons we cannot recommend that physically disabled people visit these gardens. People with disabilities are advised to come with a companion. One companion will be admitted free of charge.

Dogs Working assistance dogs are allowed in all gardens. Other dogs are allowed only where indicated and must be kept on a lead. Please note that events may be postponed or cancelled owing to weather or to circumstances beyond our control. Visitors are reminded that these are private gardens and are kindly asked not to intrude or inconvenience residents. Please ask permission before taking any photographs.

Disclaimer All information contained in this guidebook was believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. The London Parks & Gardens Trust cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information provided by participating gardens. 8

OGSWGuide 2013

Garden listings and maps

Garden listing key: Disabled toilet facilities Dogs allowed on leads

The majority of gardens are not normally open to the public and these are indicated with the key symbol. Some public gardens are included, many of which will have laid on entertainment or interpretation for the event. Others are of historical interest and will enliven the walk along the way. The maps at the start of each section indicate approximately where each garden can be found and should be used in conjunction with a detailed street guide.

Garden normally closed to the public Toilet available for visitors Cg Capital Growth garden

National Trust places Info at londongardensonline.org.uk

areas covered by the Transport for London Maps (inner and central London gardens). The outer London gardens are listed in four sections – North West, North East, South East and South West. Throughout the guide, each garden has a unique reference code, consisting of a letter and a number. The number refers to the map on which the garden location is shown. You can look for specific gardens by using the index on pages 97 and 98.

The gardens are presented in separate geographical areas, with corresponding maps – although we also recommend you bring a detailed London map with you. The main map, over the page, indicates approximately where individual gardens in outer London are located as well as the

London Square, the capital’s most exciting residential developer, is proud area sponsor for Open Garden Squares Weekend 2013. London Square Fulham

Across the world, London is famous for its residential squares and London Square’s aim as a developer is to mirror their sense of place and community in its developments. London Square build where people choose to live. Our approach is simple. We focus on prime sites within the M25 and Greater London, identify and source the most desirable locations and design and build the best quality homes. London Square currently has nine sites across London in highly coveted locations including Wimbledon Village, Shoreditch, Fulham and Putney.

londonsquare.co.uk

01895 627333 9

OGSWGuide 2013

North West London

Outer London map Enfield A 10

A41 A1 A2

A406

Outer London

B3 B6 A6

Haringey A1

Highgate

Harrow

Map F Hamp stead

A41

Map G St Pancras, Islington

A406

Camden A7

Map E Hammersmith A4 Acton Chiswick

M4 A4

Outer London

South West London

A 20 5 D6

A 3 16

D5 D11

Map L Marylebone, West End Bloomsbury

Map K Notting Hill, Bayswater, Little Venice

A40

Map J Lambeth C10178

D12

A 2 14D14

Merton

Map I Docklands A2 C7 C9

Dulwich

D10

A 23

C12

A 2 32

A 2 17

Croydon

Sutton

Lewisham

A 2 0 5 C11

A 24

D1 D13

A 20 2

Wandsworth

Map H Hackney & Bethnal Green

Map P North Lambeth & Southwark

A 32 12

A 10

Map M City & South Bank

Map O Map N Belgravia, Kensington, Pimlico, Brompton, Westminster Chelsea D4 D3 A 30 4

A 5 0 3 B4

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

Squares & Gardens

A B C

A1 Canons Park – George V Memorial Garden A2 Canons Park – Seven Acre Lake

Outer London

North East London

A3 Garden withdrawn

A 11

A406

B10

A4 Osterley House Gardens

A5 Queen’s Wood Lodge Organic Garden A6 Roe Green Walled Garden

A7 Walpole Park Walled Garden

A8 Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden

B1 Abbey Gardens – What Will The Harvest Be? B2 Abney Park Cemetery

B3 Avenue House and Garden

B4 Clissold Community Garden

B5 Eastbury Manor House Walled Gardens and Herb Garden B6 Long Lane Pasture

B7 Pooles Park Primary School B8 Rainham Hall

B9 Valence House Museum Herb Garden

A 13

B10 West Ham Park and Nursery C1 Ballast Quay Garden

C2 Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

C3 Centre for Wildlife Gardening

A 10 2

C4 Charlton Manor Primary School

C5 Culverley Green

C6 Dulwich Upper Wood LNR C7 Gloucester Circus

C13

A 20

C9 The Secret Orchard

Outer London

South East London

C8 Red House

C10 South London Botanical Institute

C11 Sydenham Garden C12 Winsford Gardens

C13 The Woodlands Farm Trust

D1 Carshalton House Landscape Garden

D2 Growing Gardens Community Project at Deen City Farm

D3 Fulham Palace

D4 Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments

D5 Grey Court School Community Allotment

D6 Grove House Estate (Roehampton University)

D7 Ham House and Garden

D8 May Project Gardens

D9 Roehampton Allotments – Dover House Road and The Pleasance

D10 Rookery and Streatham Common Community Garden D11 St Michael’s Convent

See individual listings for exact opening times

D12 SHARE Community Horticulture Project

D13 Sutton Ecology Centre

D14 Tooting Community Garden 11

OGSWGuide 2013 Outer London Area A: North West London

Outer London

North West London A1. Canons Park – George V Memorial Garden HA8 6RH Canons Park is a grade II-listed historic landscape and contains several listed buildings. The park was part of one of the grandest homes of 18th century England, developed by James Brydges, the 1st Duke of Chandos. The George V Memorial Garden is a walled garden within the park, once part of the duke’s kitchen gardens. It was completely redesigned in the 1930s after the park became public. The garden celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012 and reflects the 1930s period, with an evergreen structure accented by magnolia and other interesting tree species, flowering shrubs and seasonal groundcover planting. It features a central square pool with fountain, surrounded by a raised Yorkstone terrace with steps, informally planted flowerbeds and a pavilion with bench seating. In 2006–7 the garden and the park were restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The park has won Green Flag awards every year from 2010 to 2013. Open: Sunday: 1–5pm

Entrance: Donnefield Avenue (closest to station), Whitchurch Lane, Canons Drive, Howberry Road Access: Bonded gravel surface on paths to the Memorial Garden. Shallow steps to pond Nearest station: Canons Park Buses: 79, 186, 340 from Edgware Activities: Friends of Canons Park stall, featuring information and leaflets on the history and restoration of Canons Park. Refreshment stall. Free entrance w www.friendsofcanonspark.org.uk Gardener: Derek Roy MBE

A2. Canons Park – Seven Acre Lake HA8 The Seven Acre Lake formed part of the Canons estate, owned by the 1st Duke of Chandos, and was created to provide a glorious, prominent view from the mansion towards the east. Today a circular, unpaved path surrounds the lake but the original landscaping is no longer in evidence, as are most of the other water features created for the estate. However, the lake is still rich in flora and fauna and

provides a sanctuary for migrating birds and waterfowl. There are benches at various points around the lake, from which visitors can stop to admire the view of the opposite banks and central island, which is home to a number of wildfowl such as Canada geese, moorhens and coots. The land around the lake is owned and maintained by the members of the Canons Park Estate Association and, since access is normally restricted to residents of the estate and their visitors, this is a unique chance for the general public to visit the area.The best way to approach the Lake is via Canons Drive, through a pair of white gate piers that are all that remains of the original gatehouse. The quarter-mile road features a smaller lake and is lined with resplendent Wellingtonia trees, planted in the 19th century and now reaching up to 130 feet in height. Allow around 20-25 minutes to complete a walk around the lake. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are kept on a lead, and owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Rose Garden Close Access: Circular path narrow and uneven in places and can be muddy following rain. Access is easier on one side only if required. Because of the closeness to water, small children must be accompanied by an adult at all times Nearest station: Edgware or Canons Park Buses: 79,186,340 w www.cpea.org.uk

A3. Garden withdrawn A4. Osterley House Gardens TW7 4RB Osterley is the last remaining country estate in London with farm, parkland, gardens, 18th-century mansion and a Tudor stable block. The site, which covers 350 acres, is just eight miles from Hyde Park Corner. The mansion and gardens were created in the late 18th century by architect and designer Robert Adam for the Child family. The 18thcentury Pleasure Grounds have been recently restored, and include a grade-I listed Adam garden house with lemon trees, American border, Long Walk (including a new Diamond Jubilee wood), flower beds in the ‘Picturesque’ style and ornamental vegetable displays in the Tudor walled garden. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Jersey Road

Osterley House Gardens

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Access: Level access. Some gravel/uneven surfaces and narrow paths Nearest station: Osterley (no service Hammersmith-Northfields) Bus: H91 Activities: Plants for sale. Tearoom. Shop. Second-hand bookshop w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley Head gardener: Andy Eddy

A5. Queen’s Wood Lodge Organic Garden N10 3JP This prize-winning garden is hidden away behind the old keeper’s lodge, now a café in Queen’s Wood, Muswell Hill. Formerly the lodge keeper’s garden, it became derelict and completely overgrown. The garden was rescued and restored 12 years ago with the help of Lottery funding and now has plots of fruit bushes and trees, vegetables, a frog pond, herbs and flowerbeds. It is surrounded by woodland and has many wildflowers around the edge and as companion planting in the beds. There are also beehives, plus habitats for insects and other wildlife. Local volunteers work the garden, which is closely linked to the Friends of Queen’s Wood. The aim is to demonstrate what can be achieved in a small garden and to provide education for gardeners in the form of information boards and booklets on organic gardening. Funds from plant sales provide the plants, seeds and equipment needed. The garden is also used by local residents, schools and teachers as a resource for learning about many aspects of gardening, including composting, taking cuttings and pruning. In 2009 and 2010 the garden won prizes from Haringey In Bloom in the wildlife and community gardens categories. Open: Saturday: 1–5pm Entrance: 42 Muswell Hill Road Access: Only one path is wheelchair accessible and some of it is bark chippings. The whole garden can be viewed from this one path but other paths are narrow and sloping Nearest station: Highgate Buses: 43, 134 Car parking: No parking at the Lodge except to drop off disabled visitors Activities: Plant sale. Cafe w www.queenswoodgarden.org Volunteer co-ordinator: Lucy Roots

A6. Roe Green Walled Garden NW9 9HA This Victorian walled garden, built in 1899 for the Duchess of Sutherland, has formal

lawns with rose beds, an unusual rockery, flower borders, a vegetable and fruit garden and a high-rise wildlife home. There are two ponds and a children’s area featuring a Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Wildlife is encouraged, with bird boxes and feeders. Visitors are welcome to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this secluded garden, which won a Green Flag Community Award in 2012. Open: Saturday: 10.30am–5pm Entrance: Kingsbury Road, opposite Valley Drive. Follow roadway through Roe Green Park Nearest station: Kingsbury Buses: 183, 204 Car parking: Outside garden Activities: Children’s activities. Refreshments. Sale of plants, woodcraft items, books and bric-à-brac w www.bhcg.btck.co.uk

A7. Walpole Park Walled Garden W5 5EQ The walled garden situated in Walpole Park is currently mainly a rose garden but there is evidence of a kitchen garden in Walpole Park before Sir John Soane bought Pitzhanger Manor in 1801. A section of the garden has been reestablished as a kitchen garden with a focus on the glorious and unusual heritage varieties of fruit, vegetables and flowers. It is maintained by a number of local volunteers and community organisations with Ealing Council. Open: Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Entrance to Walpole Park via Mattock Lane or Ealing Green. Entrance to walled garden within the park is to the south of Pitzhanger Manor lawn. Access: Entrance nearest Pitzhanger Manor has a few steps. Entrance near the sunken garden is wheelchairaccessible Nearest station: Ealing Broadway Buses: 65, 207 Activities: Volunteers on hand to answer questions, Friends or Foes of the Regency Gardener trail, family activities, garden tours, arts and crafts, music, plant sale, beekeeping demonstration, cakes, food and drink w http://tinyurl.com/walpole-park Cg

A8. Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden N6 5HG In 1889, Sir Sydney Waterlow gave his gardens to the people of London as ‘gardens for the gardenless’. In 2011, the original site of the kitchen garden was

Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden

restored and re-opened as a community resource for growing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. Surrounded by yew hedges, the garden has the feel of a ‘secret’ part of Waterlow Park. A place for quiet retreat at times, whilst at others, a busy place for active gardeners. There are 10 raised beds, each one managed by a different local organisation. These include two primary schools, two mental-health agencies, three local gardeners’ groups, the Friends of Waterlow Park and HICAN, a local conservation group. The design of the garden was planned by a team from Camden Parks Department, volunteers from BCTV, and the Friends of Waterlow Park. Waterlow Park itself offers stunning views over London and many other natural delights. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Dartmouth Park Road, Highgate Hill or Swains Lane Access: Hard surface paths in the park but some grass paths and some uneven paths in the kitchen garden Nearest station: Archway Buses: 210, 263, W5, 271, 143 Activities: See a range of plants and vegetables and meet some of the volunteer gardeners. Café in the park at Lauderdale House. Talks, walks and presentations are planned. See website for details Toilet: At the Park Centre just above the kitchen garden. Ramp available w www.waterlowpark.org.uk Cg

OGSW Guide 2013 Outer London Area B: North East London

Outer London

North East London B1. Abbey Gardens – What Will The Harvest Be? E15 3NF Abbey Gardens is a public space designed by artists Karen Guthrie and Nina Pope of Somewhere.org.uk on behalf of the Friends of Abbey Gardens. Initiated and led by the friends group, what was a neglected wasteland has been transformed into a unique openaccess harvest garden where anyone can grow and harvest flowers, fruit and vegetables. The gardens surround part of the ruin of a protected 12th-century Cistercian abbey, where monks ran a productive garden. The site also displays more recent 19th-century remains. Devised four years ago by the artists as a horticultural and social experiment, the project invited anyone to participate in the communal growing and harvesting of vegetables and flowers. Over the last three seasons the active friends’ group has grown and flourished alongside the garden. The garden occupies a 2000square-metre urban site in Newham, east London, protected by English Heritage from development due to its medieval monastic and Victorian ruins. The local area – in a state of change and growth – provides an inspiring backdrop, bringing in new transport links, residents and commuters. Historically this echoes the

hub of travellers, commerce, debate and food production that the Cistercian abbey would have been and the idea of returning the land to production was very influential on the project. Later influences such as wartime ‘Dig for Victory’ allotments and an early 20th-century group of Newham ‘squatters’, the ‘Plaistow Landgrabbers’, also inspired the artists’ design. This group of unemployed men took over a nearby piece of empty land to prove that the unemployed did in fact want to work. They called their plot ‘The Triangle Camp’ and this directly inspired the shape of the raised beds at Abbey Gardens. The slogan painted on the wall behind their camp provided the project name – What Will The Harvest Be? The contemporary garden design centres on formal raised beds arranged in a flag-like layout. As well as providing a striking structure for the site, suited to both experienced and novice growers, the design also dealt with the issue of polluted soil, allowing food production to begin. The design mixes flowers and produce and is informed by the practical requirements of vegetable growing. Its scale and style also evoke the Edwardian heyday of the English civic park, as well as honouring the Landgrabbers’ ‘Triangle Camp’. A

Abbey Gardens – What Will The Harvest Be?

dense network of paths throughout the beds enables access for gardeners and visitors, and the entire site is visible from the adjacent road and DLR train line. Free garden-club sessions take place from March to the end of October three times a week, and the site is open every day to visitors. Rather than people claiming individual plots, the idea is to experiment with treating the garden as one shared resource and to distribute the produce among the regular gardeners as well as through an honesty stall on site. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Abbey Gardens, Bakers Row Access: Grassed and bark paths, wide enough for wheelchairs Nearest stations: Abbey Road (DLR), West Ham or Stratford Bus: 276 Activities: Refreshments. Tours of the garden with the garden-club leader or one of the artist/designers. Members of the Friends of Abbey Gardens will also be on hand w www.whatwilltheharvestbe.com Designers: Nina Pope & Karen Guthrie Cg

B2. Abney Park Cemetery N16 0LH Abney Park was opened in 1840 as a Nonconformist garden cemetery and was laid out on the grounds of the Abney and Fleetwood estates. It is now a 32-acre historic park, cemetery and nature reserve in a built-up inner-city area. It represents an important green resource for the local community and a unique

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 experience for visitors. The Trust, a registered charity, took over the management of the site in 1991 and now runs events including environmental education, training, volunteer projects, guided walks, talks and workshops, as well as theatre productions, film locations, small music festivals and open days. Among the numerous important tombs and memorials are those to General Booth and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army, and to members of the Loddiges family. Free access. Open: Saturday: 8am–6pm, Sunday: 8am–6pm Entrance: Stoke Newington High Street Access: Generally level access but uneven surfaces, and some narrow paths, steps and ramps Nearest station: Stoke Newington Buses: 67, 73, 76, 149, 243, 393, 476 Activities: Sunday 9 June 2pm – guided walk with John Baldock Conditions: No alcohol on site w www.abney-park.org.uk

B3. Avenue House and Garden N3 3QE Avenue House is an imposing grade IIlisted mid-Victorian mansion with extensive gardens that contain a unique collection of trees forming an attractive backdrop to the house. The land on which Avenue House stands used to be known as Temple Croft Fields, after the Knights Templar who were granted it in 1243. From 1312 it belonged to the Knights Hospitaller until their estates were seized by Henry VIII in 1540. It passed through various hands until in 1732 it was bought by Thomas Allen. In 1859, Rev. Edward Cooper, a relative of the Allen family, built a villa on the site, which later became known as Avenue House. It was bought in 1874 by Henry Charles ‘Inky’ Stephens, son of the inventor of the famous blue-black ink. He died in 1918, bequeathing Avenue House to the people of Finchley. The gardens were designed by Robert Marnock, said to be the best landscape gardener of his time. Marnock’s career as a designer of gardens lasted from Bretton Hall in the late 1820s to Rousden, in Devon, in 1889. Many styles of garden design came and went, yet Marnock’s very distinctive gardenesque style, relying mainly on a superb eye for landscape and good judgement appears to have remained the same throughout. The square-shaped kitchen garden, called the bothy, was built in 1882. It comprised three walls

Clissold Community Garden

with corner towers, a gardener’s house with storage for carts, aquatic tank, potting shed and glasshouses. Today the garden looks quite different. It is divided into three main areas. Where once the glasshouses stood, there is now a large lawn. The aquatic tank has been filled with plants and there is a wild garden filled with unusual plants and a formal garden with box edging and a pergola draped in roses. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: East End Road Access: Level access, but some gravel paths and uneven surfaces Nearest station: Finchley Central Buses: 82, 125, 143, 326, 460 Activities: Bothy garden open. Tree trail around the historic aboretum. Homemade lunch and afternoon tea in the house w www.avenuehouse.org.uk Grounds and Buildings Manager: Glen Rooke

B4. Clissold Community Garden N16 9EX The garden is the prime example of Peter Bedford Housing Association’s horticultural therapy programme, and their ‘plot to plate’ project, funded by the Big Lottery Local Food scheme. Hidden behind a row of Georgian terrace houses and bordering a very small wood, tenants and participants have used recycled materials and propagated plants over the years to create an established permaculture garden. Frequented by resident artists, food growers, bird watchers and sun-lovers this garden is being opened to the public for the first time. Access to the garden can be found between two Georgian Houses on Clissold Road. Clissold Road connects Albion Road with Church Street Stoke Newington. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 12.30–4pm Entrance: 23a Clissold Road Access: Access by two sets of steps, each with a handrail. Unfortunately we

OGSW Guide 2013 Outer London Area B: North East London Access: One level hard-surface path. Other paths around the Pasture are mown grass and can be a little uneven Nearest station: Finchley Central Bus: 143 Car parking: Please park in Long Lane. No parking allowed in the cul-de-sac Activities: A self-guiding trail with a series of information points. Visit to our beehives w www.longlanepasture.org Trust Chairman: Ann Brown

B7. Pooles Park Primary School N4 3NW

Valence House Museum Herb Garden

currently have no provision for wheelchair users to access the garden Nearest stations: Stoke Newington (1.5km), Manor House (1.8km) Buses: 141 & 341 to Stoke Newington Church Street, 73 to Stoke Newington Town Hall Activities: All visitors will be given a tour with produce and products from the garden available for purchase. Refreshments (tea and cakes) will be available – prepared by participants from PBHA’s Plot to Plate project and catering enterprise. Art and sculpture to view and purchase created by the Peter Bedford Art Group w www.peterbedford.org.uk Gardeners: The Clissold Gardening Group/Michael Turrisi Cg

B5. Eastbury Manor House Walled Gardens and Herb Garden IG11 9SN Eastbury Manor is a grade I-listed Elizabethan manor with well-preserved walled gardens – a hidden gem. The walled garden retains its original internal brickwork, together with the bee boles used by the family for honey. An island of calm in a bustling location, the garden is attractively situated by the renewed façade of the house. The herb garden features herbs and flowers that would have been used in the Tudor era for cooking and medicines. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Main entrance in Eastbury Square Access: Wheelchair access via Eastbury Square. Some original staircases and steps may limit access to the house. Gardens fully accessible Nearest stations: Barking, Upney

Buses: 287, 368 Activities: Guided tours throughout the day. Plant sales and garden rangers on hand to answer questions. Talks about Tudor Gardens at 11.30am and 2.30pm. More details of other activities nearer the time. Contact Katherine Diamond on 020 8724 1002 or visit our website w www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk/eastbury

B6. Long Lane Pasture N3 2RN

Long Lane Pasture (one hectare, 2.6 acres) is Finchley’s best-kept secret – a meadow which has been undisturbed for centuries. Threatened by a housing development in 1999, the site was saved by volunteers and is now managed by a charitable trust. The Pasture is at its best in mid-summer, when it is full of wildflowers. Beside an old ivy-covered wall, a long border is filled with flowering plants (lavender and buddleias in profusion) to attract butterflies, bees and moths. Most of the Pasture is grassland, bordered by native trees and shrubs, which provide nesting sites and shelter for birds, a sanctuary for the resident fox family, and nectar for insects. There is a bird feeding station, popular with tits, robins and finches. Grassy paths crisscross the land, with one big circle of grass, favoured by grasshoppers, kept undisturbed. There is a large pond and several smaller ponds, which attract many dragonflies. There are plenty of seats where visitors can rest a while, and a hard path leads to a seated area by the pond. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Pedestrian gate off Long Lane, opposite the fire station

The Pooles Park Community Garden is a beautiful, interactive green space just five minutes’ walk from Finsbury Park station. It is set within the school grounds and has, with much love, passion, care and commitment by the staff, children, families and many volunteers, evolved into a small oasis for the benefit of wildlife and us. We have a productive Global Food Garden, where we grow a variety of fruit and vegetables from all over the world. Our greenhouse keeps our chillis, aubergines and okra plants warm. A mini trained-fruit orchard enhances a southfacing wall. We have extensive composting facilities and rainwater collection tanks. Our ex-battery hens are very friendly and happy. The wildlife pond, attached bog garden, miniwoodland, native hedgerows, wildflower meadows and circles support both visiting and resident wildlife and enable the children attending Pooles Park to grow up experiencing and seeing a variety of wildlife. We often fire up our earth oven to cook fresh, organic food from the garden – jacket potatoes, casseroles, pizzas and more. The Environmental Education journey began eight years ago and our garden has since been used, studied, explored and developed by the children and staff at Pooles Park, visiting schools and organisations and a multitude of volunteers from the local and wider community. Open: Saturday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Hatley Road via the back gates to the school Access: Level access, ramps Nearest station: Finsbury Park Buses: W7, W3, 210 and many more Activities: Seed sowing. Face painting. Environmental Art workshops and more w www.poolespark.com Environmental Educator: Sophia Ioannou Cg

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

B8. Rainham Hall RM13 9YN Modest garden to the rear of Rainham Hall (1729) with a large, newly restored garden beyond featuring a new terraced walk and orchard. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: The Broadway Access: Paths to rear of hall are cobbled and uneven. New garden has level access from road Nearest station: Rainham Buses: 103, 165, 287, 372, 652 Car parking: Nearest public car parking at Tesco Activities: House also open for public viewing – normal National Trust admission charges apply w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rainham-hall

B9. Valence House Museum Herb Garden RM8 3HT Valence House is a grade-II* listed building, dating from the 1400s. It is the only one surviving of the five manor houses of Dagenham. The house, now a local history museum, is sited in parkland and partially surrounded by a moat. The herb garden, which opened in 1992, was created by historic gardens consultant Virginia Nightingale. The central feature is

a green pergola, surrounded by formal beds of roses and herbs. A new World War Two Garden has been created. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Becontree Avenue, Dagenham Access: Herb garden and ground floor fully accessible. Accessible toilets in visitor centre Nearest stations: Becontree/Chadwell Heath, then bus 62 Buses: 5, 62, 128, 129, 364, 368 Activities: Guided garden tour, explaining about herbs and the World War Two Garden. House and visitor centre open. Café for light refreshments. Buy our Healing Herbs of Valence House leaflet. For more details of other activities nearer the time, contact Katherine Diamond 020 8724 1002 or see our website w www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAnd Heritage/ValenceHouseMuseum

B10. West Ham Park and Nursery E7 9PU West Ham Park grows over 250,000 bedding plants for world-class displays that can be seen in the Square Mile, on Hampstead Heath and also for three of the Royal Parks at Richmond, Greenwich and Bushy. As part of the weekend, we

will be opening our nursery to the public to view behind the scenes and take part in a guided tour on Saturday from 12.15 to 1.30pm. Visitors will be shown around our glasshouses and have the opportunity to see plants that are used for floral functions for state banquets at the Guildhall and Mansion House, residence of the Lord Mayor of London. Entrance: Main Gate, Upton Lane Access: Level access but narrow paths Nearest stations: Plaistow, Upton Park, Stratford (2.25KM, bus) Buses: 104, 238, 328, 678 Activities: Guided tour, opportunity to ask questions about plants and purchase bedding plants. Advance booking is essential. To enjoy this amazing experience please call 020 8472 3584 to book a place. Following the tour, free self-guiding walks leaflets are available for you to enjoy the Park and its amazing seven-acre ornamental gardens at your leisure Conditions: Booking is essential: call 020 8472 3584 to book a place w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/westhampark Park Manager: Geraldine King

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OGSWGuide 2013 Outer London Area C: South East London

C South East London Outer London

Open: Sunday: 1–5pm Entrance: Dulwich Road, Brockwell Park Gardens or Tulse Hill Access: Some uneven paths, but greenhouses and most of the garden are accessible Nearest station: Herne Hill Buses: 2, 3, 37, 57, 68, 196, 322, 432, 468 Activities: Plant sales. Greenhouses open to visitors. Plant displays. Family quiz sheets Conditions: Tickets are not required for this garden w www.brockwellparkcommunitygreenhouses.org.uk Community gardener: Alison Alexander

C3. Centre for Wildlife Gardening SE15 4EE

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

C1. Ballast Quay Garden

C2. Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

A wharf returned to nature in the late 1960s. Surrey Docks Farm, which was a founder of the City Farm Movement, started here, with local people giving their surplus food to our goats and chickens. In the late 1970s we ran a tea garden here. Today neighbours sit beside the river. Some grow vegetables. Foxes dance on the grass at night. There is a memorial, created by sculptor Kevin Herlihy using rubbish from the river, to the uncounted millions of animals who died of the cure for foot-and-mouth disease. For this event, we will recreate the pioneering spirit of city farming, with blacksmithing and cooking taking place in the open. (No farm animals. You have to go to Surrey Docks to see them. But dogs very welcome.) Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Ballast Quay Access: Wheelchair access is difficult but not impossible with a carer Nearest station: Maze Hill Bus: 188 Activities: Iron-age forging – hooks, candlesticks, fire-sticks for sale. Cooking over an open fire. Teas Conditions: This is a riverside site, so great care is needed

A small charity and community garden, managed and maintained largely by volunteers with the support of part-time staff. The site was once a municipal plant nursery for the park and has a long history dating back to the early 1890s, when the park first opened to the visiting public. Covering just under one acre, the gardens share their original grade II-listed wall with the neighbouring walled garden. The two Clearspan aluminium-framed greenhouses date back to the 1980s and are the last of their kind in London. Thirteen years ago the site had fallen into disuse. Volunteers have invested time and love to turn the gardens into what you see today, and work is on-going to restore this charming space to something like its former glory. The site is made up of a series of garden rooms with a wildlife corridor running the length of the boundary. We aim to offer visitors and the local community a relaxed and tranquil environment where they can learn about ornamental and crop plants from around the world, wildlife and the environment as a whole. Volunteering is open to everyone, and we are open throughout the year, come rain or shine. Please contact us via the website, where you can also find information about events. The project received a Green Flag Community Award in 2012

SE10 9PD

SE24 9BJ

A mosaic of inspiring mini-habitats demonstrating how you can help wildlife, whatever size space you may have. The plant nursery supplies British wildflowers, herbs, cottage-garden plants and pond plants as well as native trees, shrubs and climbers in season. Small toddlers’ sandpit area and picnic facilities. The centre won a Green Flag Community Award in 2011. Open: Sunday: 12.30–4.30pm Entrance: 28 Marsden Road Access: Fully accessible Nearest stations: East Dulwich, Peckham Rye Buses: 185, 40, 37, 176, 484 Activities: Children’s crafts and games. Wildlife gardening advice. Plant sale. Refreshments w www.wildlondon.org.uk Area manager: Celia Hammond

C4. Charlton Manor Primary School SE7 7EF Hidden away behind the dinner centre is the Charlton Manor Primary School Secret Garden. Just a few years ago it was derelict and overgrown. Today it’s a secret haven that includes raised beds, a vegetable patch, fruit trees and vines, a greenhouse, pond, bird hide, chickens and our very own observation beehive. The garden is used all year round by all ages and there are gardening clubs at lunchtime and after school. In 2012 Charlton Manor led a group of other schools in Greenwich on a learning journey into plant care, which resulted in us growing the most beautiful cut flowers, being awarded a Silver Gilt medal at the Chelsea Flower Show and meeting Her

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Majesty the Queen for the second year running. We have been invited to enter again this year. In 2013 we are working closely with Woodlands Farm, Shooters Hill, with our very own school vegetable plot, giving children the experience of a real working farm and the opportunity to grow produce to be used in our state-ofthe-art teaching kitchen. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Indus Road Access: We have gravel paths which may be difficult for wheelchairs, but we can assist Nearest station: Charlton Buses: 53, 54, 89, 422, 486 Activities: Tea, coffee and homemade honey cake made from our own honey. Pond-dipping. Talk and exploration of our observation beehive. Tour of the garden with staff available to answer questions w www.charltonmanor.greenwich.sch.uk School gardener: Deana Dunbar (acting) Cg

C5. Culverley Green SE6 2JZ The gardens here form a triangle at the junction of three roads and were originally laid out as part of plans for an early Edwardian estate, now a conservation area. The planting scheme comprises informal groupings of shrubbery set in a lawn. Thanks to the support of Lewisham council through their contractor’s Glendale some of the laurels have been removed and replaced by more decorative shrubs. The spring bulbplanting scheme has continued with the planting of more bulbs in the autumn of 2012. The local residents’ association continues to campaign for funds to upgrade the planting scheme – with some success – and to replace the chain-link fence by reinstating the boundary railings. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Culverley Road Nearest station: Catford Bridge Buses: 54, 75, 124, 136, 181, 185, 202, 208, 284 Activities: Garden fête on Sunday afternoon. Tea and cakes, plant stall, raffle, face-painting and band

belonged to the Abbot of Bermondsey. The Manor stretched for more than two miles from Herne Hill to the southern tip of Sydenham Ridge. This was mostly covered by mixed oak woodland and was part of the Great North Wood, which then extended from New Cross to Croydon. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1542, he had the Dulwich estate surveyed. In 1605 the manor was sold to Edward Alleyn, who later set up the College of God’s Gift, which today owns Dulwich Upper Wood. Within this area lie two old woodland boundaries, a line of ancient coppiced and pollarded trees and a ditch marking the subdivisions of the Great North Wood. In 1852 the Crystal Palace from the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park was re-erected on the ridge of Sydenham Hill. With the Crystal Palace came the high-level railway station and residential roads. It was at this time that eight large houses with gardens were built along the east side of Farquhar Road. In 1936 the Crystal Palace burnt down and thereafter the area went into decline. The railway station fell into disuse and was eventually demolished, with prefabricated houses erected on the site. Some of the Victorian houses were bombed during WW2. Others were neglected and had to be demolished. By 1960 most of the site was overgrown and only 18 Farquhar Road was still lived in. The basements of the houses can still be seen today and have become an important feature of the wood. In 1981 the Dulwich Society, together with the Greater London Council and Southwark council arranged for the Trust for Urban Ecology (then the Ecological Parks Trust) to manage the wood as a nature reserve. Spinney Gardens Housing Estate was built in 1986, with Bowley Lane linking it to

C6. Dulwich Upper Wood SE19 1SS

The present day shape of Dulwich Upper Wood can be traced back to the Great North Wood and the rapid land-use changes within the Crystal Palace area since the mid-1800s. From the 12th to the 15th century, the Manor of Dulwich – the area which today contains the wood –

Dulwich Upper Wood

Farquhar Road. This link road cut through the southern section of the wood, separating a small triangle of land from the rest of the wood. Since 1988 a number of improvements have been made to the site to enhance wildlife value, and improve educational facilities and disabled access. This includes the fungi and fern gardens developed in the basements and a pond/marsh area, made using the London clay under the site. A grant was obtained in 2003 to renovate the terraces/wild area. A new woodland centre is soon to open to help with interpretation and management of the site. A new woodland food garden has just been created. Open: Sunday: 10am–4.30pm Entrance: East side of Farquhar Road Access: Some of the site is on slopes, so is not suitable for wheelchairs, with some steps, etc, but there is a path that goes right through the nature reserve that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are a couple of bark paths Nearest station: Gipsy Hill or Crystal Palace Buses: 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417 to Crystal Palace Activities: Walk around a lovely woodland local nature reserve – guided tours at 11am and 2pm. Portakabin with local history and wildlife information w www.urbanecology.org.uk/dulwich.html Site manager/warden: Jim Murphy/Malcolm Crewe

C7. Gloucester Circus SE10 8RY

Gloucester Circus was designed by Regency architect Michael Searles in the 1790s and has a substantial central garden. It is a simple oval shape with perimeter beds and one island bed. Its main feature is a fine collection of about 40 trees including three mature planes, two tulip trees, a paulownia, a judas tree, two weeping ash, a mulberry and a walnut and an ailanthus. There are a variety of shrubs including hydrangeas, sarcococca, lonicera, fatsia japonica, grasses and philadephus. There are no herbaceous plants but groundcover plants are gradually being introduced. The garden is maintained on the equivalent of one man-day of paid gardening and one grass cut per fortnight, supplemented by some voluntary work. Leaves are mostly composted on site and recycled. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Opposite 32 Gloucester Circus Access: Pedestrian surfaces are all

OGSWGuide 2013 Outer London Area C: South East London grass. One step up into garden but board for wheelchairs Nearest stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark Buses: 177, 180, 188, 199, 286, 386. River services to/from Greenwich Pier Activities: Self-guided tour with advisers to hand. Refreshments from 3pm Gardener: Richard Honeywill

C8. Red House DA6 8JF Simple garden and orchard surrounding the only house commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement. Red House is a building of extraordinary architectural and social significance. When it was completed in 1860, it was described by Edward Burne-Jones as ‘the beautifullest place on earth’. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Red House Lane, Bexleyheath Access: Difficult access for wheelchairs with uneven brick paths and some steps Nearest station: Bexleyheath Buses: 89, 96, 422, 486, B11, B12, B14, B15, B16 Activities: Tearoom and shop. House can be visited for an additional entry fee (National Trust members free) after 1.30pm. Guided tours of the house from 11am to 1.30pm by prior booking only w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house Gardener: Claire Bryant

C9. The Secret Orchard

C10. South London Botanical Institute SE24 9AQ

The features of this garden include a soft fruit area, a newly planted urban orchard with heritage pear varieties, apples and cherries, and an espalier wall planted by Cafe Crema and the London Orchard project. Visit our wildlife pond, meet the ducks and look around our greenhouse and potting shed (which has a small reference library and lots of gardening magazines). Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through Café Crema, 306 New Cross Road, or from Laurie Grove Access: Difficult for wheelchairs coming through café entrance. For side entrance, wheelchairs are possible but it is not ideal, as the ground is woodchip and uneven Nearest stations: New Cross, New Cross Gate Buses: 21, 53, 136, 171, 172, 177, 225, 321, 343, 436, 453 Activities: Fully licensed vegetarian and vegan café. Local honey and homemade cakes and lunches on sale, Fairtrade and organic teas and coffees. Freshly laid duck eggs from our Indian Runners (subject to laying mood). Come and feed the ducks. Mini-stall selling local produce. Strawberry plants for sale. Homemade, homegrown raspberry tarts, gluten-free Conditions: No picnics: café is open for food and cakes, hot drinks w www.cafecremaevents.co.uk Gardener: Kiri Lewin

The SLBI, which celebrated its centenary in 2010, continues to fulfil its original remit to inspire local people to find fascination in the plant world. The SLBI supports London’s smallest botanic garden, which is densely planted with over 500 labelled species, grown in a formal layout of themed borders. Traditional medicinal herbs grow beside plants used in current pharmaceutical research. Ferns, carnivorous plants, British natives, scented plants, monocots, and drought-tolerant plants are all featured, alongside rare trees and shrubs from the southern hemisphere. Last year we created a new pond and wetland area at the heart of the garden. There is access for pond-dipping and new planting which will continue to provide a home for frogs and newts. We have recreated the ‘living museum of strange visitors’, as the original garden was described in a newspaper article in 1912. The writer marvelled at the profusion of wildflowers allowed to flourish in the garden, and this tradition continues. Other features include a specially commissioned mosaic, designed by Emma Biggs to celebrate the centenary. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: 323 Norwood Road Access: Narrow paths Nearest station: Tulse Hill Buses: 68, 196 322, 468, 2, 201, 415, 432

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Red House

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 winning resource centre also open w www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk

C12. Winsford Gardens SE20 7RN

Sydenham Garden

Activities: Opportunity to explore the Institute’s fascinating building. Unusual plants for sale. Exhibition of botanical illustrations. Homemade teas w www.slbi.org.uk Head gardener: Sarah Davey

C11. Sydenham Garden SE23 2LW

Sydenham Garden is an award-winning charity providing gardening, nature conservation and creative opportunities for the well-being of local residents. We provide a place where local people, particularly those coping with ill health, can gain confidence and self-esteem through work and community. Referred clients, known as co-workers, work alongside regular volunteers and trained staff to help maintain the community garden and nature reserve. For those who prefer to develop their creative skills, we also offer a wide range of arts and crafts courses and activities. The centre and nature reserve is for the whole community, but will particularly help those coping with ill-health. The garden includes a pond, nature reserve, raisedbed vegetable growing area, Victorian-style greenhouse and planted beds. Our resource centre, built to Passivhaus principles, received a best mental-health design award in the Building Better Healthcare awards. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–4pm Entrance: 28A Wynell Road Access: Site is fully accessible with purpose-built ramps where needed Nearest station: Forest Hill Buses: 75, 202, 354 Activities: Refreshments (drinks, cakes), plant and art and craft sales. Award-

Historically the private gardens of Winsford House, the garden holds many original features, including ornamental shrub beds, fruit trees, rose gardens and stunning stretches of lawn. More recently, while open as a public park, the gardens were neglected. Environmental charity The Conservation Volunteers (formally BTCV) stepped in to recruit volunteers from the local area of Penge to form Penge Green Gym, a group who worked to breathe life into the gardens, transforming the site into an exciting, attractive community space and wildlife garden. Winsford Gardens is now independently run by the Penge Green Gym community group. Since May 2011 work has been carried out through weekly sessions to increase colour and vibrancy in the gardens, create a sustainable foodgrowing space, herb garden and propagation area, develop a native wildflower meadow, increase wildlife habitats through constructing stag beetle loggeries, insect hotels and wood piles, and plant an urban orchard and hedgerows. Winsford Gardens is now a beautiful and peaceful community environment! And in 2012 our efforts were recognised by Bromley Council, who honoured us with an environmental award. Projects completed with the help of the funds raised from the the last OGSW include a natural seating and children’s play area. We used materials sourced from natural and, where possible, local materials and hope to encourage the local community into the park. More funds will help us to renovate the rose gardens and urban orchard. Open: Saturday: 11am–4.30pm Entrance: Croydon Road or Garden Road Access: Wide central path and level lawns allows access for all users Nearest stations: Kent House, Anerley, Penge West Buses: 176, 197, 356, 358, 75 Activities: Children’s crafts including making bird feeders and bug hotels. A treasure hunt. Plant sale. Lawn for picnics. Informal guided tours of the garden with Penge Green Gym volunteers www.btcv.org/penge Penge Green Gym Committee Officer: Electra Thompson Cg

C13. The Woodlands Farm Trust DA16 3RP The Woodlands Farm Trust is an 89-acre city farm compromising hay meadows, wildlife ponds and woodlands. When the Woodlands Farm Trust was started, they decided that it would be appropriate to have a cottage garden around the house. This garden had been neglected for 12 years, so in 1998 restoration began by a team of volunteers. The garden is now completely different from 14 years ago, having evolved to maturity. Still maintained by volunteers, it is managed on organic principles and for the benefit of wildlife. The volunteers grow everything on site from seed and there will be some plants available for sale. The garden contains, as well as a variety of flower beds, a vegetable patch, shrubs along the borders and a small pond. In recent years the farm cottage garden has won several awards, including Bexley and Greenwich in Bloom. The garden is regularly used by visiting school groups and by visitors to the farm. Open: Sunday: 9.30am–4.30pm Entrance: 331 Shooters Hill Access: The garden is accessible although there are some narrow paths which are not suitable for a wheelchair Nearest stations: Welling (2km, bus) Buses: 89, 486 Car parking: Limited: public transport is recommended Activities: Plant sale. Café open.Opportunity to look around the rest of the farm. This is the perfect time to see wildflowers in our hay meadows w www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org Gardeners: June + Jeannette

Winsford Gardens

OGSWGuide 2013 Outer London Area D: South West London

D South West London Outer London

D1. Carshalton House Landscape Garden SM5 3NY The grounds of 17th-century Carshalton House feature the remains of a formal landscape garden of 1716–20, laid out for Sir John Fellowes, sub-governor of the South Sea Company. The early gardens may have been designed by Charles Bridgeman, and include a water tower by architect Henry Joynes. A serpentine lake (now dry) with sham bridge was added in the later 18th century, replacing an earlier formal canal. The chalk-and-brick hermitage or grotto dates from around 1750. The remains of a wilderness survive as boundary plantings. The ornate brickand-stone water tower is a fine example of baroque architecture, and contains an orangery, pump chamber, saloon and plunge bath, with ornamental ceiling and tall arched openings. Open: Sunday: 1–5pm Entrance: Pedestrian entrance to water tower in West Street Access: The water tower is wheelchairaccessible. Access to Hermitage via steps. Please phone 020 8647 0984 in advance for disabled access Nearest station: Carshalton Buses: 127, 157, 407 Car parking: No car parking on site. Parking in Festival Walk or Carshalton village Activities: Water tower open all afternoon. Guided walks of the grounds and hermitage available according to demand w http://carshaltonwatertower.co.uk

garden is a turf maze, overlooked by an eco-cob building, which features the Fizzy Bottle Roof designed by artist William Waterhouse, created by the community out of 5,000 plastic bottles. The building won the Guardian Green Award for Best Green Building 2009. The project hosts monthly workshops on subjects such as bee-keeping, kitchen gardening and medicinal herbs, which tie in with the garden’s ethos on sustainability. Green Fingers educational tours are also held for local schools. Growing Links allows people with mental health problems to do a spot of gardening on a Wednesday. The garden, supported by the City Bridge Trust, has won several awards over the years, including Merton in Bloom Best Community Garden 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Open: Saturday: 10am–4.30pm, Sunday: 10am–4.30pm Entrance: Along the river Wandle Access: Some narrow paths but the garden is mainly wheelchair-accessible Nearest stations: Phipps Bridge, Colliers Wood Bus: 200 w www.deencityfarm.co.uk Project coordinator: Louisa Loakes

D3. Fulham Palace SW6 6EA Fulham Palace was home to the Bishops of London from AD 700 to 1973. The palace itself is an architectural treasure, including elements from the Tudor,

D2. Growing Gardens Community Project at Deen City Farm SW19 2RR The Growing Gardens Community Project is a hidden garden on a city farm, begun in 2003 on a disused, overgrown part of the farm. Once bramble- and nettleridden, now visitors can wander its colourful paths and be inspired by the quirky, creative approach to gardening. There are raised vegetable areas, allotment and demonstration composting areas, a wildlife garden and pond. The garden is maintained by a steady stream of garden volunteers. At the back of the

Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments

Georgian and Victorian periods. It lies in 13 acres of lawn and gardens that still reflect the 18th-century landscape design. There are many interesting and unusual trees and plants. During 2010-12 the gardens and nearby Bishops Park were restored, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hammersmith and Fulham council. Visitors can view the rebuilt vinery and ongoing work within the re-opened walled garden. Open: Saturday: 12–3pm Entrance: At end of Bishop’s Avenue by gates to Bishop’s Park or by gate close to All Saints Church in Bishops Park Access: The walled garden is accessible but some paths are narrow. The surface of the gravel paths varies; so manual wheelchair users may need assistance Nearest station: Putney Bridge Buses: 14, 74, 220, 414, 430 Activities: Three special guided tours by volunteers for OGSW ticket holders at 12 noon, 1pm and 2 pm. Museum open 14pm. Drawing Room Cafe serving light meals and refreshments, open 9am-5pm. Plants for sale w www.fulhampalace.org Head gardener: Lucy Hart

D4. Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments SW6 6EA

Fulham Palace Meadows Allotment Association runs this site by the Thames in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. A gift from the Bishop of London in 1916, the site is exceptional in that it covers an Anglo-Saxon site of historical importance. It is set within a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument area and under the jurisdiction of English Heritage. In the later Middle Ages, Fulham Palace is reputed to have been the largest moated area in Europe. Run by dedicated volunteers, FPMAA plays a vital part in local life. With 406 plots, an amazing cross-section of LBHF residents from all walks of life gain a unique and exceptional experience within this innercity haven. Open: Saturday: 11.30am–3.30pm Entrance: From Fulham Palace Access: Narrow paths with uneven surfaces, so not very suitable for wheelchairs Nearest station: Putney Bridge Buses: 14, 74, 22, 414, 430 Activities: Guided tours. Teas and light refreshments. Plant and produce stall w www.fulham-allotments.org

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

D5. Grey Court School Community Allotment TW10 7HN

In 2008, Ham United Group (HUG) worked a small organic community allotment at Ham House, which proved very productive and was a great success. Following that success – and the fantastic advice given by the Ham House gardeners – we decided to spread our wings and grow. Grey Court School very kindly gave HUG and the community a piece of disused land behind the almshouses and this is now the site of HUG’s new, larger allotment. After much hard work and careful planning, the accessible raised beds were finished. It has now become a meeting place on a Saturday morning for residents. Their children and the odd dog come along too. We plant, harvest, discuss growing techniques and most of all enjoy homemade goodies at the end of the session. A fun and relaxed way to ‘grow your own’. Someone is always on hand to pass on their knowledge. All crops grown are for the consumption of the volunteers. Open Saturday mornings with prearranged access at other times. Open: Saturday: 10am–4.30pm Entrance: The gate next to the zebra crossing on the corner of Ham Street & Ashburnham Road Access: The allotment has been made wheelchair accessible, but visitors in wheelchairs may encounter some uneven paths. Area around the chickens is grassed with a tiled path Nearest station: Richmond (4km; bus) Bus: 371 to Sandy Lane or Ashburnham Road (100m) or 65 to Sandy Lane or Ham Gate Avenue (800m) Activities: Homemade cake. Plants and jams for sale. We will not restrain you should you wish to plant something – trowels and gloves will be on hand! Our community chickens will be delighted to ‘cluck and coo’ for you. They always enjoy company Conditions: Paved area around the chicken coops w www.e-voice.org.uk/hamunitedgroup Garden coordinator: Mary Pitteway Cg

D6. Grove House Estate (Roehampton University) SW15 5PJ

Roehampton Great House originally stood on this site, built in 1625 for the Lord High Treasurer of England under Charles I. Some of the foundations are still visible in the cellar of Grove House.

Grey Court School Community Allotment

James Wyatt built the present house in 1792 for Sir Joshua Vanneck. Now part of Roehampton University, the beautiful listed grounds of Grove House were first laid out in the 18th century, when Capability Brown is believed to have been consulted. The formal gardens, lily pond with fountain and limestone terrace were added in the 19th century, as well as the grotto (it is said, to deaden the noise from the adjacent convent!) There is also a lake, a sham bridge and a mausoleum. The icehouse was only discovered in 1998, when exploratory work on the grotto revealed a bricked-up door. Open: Saturday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Roehampton Lane Access: Most of the circuit of the garden is accessible by wheelchair. There are some steps but alternative routes are available. Uneven surface in places Nearest station: Barnes (1km) Buses: 72, 265 and 493 stop outside, 85 and 170 a few minutes’ walk away Car parking: Parking available on site Activities: Self-guided walks with information sheets at any time w www.roehampton.ac.uk/froebel

D7. Ham House and Garden TW10 7RS

One of a series of grand houses and palaces alongside the River Thames, Ham House and Garden stands as one of Europe’s greatest 17th-century houses. The house is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens that are gradually being

restored to their original 17th-century splendour. The restoration project is based upon a plan dating back to 1671 by Slezer and Wyck, which can be seen on display inside the house in the library closet. Highlights of the garden include the muchphotographed cherry garden and its geometric lavender parterres, the mazelike planting of hornbeam hedges in the wilderness and a beautiful walled kitchen garden. The kitchen garden has been at Ham since at least 1653 and is currently one of the most productive walled kitchen gardens in London. It provides the café with produce all year round, from purplepodded peas to salsify, skirret and scorzonera – the gardeners aim to be as true to the 17th century as possible. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Ham Street Nearest stations: Richmond (1¾ miles/2.8KM, bus) Bus: 65 to Sandpits Road or 371 to Ham Street (10-15 minute walk) Car parking: Free council-owned car park 400m away Activities: Regular free half-hour tours of the garden with our friendly volunteer garden guides. Choose from a variety of freshly made sandwiches, cakes and homemade soups in the Orangery café. Children’s garden trail available from visitor reception (small charge applies) Conditions: Visit to house not included in event. Last entry 4.30pm w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

OGSWGuide 2013 Outer London Area D: South West London Access: Uneven surfaces throughout. Accessible toilet at both sites Nearest station: Barnes or Putney (then take the 430 bus) Bus: 430 Activities: Join the RGS for a small fee, buy horticultural goods and receive advice on ‘grow your own’ matters. Walk around our plots with a guide or on your own and chat to gardeners tending their plots. If you live in Wandsworth, why not put your name on the waiting list? Children might be particularly interested in the chickens and beehives Conditions: Please keep to main paths. Do not enter individual plots unless invited w www.roehamptonallotments.co.uk

D10. Rookery and Streatham Common Community Garden SW16 3BZ

May Project Gardens

D8. May Project Gardens SM4 6RW

A community food-growing project set up in 2009 to a design based on permaculture principles and ethics. The site is a 280-square-metre plot which incorporates a kitchen garden, main crop garden, forest/orchard garden and a wildlife garden. This is a fairly new project in the development stages, but there is still a great deal to see, learn and be inspired by. The May Project Gardens site is registered as one of Capital Growth’s urban food-growing sites and is run by individuals in the local community. The site is strongly influenced by permaculture, with uses natural principles to develop integrated systems that provide food, shelter, energy and community. Many elements of the project are ideas developed or adapted by permaculture and self-sustainability researchers. If you would like to see the early stages of an urban permaculture project and be inspired to carry out your own or get involved in similar projects close to you, come along and see the possibilities. Open: Saturday: 1–6pm, Sunday: 10am– 6pm Entrance: 158 Middleton Road Access: The entrance is narrow and some pathways are gravel/bark Nearest stations: St.Helier (1km), Mitcham (1.7km, bus), Morden (1km, bus) Buses: 80, 157, 164, 280 Activities: Guided tour of the site, explaining each element of the gardens – questions welcome. Try your hand at designing an undeveloped portion of the garden

Conditions: Toilet is situated inside a residential property but will be available for use during the weekend of the event w www.mayproject.org Head gardener: Randy Mayers Cg

D9. Roehampton Allotments – Dover House Road and The Pleasance SW15 5AR The Roehampton Garden Society (RGS) manages two allotment sites behind the houses of Dover House Road. There were originally three allotment sites established by the London County Council in the 1920s, when it built the Roehampton Estate. In the 1970s local people fought a bid by the Greater London Council to build houses on the allotments, saving the two sites here today. The third site was sadly lost to development. Today there are 200 allotment plots at 162 Dover House Road and 80 plots at 18 The Pleasance. Members of the local community, from a diverse range of backgrounds, work side-by-side to maintain their individual plots. In June there will be mature crops of asparagus, peas and beans, strawberries and other berries and flowers, especially roses. Preparations will be underway for the Summer Show on Saturday 15 June in St Margaret’s Church Hall, Putney Park Lane. The show has been held annually by the RGS since at least 1893, with interruptions only for the two World Wars. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm Entrance: 162 Dover House Road and by 18 The Pleasance (off Dover House Road)

Mineral wells were discovered here in 1659, adjacent to Streatham Common, which established Streatham as a fashionable spa village. Around 1786 a large house, later known as the Rookery, was built in three acres of private gardens. After the wells moved elsewhere in Streatham, the house was occupied by a number of notable residents. In 1912 the area came under threat from development. A local resident, Stenton Covington, led a campaign and saved the site for a public garden. The house was demolished and the gardens, created by Major Maud of the London County Council, opened to the public on 23 July 1913. The wide lawn and terrace – with its magnificent cedar and surrounded by rhododendrons – are typical of Edwardian gardens. Wide steps lead down to the originally walled Old English Garden, part of it known as the White Garden. This garden was made popular by Queen Mary and the Princess Royal, who made a private visit in 1936. In the garden’s centenary year, see one of the original well heads and the cascade and view some of the exotic plants, including striking azaleas, Japanese acers, gunneras and bamboos. Streatham Common Community Garden is a foodgrowing project in an historic ‘secret garden’. Now in its second year, the project has brought the Rookery’s Old Walled Nursery Garden back into use, continuing a history of food growing on the site going back 220 years. Once a kitchen garden featuring a heated greenhouse and coldframes, this garden had fallen into disrepair. Volunteers are involved in the project, which aims to

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 spread food-growing and sustainableliving skills, with work having started to restore this very special garden to its former glory. Gaze up at our 150-year-old mulberry tree, see the newly planted heritage fruit garden, explore our edible hedge and see Edwardian coldframes, recently restored by Lambeth College students. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Top (NE) end of Streatham Common South Access: Wheelchair access available Nearest stations: Streatham (1.1KM, bus) Bus: 249 Activities: Horticultural trail designed by students of Capel Manor College. Full history of the site available, published by the Streatham Society. Conducted tours of the community garden. Photo displays and sale of plants and produce (for garden funds). Refreshments and cakes for sale (for funds) in the community garden

D11. St Michael’s Convent TW10 7JH

Four acres of garden, behind a convent, including a walled vegetable garden, orchards, vine house, ancient mulberry tree, extensive borders, labyrinth, meditation and Bible gardens. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: 56 Ham Common Access: Some gravel paths, could be difficult for wheelchair users Nearest station: Richmond (4km; bus) Bus: 65 to Ham Gate Avenue Activities: There are seats and benches around the garden to sit and be. Walking the labyrinth w www.sistersofthechurch.org.uk Gardener: The Garden Sister

D12. SHARE Community Horticulture Project SW17 7DJ This beautiful and interesting garden, set within the grounds of Springfield University Hospital, maintains a strong link with its historic past in both its planting and its function. The project is based in the Gillian Webb Memorial Garden, which was once the Male Airing Court in the days when Springfield was the Surrey County Pauper Lunatic Asylum. In 1841 the space was laid out with vegetable plots maintained by the patients. Today SHARE Community uses the space as the hub of a thriving horticultural training project, working with adults with disabilities. Vegetables are

well represented in the crops produced by trainees, who also maintain the garden and produce plants for sale. Other features include colourful herbaceous and shrub borders, a herb garden, a pond and a willow arbour with a mosaic floor. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Vehicle access in Glenburnie Road; pedestrian and bicycle access also from Burntwood Lane. The garden is situated in a walled enclosure to the northwest of the Main Building, facing the golf course Nearest stations: Tooting Bec (1.4km), Wandsworth Common (1.7km) Bus: G1 to Springfield Hospital Car parking: There is parking close to the garden and disabled drivers can park in the garden. All drivers need a parking permit and these are available at the Gatehouse at the Glenburnie Road entrance to the hospital Activities: Plant sale. Cold drinks Conditions: No alcohol w www.sharecommunity.org.uk Horticulture project supervisor: Jenny Shand

D13. Sutton Ecology Centre SM5 3NY

Sutton Ecology Centre is a fascinating place to learn about nature and the environment. The site was originally created in 1989, when it was saved from being sold for housing. The grounds are an excellent place for a stroll and to find out about wildlife habitats, composting, organic and wildlife gardening. Our nature reserve contains a wealth of habitats, including a pond, meadow and woodland. There are also community allotments, sensory and butterfly gardens. Come and enjoy the calm of our grounds – you won’t believe you are in the middle of a busy town. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Festival Walk, off Honeywood Walk and West Street, Carshalton Nearest station: Carshalton Buses: 127, 157, 407 Activities: Follow our trail to learn more about the heritage of the centre. The Old Rectory will be open for a free exhibition by Froglife about pond life. Come and discover giant models of the amphibians and other creatures you might find in a pond. Workshops available for children to make models w www.sutton.gov.uk

D14. Tooting Community Garden SW16 1RN Tooting Community Garden is a relatively new project that provides a space for local people to learn and practise sustainable food production. In just 18 months, volunteers have transformed it from a seldom-used urban space to a vibrant garden full of vegetables, enthusiastic beginner and master gardeners, and regular activity days for the local community. The garden is nestled behind a large house on North Drive, very close to Tooting Common’s magnificent Lido, and is a Tooting Transition Town project. Visitors can explore the garden, following the paths along the short but diverse Garden Trail, through natural areas, vegetable plots, herbs, fruit trees and the willow yurt. Children can play on the slide and swings, while you relax in the grass or under the holm oak. There will be plenty of opportunities to do some gardening, swap home-grown recipes tried and tested at Tooting’s annual autumn Foodival, and much more. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through the black gate on the left hand side of 5 North Drive Access: We have some uneven ground in the garden which may make it difficult for wheelchair access Nearest stations: Streatham (1.1KM, bus), Tooting Bec (1.5KM, bus) Buses: 249, 319 Activities: Garden trail. Crafts and games. Recipe swap w transitiontowntooting.blogspot.co.uk/ search/label/Community%20Garden

St Michael’s Convent

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area E: Hammersmith ■ Acton ■ Chiswick

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OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area E: Hammersmith ■ Acton ■ Chiswick

Inner London

Hammersmith ■ Acton ■ Chiswick

E1. Acton Community Garden W3 7JT A small garden featuring a Capital Growth community vegetable-growing area, nature pond and example areas of meadow and woodland. Maintained by the Borough’s Rangers with assistance from community groups and volunteers. Open: Saturday: 11am–3.30pm Entrance: Via The Lodge, Acton Park, The Vale, Acton Access: Some inclined paths, mostly accessible by wheelchairs with assistance Nearest station: Acton Central (Overground) Buses: 70, 207, 266, 607 Activities: Informal tour Cg

E2. Chiswick House Walled Gardens W4 2QN These spectacular 17th-century 2.5-acre walled gardens were created in 1682 by Sir Stephen Fox, Paymaster General of the Armed Forces and Samuel Pepys’ employer. In the early 19th century the gardens were incorporated into the 6th Duke of Devonshire’s estate at Chiswick House. What had begun as a fashionable ‘wilderness’ of shrubs and specimen plants evolved into a productive garden,

finally falling into decay in the latter part of the 20th century. Under the umbrella of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, restoration works based on documentary research and archaeological evidence have recently transformed the gardens. The Northern Walled Garden has been turned from an abandoned modern nursery into a cherry orchard. In the Southern Walled Garden lost paths have been reinstated and over 240 historic fruit trees and soft fruits planted by volunteers. The appointment of a Community Gardener in June 2010 (funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food Scheme) has led to the recruitment of many more volunteers and on-going contact with local community groups and schools. As well as regular volunteering sessions a full education programme is running one day a week and therapeutic gardening sessions have been introduced. The garden continues to develop. As well as our existing herb, flower, fruit and crop rotation beds, we have a newly built accessible raised-bed system for use by gardeners with mobility issues. We have recently received a colony of bees through the London Mayor’s Capital Bee initiative. The walled gardens are reached via the newly restored Italian Garden and splendid 300ft conservatory. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm

Emery Walker’s House

Entrance: Via the Conservatory Access: Gravel paths in the walled garden. The garden is accessible via two ramped entrances in the conservatory for those visitors who find steps difficult Nearest stations: Chiswick Buses: E3, 190 Activities: Special tours of the restored walled gardens and conservatory at 11am and 2pm w www.chgt.org.uk Community Gardener: William Rallison

E3. Emery Walker’s House W6 9TS

No. 7 Hammersmith Terrace is one of a terrace of 17 Georgian houses overlooking the Thames at the west end of Hammersmith’s Upper Mall. It was home (from 1903 until his death in 1933) to Emery Walker, the great printer and antiquary, who helped his friend William Morris, who lived nearby, to set up the Kelmscott Press. After Walker’s death, his daughter Dorothy preserved the house as it had been in her father’s lifetime. Full of original William Morris wallpapers, textiles and furniture, it is the best-preserved Arts-and-Crafts interior in Britain. The house was a private home until recently and opened to the public for the first time in 2005. Due to its fragile nature, the house can only take a few hundred visitors a year on guided tours from April to September. Features of the garden include a raised platform at the end overlooking the Thames, original terracotta tiles from the late 1890s, a grapevine grown from a cutting taken at Hogarth’s House around 1900, and a Cotswold-stone alpine trough. The planting still reflects some of Dorothy’s additions such as the roses, and the Emery Walker Trust has plans to recreate more of her planting choices. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: 7 Hammersmith Terrace Access: No wheelchair access. Steps up to house and down to garden. Different levels at the end of the garden. Can be slippery when wet. Nearest station: Hammersmith (1.5km) Buses: 27, 190, 267, 391, H91 Activities: Shop open Conditions: Limited entry in half-hour slots

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

w www.emerywalker.org.uk Gardeners: Emery Walker Trust volunteers E4. John Betts House W12 9NJ

John Betts House is part of the Hammersmith United Charities’ Almshouses. This is a private garden for older people. It is a past gold medalwinner in the London Gardens Society and Hammersmith & Fulham in Bloom competitions. The garden features many interesting plants, hanging baskets, a greenhouse, raised vegetable beds, a water feature and balconies with residents’ container gardens. The garden is a beautiful safe haven, of which the residents are rightly proud. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: Goldhawk Road/Rylett Road Nearest station: Goldhawk Road (1.25km, bus) Buses: 94, 237, 272 Activities: Refreshments and plant sales w www.hamunitedcharities.org.uk Gardener: Jackie Thompson

E5. The River Café W6 9HA Fresh, seasonal produce has been a cornerstone of The River Café since it

opened in 1987. Situated beside the Thames, its garden is a natural extension of this approach to food. A variety of Italian salad leaves, vegetables and herbs are grown which make their way onto the daily changing menus. In fine weather, the restaurant extends throughout the garden amongst the long planters and fruit trees. For gardener Simon Hewitt, there are many challenges – from growing everything in containers to the exposed riverside conditions – which are balanced with all the rewards – a freshly picked and podded broad bean, or some intensely flavoured quince paste served with a cheese plate. Open: Advance booking essential. See page 5 for details. Entrance: Thames Path at Rainville Road Nearest station: Hammersmith (about 1 mile) Buses: 190, 211, 220, 295 Activities: Meet the gardener, Simon Hewitt, who will be giving two guided walks around the garden on Saturday at 9:15am and 10:15am and answering any questions Conditions: Escorted tour only. Advance booking essential w www.rivercafe.co.uk Gardener: Simon Hewitt

The River Café

E6. Sycamore House W6 0AS Sycamore House is sheltered housing for the over-55s run by Hammersmith United Charities. This is a newly designed and planted garden (March 2012). Features include plants to encourage bees and butterflies, a fishpond, pergola and arches for climbing plants, and raised beds for residents to do their own gardening. This is an oasis right in the middle of Shepherd’s Bush. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: Sycamore Gardens Access: This garden is designed for easy access for all abilities Nearest station: Goldhawk Road Buses: 94, 237 Activities: Tea, coffee, homemade cakes. Plant and craft stalls w hamunitedcharities.org.uk/housing/ sycamore-house Head gardener: Jackie Thompson

E7. William Morris Society W6 9TA

William Morris lived at Kelmscott House for the last 18 years of his life. He wrote: ‘The situation is certainly the prettiest in London... the garden is really most beautiful’. The gardens have altered in size since Morris’s time and this is a rare opportunity to view them. The small, shady lower garden contains a variety of ferns, which thrive well in its microclimate. The upper walled garden was replanted in 2007 and the largest garden contains a variety of roses, wild strawberries and a wonderful magnolia tree. The lower floors of Kelmscott House are now the headquarters of the William Morris Society and contain a registered museum dedicated to his life and work. The museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays 2–5pm, although the gardens are not normally open. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 26 Upper Mall; through the coach house in the cobbled courtyard, to the left of the house Access: Access to garden up three steps. Museum partly accessible to wheelchair users Nearest stations: Hammersmith Buses: 27, 91, 267, 290 Activities: Museum open. Book and gift stall. Handout containing Morris’s description and plan of the 1880s garden. Display of Morris’s designs. Children’s quiz and trail. Refreshments available w www.williammorrissociety.org.uk

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area F: Hampstead

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© Transport for London Based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery OfÀce © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. TfL Licence Number LA100032379 2012

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Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

Inner London

Hampstead

F1. Branch Hill Allotments NW3 7LT

On the corner of Oakhill Way, Branch Hill and Frognal, the allotment site was once the garden of Branch Hill House, a substantial Edwardian mansion occupied for some years by John Spedan Lewis, founder of the John Lewis Partnership. It was converted to council accommodation for the elderly in the 1970s. The gardens had uncertain status during the 1980s, but enterprising locals and would-be gardeners nudged the planners in a green direction by growing vegetables and informally maintaining the estate. They were supported by local residents and The Heath Society, leading Camden Council to earmark the land for community use as allotments. Today there are 32 plots, managed by Camden. Some are divided in half, so some 40 people have a contractual arrangement. Probably half as many again (friends of holders) garden there and visiting schoolchildren are pleased to assist. The glorious combe, in an area previously frequented by poets such as John Keats and Gerard Manley Hopkins and artists John Constable and George Romney, is home to a variety of wildlife. The Branch Hill Allotments Association contributes to the maintenance of the estate and represents gardeners’ interests in general.

Squares & Gardens Key F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6

Branch Hill Allotments Burgh House Fenton House and Garden Gainsborough Gardens The Hill Garden & Pergola World Peace Garden Camden

Opening Hours Open Saturday & Sunday Open Sunday only Please check individual listings for details.

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Fenton House

The aim is to allow wildness while developing cultivation. We hope you enjoy your visit! Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Corner of Oak Hill Way and Frognal Rise Access: Narrow grass paths and sloping site and steps Nearest station: Hampstead Buses: 46, 210, 268 Conditions: Visitors are advised to keep to the main paths

F2. Burgh House NW3 1LT The gardens of Burgh House were once grand and extensive, stretching to Christ Church Hill. In 1822 sales particulars advertised ‘a handsome approach, tastefully laid out, enclosed by wall, with a southern aspect, commanding extensive views of the hills of Kent and Surrey’. The property included ‘a detached kitchen garden, enclosed by lofty walls covered with fruit trees in good bearing, hot house and cold bath’. Today much of the land surrounding the house has been sold off, but this has by no means limited its charm. The fine wrought-iron gates, erected by Dr William Gibbons in the 1700s, still mark the entrance and bear his initials. In 1911 Dr Williamson commissioned Gertrude Jekyll

to redesign the garden, for which she sent quantities of plants from her own home at Munstead Wood. The plants have long since disappeared, but the millstones in the path, typical of Jekyll’s style, have survived. Open: Sunday: 9.30am–5pm Entrance: New End Square Access: Level access, but some uneven surfaces and narrow paths Nearest stations: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath Buses: 46, 268 Activities: Café open 9.30am-5pm. House and Hampstead Museum open 11am-5pm. Kids corner on first floor. Free entry w www.burghhouse.org.uk Gardener: Chris Coll

F3. Fenton House and Garden NW3 6SP Extensive walled gardens of a 17thcentury manor house with formal walks and lawns, a rose garden, kitchen garden and a historic orchard. The garden lies at the top of Hampstead’s Holly Hill and is divided into upper and lower levels. On the upper level, to the south of the house, a path runs through an avenue of false acacia trees. To the north are perimeter

OGSWGuide 2013

The Hill Garden and Pergola

terrace walks around a formal lawn and sunken rose garden. The planting is relaxed, within a structure of trimmed yew and box hedges, and gives successive colour and interest through the year. Steps beyond the rose garden lead down to the garden’s most charming feature – a sunken, walled area of orchard, glasshouse, culinary herb border, cutflower beds and vegetables. In spring the lawn below the orchard is transformed into a flowery meadow. More than 30 varieties of English apple are grown in the orchard. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm 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 Activities: Throughout Sunday only: short guided tours of the gardens by the gardener (no booking required). Display of historical photos of the grounds. A variety of plants from the gardens for sale w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house Gardener-in-charge: Andrew Darragh

F4. Gainsborough Gardens

F5. The Hill Garden and Pergola NW3 7EX

In the 18th century Hampstead Wells were popular with fashionable Londoners, who visited the pump room to take the chalybeate waters and socialised in the assembly rooms, south of Well Walk. The area soon developed a reputation for rowdy behaviour and new spa buildings were erected in 1730 further along Well Walk. Eventually the buildings were converted to other uses, including an evangelical chapel, and finally demolished at the end of the 19th century. This area today is the site of Gainsborough Gardens, a circular enclosure with mature trees and luxuriant planting at the centre of a gated enclave of private houses.

One of London’s secret gardens at the rear of Inverforth House, formerly The Hill, Lord Leverhulme’s London residence (1904-25). The 800ft-long grade II-listed pergola, designed by Thomas Mawson, was refurbished by the City of London in 1995. There are fine views of Harrow Church and Hampstead Heath. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Inverforth Close NW3 off North End Way Access: Rough gravel footpaths lead to the gardens. Some sections of the pergola are not wheelchair-accessible Nearest stations: Hampstead (1.25 km), Golders Green (1.5 km) Buses: 210, 268 Car parking: Nearest public car park is at Jack Straw’s Castle (0.5km) Activities: A display of old and modern photographs showing the different stages and development of the garden Conditions: Toilets (inc. disabled) are available in Golders Hill Park (300m) w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk Head Gardener: Caroline Turner

NW3 1BJ

Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Well Walk (north), Heathside (south) Nearest stations: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath Buses: 46, 268 + 24 Gardener: Adrian Crimmin

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

F6. World Peace Garden Camden NW3 2SB A wasteground area for more than 100 years next to Hampstead Heath station, the site was bought by local traders, residents and visitors, who financed it and volunteered to transform this site into a woodland garden glade. The garden was designed by Tony Panayiouto and Michael Wardle (hard landscape design) between 2010 and June 2012. Simon Berry continued with the hard landscape and Andy Darragh has been the consultant on garden design from November 2012 onwards. Peace tiles from Friends of the Peace Garden greet visitors inside the entrance at the top of timber steps. Either side of the steps are informal seating arrangements for appreciating performances from a stage at the bottom. There are two small ponds and a wishing-well feature with a varied fragrant blossom planting. The garden features climbers, magnolias and interesting pathways. This is a sanctuary, a place to contemplate peace, while children love the sheer adventure of this woodland glade – despite the contradiction of being next to Hampstead

World Peace Garden Camden

Heath station. Let’s encourage more Community Peace Gardens, please. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Parliament Hill, next to Hampstead Heath station Access: Not easily accessible: steps, narrow paths. It can be viewed from the road through the railings Nearest stations: Hampstead Heath, Belsize Park or Hampstead Buses: 24, 46, 168, C11 Activities: Children: tie a tag to Tree of

Hope: ‘What they want the world to be like when they grow up.’ Wishing-well: send your positive feelings to wish someone well with your coin to the charity 15 Second Peace. Record on video your own peaceful experience for our website. Music, song, poetry, storytelling, talks, art classes (subject to weather conditions). Please check website nearer the time w www.worldpeacegardencamden.org Consultant/gardener/landscape 2013: Andy Darragh/T.Panayiouto/S.Berry

the Gin Garden A Travellling Gin Experience:

we pop up in unexpected spaces, mixing, serving and talking about gin drinks. We work with local distilleries, complementing the botanicals of their gin with local herbs, fruits and flowers. If you’d like The Gin Garden to visit you drop us a line at info@gingarden.com www.gingarden.com 33

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area G: St Pancras ■ Islington

Inner London

St Pancras ■ Islington

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OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area G: St Pancras ■ Islington

G St Pancras Inner London

G1. Alara Permaculture Forest Garden N1C 4PF These garden spaces on Camley Street have been formed from the unused land around commercial buildings on an industrial estate close to King’s Cross in central London. The first job was the removal of about 50 tons of rubbish, plus four months spent digging out Japanese knotweed. The largest area was enclosed and terraced using coppiced sweetchestnut logs. Planting as a permaculture forest garden began in 2006 with silverberry, pomegranate, Japanese wineberry, apricot, apple, pear, plum, edible hawthorn and many other perennial food plants. There are beehives, a wormery, a rainwater-fed fishpond and chickens. To this has been added a vineyard next to a lorry park, an orchard by a cash & carry car park, community raised beds and a communal compost heap. There have been a huge number of people involved in this garden, who have turned up to help on the many planting and party days that have been held here. Day to day, the gardens are maintained by the team at Alara. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Camley Street – between Booker Cash & Carry and Alara Access: Vineyard, orchard and raised

■ Islington beds suitable for wheelchairs. Permaculture garden has steps and narrow paths Nearest stations: Camden Road, Camden Town, King’s Cross, St Pancras, Buses: 46, 214 Activities: Plants for sale, including goji berry bushes. Food, including lunch with ingredients from the garden w http://alara.co.uk/29,l2.html Gardener: Alex Smith Cg

G2. Arlington Square N1 7DR The Victorian terraces that surround Arlington Square, in a quiet conservation area of Islington, were completed around 1850. But the large, open rectangle in the middle only became a garden square in the early 1950s, when it was laid out by Islington council. Before that, it had simply been an unkempt open space, used during WW2 for trench shelters and barrage balloon moorings. The square today has large mature trees, shrubs, lawns, roses and other flowerbeds. A newly revitalised residents’ association holds regular gardening sessions. Over the last two years volunteers have transformed the beds by digging in thousands of litres of compost and manure and planting more than 25,000 bulbs, plants and shrubs, as well as magnolias, acers, palms and a

handkerchief tree. In 2012, with help from a Big Lottery Groundworks grant, locals transformed a neglected dump in the corner of the square into a popular small community garden with raised vegetable, herb, fruit and flowerbeds. Arlington Square’s large and peaceful space is now much loved and appreciated by Islington residents. The ongoing restoration of the square by residents from the surrounding streets is a stirring example of how communal gardening can bring neighbours together and forge friendships. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 2– 5pm Entrance: Four entrances Access: Level access. However, the gate opposite 10 Arlington Square has a step Nearest stations: Angel, Old Street Buses: 21, 76, 141, 271 (New North Road), 38, 56, 73, 341, 476 (Essex Road) Activities: Leaflets, guided tours, children’s treasure hunt, recipe ideas for herbs and veg, refreshments w www.arlingtonassociation.org.uk Lead community gardener: Gordon McArthur

G3. Barnsbury Square N1 1JL A peaceful square framed by trees in the heart of residential Islington. Features include a rose bed (installed according to the wishes of local people) and flowerbeds. A woodland planting scheme is being developed at the centre of the square. The hut in the square is open regularly on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings for visitors and residents to meet and enjoy tea/coffee. Opportunities to help with planting and gardening are available too, which helps bring people together and make for a greener square. Open: Saturday: 2.30–4.30pm Entrance: Thornhill Road Nearest stations: Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, Highbury & Islington Buses: 153, 17, 91, 4, 19, 30 Activities: Park keeper’s hut open. Refreshments available w www.friendsofbarnsburysqgardens.com

G4. Caledonian Park and Community Orchard N7 9PL Caledonian Park and Community Orchard is located on the site of the 19th-century Metropolitan Cattle Market and retains at its heart the market’s imposing listed Victorian clock tower and railings. The clock tower and four nearby public houses at each corner of the market –

Alara Permaculture Forest Garden

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

Camley Street Natural Park

three of which remain today – was the work of James Bunstone Bunning. The clock tower was constructed on the site of a demolished 17th-century manor house in an extensive area of open fields, known as Copenhagen Fields. In April 1834 there was a demonstration here to support the Tolpuddle Martyrs, agricultural labourers deported to Australia for attempting to form a union. The Metropolitan Cattle Market was opened by Prince Albert in 1855 and operated until 1963. The associated Cally ‘flea’ market closed in 1939. In 1970 Islington Council created Caledonian Park on 18 acres. Extensive tree and shrub planting gives the park its tranquillity and provides habitats for many nesting and visiting birds. The park is a borough grade 1 nature conservation area, mainly for its woodlands, and offers contoured woodland walks. It is currently undergoing improvements. A natural play area opened in 2010, and a new section with formal garden spaces and extensive tree, shrub and herbaceous planting will open in spring 2013. In 2010 the Caledonian Park Users’ Group (the friends group founded in 2000) planted a small community orchard of apple, plum and pear trees, both modern and heritage varieties, to add to the biodiversity. The group is responsible for the watering, pruning and general maintenance of the trees. In spring 2013, the group will take over one of the new garden spaces in the park to develop as a wildlife garden, introducing plants and other features attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Market Road and via Drovers Way and Shearling Way off North Road Access: Market Road, Drovers Way and Shearling Way and North Road entrances

and most of park wheelchair accessible, but not the orchard/long grass areas and woodland walks Nearest station: Caledonian Road Buses: 274, 390, 393 + buses along Caledonian Road Activities: Orchard tour, woodland walks, children’s natural play area, newly planted garden areas and wildlife garden under development. Refreshments. World-Wide Knit in Public Day, Saturday 11am-5pm Conditions: Dogs allowed off leads w www.caledonian-park.co.uk Cg

G5. Camley Street Natural Park N1C 4PW Camley Street Natural Park is a local nature reserve on the banks of the Regent’s Canal in the heart of London’s King’s Cross area. Created from derelict land and opened in 1985, the two-acre site has since become internationally acclaimed. The park offers a landscape inspired by nature: a mosaic of meadow, marsh woodland and open-water habitat. These habitats are intensively managed to maintain their diverse wildlife value and include many species of birds, bees, butterflies, amphibians and a rich variety of plants. We also have projects to inspire sustainable lifestyles, such as our newly created Floating Forest Garden on the canal and an anaerobic digester creating renewable energy. The park is next to the Regent’s Canal, where we are improving the natural environment and community awareness through the Wildlife on your Waterways project. The park, which is managed by the London Wildlife Trust, provides the local community with a valuable resource: visitor centre, openaccess green space, environmental education for schools and lifelong

learning, a varied events programme and opportunities for volunteers to help manage the park. It won a Green Flag award in 2010 and 2011 Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Off Camley Street Nearest station: Kings Cross and St Pancras Buses: 45, 46, 63, 214 Activities: Floating Forest Garden tours (usually not publicly accessible). Art and craft activities. Mini-beast hunt and ponddipping for children. Refreshments. For a special weekend programme for OGSW, see our website. To receive email updates concerning our events please contact ppaulo@wildlondon.org.uk Conditions: No alcohol or smoking on site w www.wildlondon.org.uk LWT area manager: Phil Paulo

G6. Culpeper Community Garden N1 0EJ Named after the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, this green oasis is a unique project with small plots for local people and community groups to tend. It has a communal lawn, ponds, a rose pergola, wildlife area and a dry garden, inspired by Beth Chatto, as part of Islington’s climate change adaptation strategy. The garden contains a vast array of shrubs and herbaceous perennials. This year we are working on replanting our wildlife area with native plants and pergola path restoration. Open daily to the public, the project encourages the involvement of many disadvantaged groups, as well as children and young people. We are also developing a new project to tackle isolation in our local community. In 2012 the garden won a Green Flag Community Award and a Gold Award for Best Community Garden: Islington in Bloom. Open: Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: South end of Cloudesley Road or through park from Tolpuddle Street Access: Level access via Culpeper Open Space Nearest station: Angel Buses: 4, 19, 38, 43, 56, 73, 205, 214, 274, 394, 476 Activities: Garden tours. Children’s trails and activities. Plant sales. Arts workshop. Homemade refreshments w www.culpeper.org.uk Garden worker: Martha Orbach

G7. Freightliners Farm N7 8PF Freightliners City Farm was established on its present site in 1978 with the aim of

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area G: St Pancras ■ Islington

Melissa Garden Bee Sanctuary

bringing a little bit of the countryside to the inner city. The farm is set within Paradise Park, a small area of green space cleared of Victorian housing in the 1960s. The farm gardens can broadly be categorised as ornamental, wildlifefriendly and productive food-growing. Our paddocks, hedgerows and wild corners reflect sustainable management practices on rural farms, with hedgerow improvements such as planting for biodiversity and traditional laying, meadow flowers and field edges. We focus our produce gardens on growing to provide really local food for the farm café and local people. We aim to make a clear connection for visitors between growing, processing and eating food and to enable people to successfully grow their own. This year our ornamental gardens also have a food-growing theme, being planted as a potager garden with decorative herbs and vegetables used as bedding amongst the flowers. As well as the gardens, you can of course meet our traditional and rare-breed farm animals who help to maintain the grassed areas of the farm, teach visitors more about where their food comes from and always enjoy meeting new friends. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Chalfont Road Access: Bark paths around vegetable garden. Some steps and bark paths around hedgerow walk. Crazy-paved area in ornamental garden is slightly uneven Nearest stations: Highbury & Islington, Caledonian Road, Holloway Road Buses: 43, 153, 271, 393 Activities: Guided tours of the gardens including pick-your-own herb and leaf salad to take away (guide price for salad bags £1/110g). Meet the farm honey bees and find out about our wildlife and pollinator friendly planting. Plant sale – including grow-your-own veg plants and

pollinator-friendly planting scheme sets. Vegetarian café serving special gardenproduce menu, including salads, sandwiches, mains and cakes. All homemade. Tea, coffee and soft drinks w www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk Gardener: Peter Hall

G8. HM Prison Holloway N7 0NU

Conditions: Escorted tours only. Advance booking essential. See page 5 A unique chance to see an inner-city prison garden, planted and maintained by prisoners. The prison grounds are large, with a variety of open green spaces. The central garden boasts seasonal flowerbeds, a new perennial flowerbed and standard roses, set in grass and surrounded by low clipped hedges. Planting against the perimeter walls is restricted for security reasons, but other garden areas contain mature trees, which play host to a wide variety of birds. We are piloting a new project with the British Hen Welfare Trust and we have adopted ex-battery hens for the prisoners to look after and gain experience in small-animal care, which it is hoped will lead to a qualification in the future. You will be invited to sit in the main area and enjoy the garden. Please do not be put off by the rules and regulations – we would love to see you on the day! Entrance: Parkhurst Road Nearest station: Caledonian Road Buses: 17, 29, 91, 253, 259 Activities: Pre-booked tours at 9.30am (Saturday) and 9.30am (Sunday). Advance booking essential.

G9. King Henry’s Walk Garden N1 4NX This once-derelict site has been

transformed by volunteers into a beautiful organic garden, where local residents can grow their own vegetables, fruit and flowers, join in the year-round programme of workshops and events, or just relax in a peaceful environment. The garden has a large raised bed along the south-facing wall, planted with espalier and fan-trained fruit trees and split into small plots for allocation to local people. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully planted flower borders around the lawn (the garden is open to the public twice a week) or observe water wildlife at close hand from the low bridge across the pond. The garden was designed for accessibility and a number of large metal planters are particularly suitable for people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty bending down. The site also includes a small area of woodland, most unusual in this part of Islington, managed as an area of wildlife habitat. All planting has been planned to encourage biodiversity and attract beneficial insects. The garden is run on sustainable principles. All garden waste is composted and reused on site. The raised beds and brick paths were built using recycled materials. A custombuilt system collects rainwater and distributes it to butts around the garden. Awarded an RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood National Certificate of Distinction in 2012, the garden was voted Best Community Garden in London in Bloom 2011, 2010 and 2008. In addition to receiving awards for community participation and wildlife friendliness, it was commended by Britain in Bloom as ‘a centre of learning excellence’. Open: Saturday: 12–4pm, Sunday: 12–4pm Entrance: 11C King Henry’s Walk (to the left of the adventure playground) Nearest stations: Canonbury, Dalston Kingsland, Dalston Junction Buses: 21, 30, 38, 56, 141, 277 Activities: Homemade refreshments. Plant sale. Traditional summer fête on the afternoon of Saturday 8 June w www.khwgarden.org.uk

G10. Melissa Garden Bee Sanctuary N1 2UN This very small garden is adjacent to the Union Chapel, which was first built in 1809. The space was unused for many years and hidden away from the public. Its enclosed and unique feel is due to the Victorian Gothic church tower, a landmark in the local area, which overshadows the garden. Just two minutes away from Highbury & Islington Tube station, off

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 busy Upper Street, is a bee sanctuary, with two beehives recently installed in 2012. Not surprisingly, due to its high percentage of greenery, Islington is a favourite location for bees. The bee sanctuary was established to create a space for bees, not in order to harvest the honey, but to give them a protected home following natural beekeeping principles. The Melissa Garden Bee Sanctuary (Melissa being the ancient Greek word for ‘bee’) has been established by local educational charity, New Acropolis Cultural Association, and built and maintained by volunteers. It has been planted with mostly native plants, including some bee-friendly ones. It is open to members of the association and neighbours, but has so far remained unknown to the rest of Islington. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 19 Compton Terrace, via side gate Access: While most of the access is level, there is a step leading down into the garden, which we will bridge with a ramp. However, the entrance door is not very wide (82cm), so may be difficult for wheelchair users Nearest station: Highbury & Islington Buses: 4, 19, 30, 43, 271 Activities: Guides on hand (and literature available) to provide information about bees, their behaviour and the threats to their survival (hence the need for bee sanctuaries) and also about ‘bee-friendly’ plants – interesting for adults and children alike. There will also be an opportunity to learn about and visit Compton Terrace Gardens in front of Union Chapel, where volunteers from the association regularly help with planting and maintenance (some of it as part of the ‘Edible Islington’ project). Refreshments for sale w www.newacropolisuk.org Garden maintenance manager: Miha Kosir

accessible, a woodland, a greenhouse, an orchard of apple and plum trees, a wildflower meadow, allotments and growing spaces, and a small building called the Garden House. All the fundraising is done by volunteers, centred on regular garden work days and social events. Children from the nearby Drayton Park Primary School have started their own vegetable garden within the site and benefit from the outdoor activity, as do students from City & Islington College’s Learning Difficulties Department, who have set up a food-growing project with the garden. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: Whistler Street Access: The garden is on a former railway embankment. The formal garden has disabled access, as do the toilets and garden house. Rest of garden only accessible by steps with uneven surfaces Nearest stations: Arsenal, Highbury & Islington Buses: 17, 43, 153, 271, 393 + 4, 19 Activities: Teas, coffees and cake stall

G11. The Olden Garden

G13. St Pancras and St Giles Churchyard NW1 IUL

N5 1NH

The Olden Community Garden is a community-based garden project less than five minutes’ walk from the Emirates Stadium. It is a haven for wildlife, an oasis of quiet amongst the hustle and bustle of Islington and a great source of pride to us in Highbury. The garden, which is run by a group of hard-working volunteers, covers over two acres of open space off Whistler Street and Drayton Park, on a former railway embankment. There is a formal community garden which is fully

G12. St James Close N1 8PH Private communal garden surrounded on three sides by a church and Victorian almshouses. The property belongs to the Church of England and most of the residents have some connection with the church. The garden consists of a small lawned area and beds of herbaceous perennials and shrubs. It is a secluded haven of calm in a busy, densely populated area and much appreciated by the residents. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Bishop Street, behind St James’ Church Access: Two steps up from street Nearest station: Angel Buses: 38, 56, 73,271, 341, 476 Car parking: Difficult, even at weekends Gardener: Maggie Ford

The churchyard has been revered as a sacred place for thousands of years. The original church was founded on a Roman site and surrounded by nothing but open land, with the River Fleet winding past. The main points of interest are the grave of Mary Wollstonecraft, the Sir John Soane mausoleum, the BurdettCoutts Memorial Obelisk and the ‘Hardy Tree’, named after the author Thomas Hardy who, as a trainee architect in 1865, supervised the removal of bodies

and tombs to make way for a new railway line. The churchyard, now managed by the London Borough of Camden, was extensively refurbished for the Millennium and now provides a peaceful and well-used green space which also includes St Pancras Old Church. Open: Saturday: 8am–8pm, Sunday: 8am–8pm Entrance: St Pancras Road + Camley Street (steps) Nearest stations: Mornington Crescent, St Pancras, King’s Cross Buses: 46, 214 Activities: Small bookshop in the church. Guides to the church and churchyard. Postcards. Donations box on the inside right of the Parish Room. There may be limited access to Church due to Parish activities over this weekend. Camden Butterfly Conservation Society stall both days 12-4pm

G14. The Skip Garden N1C 4AF

The Skip Garden is a mobile allotment on the King’s Cross development site, built by a combination of many local partners as an example of organic urban agriculture. The functions of an organic garden are separated into separate skips – including a growing house and green engine! The garden serves as an educational platform where local children, young people, and business employees work together on tangible projects to improve local sustainability. This is a Capital Growth growing space and an exciting example of organic urban agriculture on one of the largest development sites in Europe. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Gate 22B, Handyside Street – right in the middle of the construction site between Granary Square and Rubicon Court. From King’s Cross, go up York Way and turn left opposite Copenhagen Street Nearest station: King’s Cross/ St Pancras Buses: 46, 214 Activities: Regular tours of the Skip Garden. Workshop and buying/eating the garden’s produce w www.globalgeneration.org.uk Gardens manager: Paul Richens Cg

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area H: Hackney ■ Bethnal Green

Inner London

Hackney ■ Bethnal Green

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OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area H: Hackney ■ Bethnal Green

H Hackney Inner London

■ Bethnal

Green

Arnold Circus

H1. Arnold Circus E2 7JF Arnold Circus is a unique garden and heritage asset at the heart of the 1890s Boundary Street Estate in East London. Originally designed to form the centrepiece of Britain’s first publicly funded social housing scheme, it was an eye-catching focal point. It was intended to improve public health, promote exercise and be a ‘stage’ for the local community. Its form and tiered ‘wedding cake’ arrangement became the spatial generator for the layout of the surrounding estate. In latter years, the garden fell into decline and was rescued thanks to concerted action by the local community, led by the Friends of Arnold Circus. In 2010, the gardens underwent a major regeneration, led by LDA Design, which sensitively balanced restoration, sustainability, improvements and design. This took place after months of careful research, followed by meticulous workmanship to restore the historic elements and add new ones. A vibrant new planting scheme was introduced, bringing colour and seasonal interest and improving biodiversity. The focal point of the gardens, the ‘at risk’ bandstand, was restored using handmade roofing tiles matching the original. Modifications were made to historic railings, incorporating new seating. A rainwater-harvesting system was installed, with underground

storage reducing mains usage, providing recycled water on tap for planting, improving sustainability and reducing maintenance costs. These gardens have been restored to their original beauty. They highlight the principles of sympathetically revitalising buildings ‘at risk’ and registered landscapes, making them more sustainable, accessible and attractive. The wider community is delighted with their renewed cultural and much-loved space, used for a diverse range of events. The Friends of Arnold Circus now have a partnership agreement with the council to maintain the space, showing how communities can lobby for improvements in their local environment and influence design. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Access: Access by steps only Nearest stations: Shoreditch High Street, Old Street, Liverpool Street + bus Buses: 8, 26, 47, 48, 55, 67, 149, 242, 243, 388 Activities: Representatives from the Friends of Arnold Circus will be present throughout the day to give background information and answer any questions for visitors w http://foac.org.uk and www.lda-design.co.uk The gardener: Andy Willoughby

H2. Cranbrook Community Food Garden E2 0QU Cranbrook Community Food Garden is now in its fifth year. It consists of 21 raised beds of various sizes, a greenhouse, composting facilities and a large patio area. The garden is maintained and the crops shared by local residents who volunteer to take part. There is a Garden Club every Thursday evening and Saturday morning, where people can meet and assist each other, and where we work our way through a ‘to do’ list to get the work done! Next year we are hoping to start cookery sessions where we make the food we grow into tasty meals. Our members range in age from 7 to 70. We have a very productive composting area, wormeries to provide fertiliser, a tool shed, a greenhouse and a few makeshift coldframes, all of which have helped us transform a piece of unused waste ground into a beautiful garden, full of flowers and wildlife and of course providing us with delicious veg, salad, herbs, fruit and other useful plants. The Cranbrook Estate, built in 1961-8, was designed by Skinner, Bailey & Lubetkin. The novel layout achieves its effect by playing with scale and perspective. The estate is also the site of Elisabeth Frink’s sculpture The Blind Beggar and his Dog. This year’s project for the garden will be to build a pergola with a ‘green’ roof, which we hope will be completed in time for Open Garden Squares Weekend. Open: Saturday: 11am–3pm, Sunday: 11am–3pm Entrance: The Avenue, Cranbrook Estate Roman Road – opposite Usk Street Access: Wheelchair access to over threequarters of the garden, although the ground is uneven Nearest station: Bethnal Green Buses: 8, D6 Activities: Plants and seeds for sale. Refreshments, fresh produce and preserves available Head gardener: Laura Buckley Cg

H3. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden E8 3DF The Dalston Eastern Curve Garden was created in spring 2010 in an area of Hackney that was previously lacking in public green space. Just off busy Dalston Lane, this secret garden is hidden behind hoarding next to the Hackney Peace Carnival mural and visitors enter through a wooden doorway into a peaceful haven. The garden was built on the site of a

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 disused railway line that had been derelict for over 30 years. It was developed as part of Making Space in Dalston, a Design for London-funded project to improve public space in the area, and is now managed by a steering group of local community organisations. It won a Hackney Design Award in 2010 and Making Space for Dalston won the Landscape Institute’s President’s Award at the end of 2011. A large wooden pavilion is now a focal point for community events and regularly houses music, dance, cooking, and gardening activities, as well as being a relaxing meeting place. Most of the garden furniture has been constructed on site from reclaimed wood and recycled pallets from the nearby Ridley Road Market. Structural planting includes silver birch and alder, small ‘copses’ of hazel and wild cherry, and a native hedgerow. Fruit, vegetables and herbs, chosen for their ornamental value as well as taste, are grown in a series of large raised beds and are used in the garden’s new on-site café. The garden is tended by the Eastern Curve Gardeners, adult and child volunteers who meet regularly. No chemicals are used, all garden material is composted on site and rainwater is collected in recycled whiskey barrels. Additional projects include, a large greenhouse for garden and environmental education – the Pineapple House, a green roof, a community-built clay oven for cooking with garden produce, beefriendly planting and wildflower meadow planting developed as part of the ‘East London River of Flowers’. Open: Saturday: 11am–6pm, Sunday: 11am–6pm Entrance: 13 Dalston Lane, next to the Hackney Peace mural Access: Some bark paths and grass – can be difficult for wheelchairs Nearest stations: Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland Buses: 30, 38, 56, 67, 76, 149, 242, 243, 277 Activities: Gardeners will be available on Saturday 2-6pm to answer questions about the garden. There is a café selling refreshments and food using produce grown in the garden. Plants for sale w www.dalstongarden.org

FARM:shop is an experiment to see how much food can be grown in a condensed urban setting. The world’s first farm in an inner-city shop consists of farmed fish and shrimp in the front of the shop through an aquaponics system, a café amongst the various growing systems, a propagation/library room, vertical growing walls, mushrooms growing in the basement, a hydroponic fruiting room, a polytunnel filling the backyard that doubles as a cinema and café space, plus chickens on the roof providing daily eggs. The project is maintained by a large network of volunteers and project partners. To make the project selfsustainable, we have set up a café as well as meeting facilities and desk space for hire. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 20 Dalston Lane Access: Ground floor including back garden: ramps and toilet facilities for wheelchair access. Basement, first and second floors only accessible by stairs Nearest stations: Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland Buses: 30, 38, 56, 67, 76, 149, 236, 242, 243, 277 Activities: Project space tours, Sat and Sun: 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Various growing techniques on show. Fresh food and drink served amongst the various growing systems w www.farmlondon.weebly.com Designers: Something & Son Cg

H5. Fassett Square E8 1DQ Famed as the inspiration for the stage set for the BBC television series EastEnders,

H4. FARM:shop E8 3AZ FARM:shop is a project by the design practice Something & Son, who consist of an artist, engineer and sociologist. Using some of the latest technologies alongside the oldest techniques,

Geffrye Museum Gardens

this garden has been lovingly restored to its former glory by local residents. The square has retained its original Victorian layout of paths winding round island beds and lawns, as well as many original lime trees around the perimeter. Bruno Court, on the north-west corner of Fassett Square, is a grade II-listed former hospital building influenced by the Bauhaus school of architecture. It was converted into flats in 1999 and has a roof terrace with a panoramic view of London. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: North end of square Access: Shallow gravel path throughout the garden. Steps at entrance to Bruno Court Nearest stations: Hackney Downs, Dalston Kingsland, Dalston Junction Buses: 38, 242, 277+ 30, 56, 236 Activities: Refreshments and bookstall Gardener: Nancy Raeburn

H6. Geffrye Museum Gardens E2 8EA The Geffrye Museum is set in the former almshouses of the Ironmongers’ Company. When the almshouses were sold to the London County Council in 1911, the existing paths and beds were removed to create an open recreational garden, complete with bandstand. The gardens have now been restored to their 18th-century appearance to strengthen the historical context of the setting. In 1992 a derelict site adjacent to the museum was transformed into an awardwinning herb garden with over 170 different herbs and plants traditionally associated with herb gardens, such as roses, honeysuckle and lilies. In 1998 the

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area H: Hackney ■ Bethnal Green coffee and soft drinks for sale, as well as jams and preserves and plants. For health-minded visitors, there will be the first crop of salad leaves, fresh from the garden. We hope that our visitors will be the judges of our scarecrow competition, try our roof garden quiz and use our giant bubble-maker to create a bubble big enough to stand in. There’ll also be other activities to take part in, organised by the Year 7 pupils Community volunteer gardener: Catherine Tidnam

H8. St Joseph’s Hospice Garden E8 4SA St Joseph’s Hospice Garden

gardens behind the almshouses were laid out as a series of period garden ‘rooms’ to show the changing nature of English town gardens over the last 400 years. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 12–5pm Entrance: Main gates on Kingsland Road Access: Ramped access to museum and gardens. Accessible toilets. Audio guide to museum Nearest stations: Hoxton (behind museum), Old Street (1.25km), Liverpool Street (1.5km) Buses: 67, 149, 242, 243, 394 Car parking: Up to three hours accessible parking 10am–4pm outside museum on Kingsland Road for disabled badge holders Activities: Sunday: family activities. Restaurant overlooking the period gardens w www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Head gardener: Heather Stevens

H7. Oaklands School Roof Gardens E2 6PR Oaklands School’s ‘One Roof, Two Gardens’ initiative features two unique gardens shaped by secondary school students on the roof of their classroom in Bethnal Green, East London. The project places an edible classroom/productive garden next to a traditional Islamic garden that offers a peaceful space for reflection. Each garden has different aims and is led by a different organisation, but both share a commitment to engaging inner-city students in the pleasures and possibilities of gardens and gardening. Oaklands edible classroom, an in-house initiative supported by community volunteers, aims to help students develop

their knowledge and skills in food production as well as school garden design. Our Islamic garden, led by the charity Faith Regen, sets out to develop adults’ and young people’s awareness and understanding of Islamic gardening traditions. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see ‘emerging’ gardens, only a few months old. The edible classroom, built using recycled materials and to permaculture principles, will be proudly displaying its first intake of fruit trees as well as other fruit, vegetables and herbs. The Islamic garden will have its structure laid out and first planting in place, clearly demonstrating the principles and philosophy of Islamic design. The gardens, which cover approximately 200 square metres, are situated on the roof of the school’s new building, designed by Bouygues (UK) and completed in 2012. Views of Lasdun’s Keeling House and the award-winning housing scheme by Karakusevic Carson can also be seen. Oaklands’ Roof Gardens are only a moment away from Zander Court Community Garden, which is also taking part in Open Garden Squares Weekend. It’s also near Columbia Road flower market, Goldsmith’s Row book market and Brick Lane, which are all open on Sundays. Seating available and, if it rains, there is shelter. Open: Sunday: 12–4pm Entrance: Mansford Street Access: The school garden is on the roof – there is a staircase or a lift for those with mobility needs Nearest stations: Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath Buses: 8, 26, 48, 55, 388, D3 Activities: Homemade cakes, teas,

One hundred years of garden tradition have provided the largest and most modern hospice in Europe with an awardwinning garden to suit the needs of visitors, patients and staff alike. Intended for both recreation and contemplation, seven distinct garden areas provide plenty of interest for visitors. Completion of major building works has resulted in a completely different shape for the south end of the gardens, providing contrasting areas of deep shade and full sun. Traditional perennials jostle with halfhardy tropicals in the borders, their colours supported by annual bedding schemes. Features include sculptures by Matt Caines and the ‘Oasis’ water feature in the front courtyard, also a wide variety of hardy geraniums. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Mare Street, north of Victoria Park Road Access: There are some slopes Nearest stations: Bethnal Green tube (1.25 km), London Fields (0.5 km) Buses: 26, 48, 55, 106, 254, D6 Activities: Cream teas. Fundraising stall w www.stjh.org.uk Head gardener: Jocelyn Armitage

H9. St Mary’s Secret Garden E2 8EL

This community garden covers threequarters of an acre. It offers horticultural therapy and training for people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other health problems, so as to enhance everyone’s physical and mental well-being. We also provide gardening courses and training for the local community, particularly specialising in food growing initiatives. We also provide outreach services to other organisations and planting

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 workshops at festivals and events. There are herbaceous borders, a herb and sensory area, vegetable areas, a woodland with working honey beehives, a small orchard with a forest-food growing area, a small pond, a wildlife meadow and a greenhouse – all maintained by service users, learners and volunteers. Our ‘Wish You Well’ garden, created for and by people with experience of mental health distress, is now open for everyone to enjoy. There are many areas of the garden for sitting and relaxing. Or, if you are more active, follow the mini-beast trail with your children and watch our honey bees at work. In 2008 the garden featured in the national press as one of the top ten secret gardens in London. Last year we were cited as an example of good practice in ‘food growing and urban agriculture projects’ research by City and Guilds. In 2012 we also achieved our Green Flag Community Award, first prize in Hackney in Bloom for Best Voluntary Garden (Professional) and were also featured in the book A-Z of London Gardens. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Corner of Pearson and Appleby Streets Access: Fully accessible Nearest stations: Hoxton (250m), Old Street (1.25km), Liverpool Street (1.5km) Buses: 26, 48, 55, 67, 149, 242, 243, 394 Activities: Low-cost organic plants for sale, including herbs, annuals, herbaceous perennials and even trees, if you have the room. Seasonal vegetable produce. This year we will have a ‘pop-up cafe’ with all snacks and cakes produced and served by carers and the people they support. Other activities and events to be confirmed – see website for details w www.stmaryssecretgarden.org.uk

will also be homemade cakes on sale, as well as giant bubble-making activities for younger visitors. The garden and Club House is at the heart of a housing estate, built in the 1970s by Stillman and Eastwick-Field and noted by Pevsner for its irregular, low-rise and human-scale design. The garden had become neglected when, seven years ago, a number of residents decided to make a difference and renovate it. Over the years it has developed to include a roof garden made out of recycled drawers (and lined with Olympic carpet), an insect hotel, a greenhouse and a range of composting facilities. The Gardening Club has formed close links with the local secondary school, Oaklands, which is helping to develop a rooftop vegetable garden. Zander Court is only five minutes from

H10. Zander Court Club House E2 7AY Zander Court Community Garden is a small (50 square metres), L-shaped patio garden attached to a community centre or ‘Club House’. The garden, made up of plants that thrive in an urban setting, is very much an outward-facing one, designed and looked after by residents to maximise the pleasure and interest for passers-by. The Gardening Club which looks after Zander Court has declared 2013 its ‘Year of Growing’ and the popular plant sale will include its biggestever array of ornamental and vegetable plants, grown by Gardening Club members, friends and neighbours. There

Zander Court Club House

East End’s Columbia Road flower market and Goldsmith Row book market, and 15 minutes from Brick Lane, all of which are open on Sunday. Open: Sunday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Either from Nelson Gardens or St Peter’s Close. The garden is attached to the single-storey detached brick building in the middle of Zander Court Nearest stations: Hoxton, Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath Buses: 8, 26, 48, 55 Activities: Homemade cakes and refreshments, plant sale and a giant bubble-making activity for kids. w www.facebook.com/pages/ZanderCourt-Garden-Club Volunteer gardener: Catherine Tidnam

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Docklands

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OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area J: Docklands

Inner London

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I1. Brunel Museum Gardens SE16 4LF

The Brunel Museum, directly above the Thames Tunnel, has engineering sculptures and a secret potager garden designed by Lottie Muir, the ‘Midnight Apothecary’. Herbs ring a giant sundial and life-cycle mural. With fruits from the garden they appear in special concoctions served till late at the ‘hottest pop-up bar in town’ (Evening Standard). A staircase below the garden leads into a secret underground chamber where Isambard Kingdom Brunel nearly lost his life. This weekend the Thames Tunnel is floodlit, and above ground, model steam trains offer trips up and down Railway Avenue. To the north, a brick-paved square and café overlook the river. Benches shaped like Brunel bridges sit beneath false acacia trees (one held together by huge stainless steel bolts). To the south, the Thames Tunnel marquee overlooks a sheltered garden stocked with shrubs and trees chosen by Brunel for his château in Watcombe, Devon. Next to the Great Eastern grinding wheel is a picnic table shaped like a ship that seats 20 people. A bas-relief sculpture in wood and ceramic shows miners working in the tunnel. Concrete fishes by Liz Leyh ring the shaft. The museum was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups. The gardens won a Silver Award in Southwark in Bloom and a silver medal in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Open: Saturday: 10am–10.30pm, Sunday: 10am–10.30pm Entrance: Railway Avenue Access: Museum and garden fully accessible. Access to underground

amphitheatre and roof garden by temporary stairs only Nearest station: Rotherhithe (London Overground) via Canada Water (Jubilee) Buses: 47, 188, 225, 381 Activities: Guided descents of the Grand Entrance Hall £6 (on the hour, bookable on day). Model steam train rides on Railway Avenue (donation). London Overground train journey below through the Thames tunnel (free information sheet). Garden tours (free information sheet). Free museum entry and film w www.brunel-museum.org.uk Cocktail Gardener/Midnight Apothecary: Lottie Muir

I2. Cable Street Community Gardens E1 0EL A well-established community garden situated in the heart of a busy inner-city area. We have over 50 plots, tended individually by members and their families. We also have wildlife areas, several small ponds, a traditional British hedgerow, a sensory garden under development and, most recently, a small greenhouse. We are community-based and run by volunteers. All are welcome to enjoy this peaceful haven in the heart of the city. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Hardinge Street Nearest station: Shadwell Bus: 100 Activities: Guided garden walks. Local history talk/walk 2pm. Light refreshments. Homemade produce. Craft stalls. Plants for sale from 11am. Children’s activities w www.cablestreetcommunitygardens .co.uk

I3. Garden Barge Square at Downings Roads Moorings SE1 2AX

Cable Street Community Gardens

Garden Barge Square is situated at Tower Bridge Moorings, Downings Roads, Southwark. These historic moorings date back 200 years or more. Gardens have been created on the decks of many of the barges to form an ‘inside-out’ floating garden square. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Reed’s Wharf, 33 Mill Street

Access: We advise everyone to wear low heels and to hold on tight to ropes and railings: access is on the rocky side. You visit the moorings at your own risk Nearest stations: Bermondsey (less than 1km), also London Bridge, Tower Hill Buses: 47, 188, 381, RV1 Activities: Tea and cake (proceeds to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Gardener: Corinne Chater

I4. Lavender Pond and Nature Park SE16 5DZ

Lavender Pond Nature Park, created in 1981 and designated a local nature reserve in 2005, is one of the oldest urban nature reserves in the country. Covering 2.5 acres in total, the park’s main feature is the pond. Boardwalks allow access through extensive stands of reed, a colourful marsh area and on to a woodland shelter belt. Created on the site of an old timber pond, the original dock walls and locks remain. Alongside the old pumphouse, which was once used to maintain water levels in the docks, these features add both a contrast to the natural habitats of the park and also a fascinating historical aspect. The park provides a resource for creative ecology and conservation, demonstrating how new habitats can be created for wildlife while allowing local people contact with nature through community involvement, education and training. Lavender Pond is a key demonstration site, recognised as far afield as Japan and Korea as a prime example of good practice in the design of nature parks. It has laid down some ground rules for new urban ecological sites such as the Bow Creek Ecology Park, Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park and the London Wetland Centre at Barnes. Lavender Pond received a Green Flag Community Award in 2012. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Cobbled car park on Lavender Road Access: Reserve fully accessible, though paths and boardwalk require care Nearest station: Canada Water Buses: C10, 381 Car parking: Cobbled car park at entrance Activities: The warden and/or volunteer assistant wardens will be on site to answer questions on habitat management and specific features and provide tours w www.urbanecology.org.uk Warden: Michael Turner & Mathieu Pendergast

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

I5. Spitalfields City Farm E1 5AR

A community garden and city farm, founded in 1978. It has taken us slightly longer than anticipated to reach the closing stages of the community garden, but it has been an interesting process, fraught with all sorts of obstacles, and has been a real learning experience for our community gardener Richard Walker. Our famous Coriander Club gardens are still producing the most amazing herbs and vegetables with no sign of this feast of traditional Bengali growing ever coming to an end! Lütfün Hussain (Coriander Club co-ordinator) manages it, year in and year out, with the muchneeded assistance and expertise of the ladies who help out every week. Our large polytunnels are full of Bangladeshi vegetables and managed by the Coriander Club. Open: Saturday: 10am–4.30pm, Sunday: 10am–4.30pm Entrance: Buxton Street Access: Farmyard area has uneven surfaces and cobbles due to the age of the area Nearest stations: Whitechapel, Liverpool Street Bus: D3 Activities: Tours of the garden with Richard Walker, who explains the joys of starting such a project. Meet Coriander Club co-ordinator Lütfün Hussain and hear from Olivia Burt, our lead gardener, on the challenges of maintaining the site. Interact with sheep, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. Visit the polytunnels. Plants for sale along with seasonal veg. Picnic on our grass road and let your ‘inner child’ out by climbing up into our treehouse w www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org Spitalfields Community Gardeners: Olivia Burt/Lütfün Hussain/ Richard Walker

I6. The Compound, Stave Hill Ecological Park SE16 6AX Set within the main ecology park, the Compound is the site in miniature, with a wildlife ‘city’, beehives, allotment and woodland walk. As access to this area is usually restricted, we have been able to focus primarily on the wildlife, and the Compound has their needs as its focus. We aim to create a space where visitors can find peace, inspiration and ideas to take away. The Compound is also the base for the practical work carried out in the surrounding woodland and meadows,

and is a workspace. Here is where gabions, bird boxes and art works are created for the park. SHED, Stave Hill’s green-roofed railway-sleeper building, is also within the Compound. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Dock Hill Avenue, Timber Pond Road SE16 6AX – behind Bacon’s College Access: Hoggin paths, some slopes Nearest stations: Canada Water, Rotherhithe Buses: 1, 225, 381, 395 Activities: Children’s craft activities. Beekeeper on site (Sunday only). Nature info trails. Quiz trails w www.urbanecology.org.uk/stavehill.html

I7. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park E3 4PX Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (known locally as Bow Cemetery) is a historic cemetery located in London’s East End. It was opened in 1841 by an Act of Parliament and is one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries. The cemetery closed to burials in 1966 and became Tower Hamlets’ first Local Nature Reserve in 2001. Nearby land was added in the mid-1990s, known as Scrap Yard Meadow and Ackroyd Drive Green Link. Today there are 33 acres of managed mature broadleaved woodland and wildflower meadows. Victorian monuments are romantically set amongst wildflowers, grasses and trees. It is also an educational resource for over 8,000 schoolchildren every academic year, who use the park as an outdoor classroom. The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park was set up in 1990. We have a constitution, the main objectives of which are to encourage greater use of this inner urban green space as a sanctuary for people and a place of biodiversity, while protecting and preserving the historic content. Open: Saturday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Southern Grove E3 4PX Access: Main path is limestone with one small incline. Side paths are narrower and vary in surface Nearest station: Mile End Buses: D6, D7, D8, 25, 205, 277, 323, 339, 425 Activities: Join us for our annual Spring Festival, this year marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation with a theme of ‘All Things Sixty’. Activities on the day will include guided walks (covering the site’s history and wildlife), stalls, a treasure hunt and

Spitalfields City Farm

woodland crafts. Basic refreshments will be available w www.towerhamletscemetery.org Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park Liaison Officer: Kenneth Greenway

I8. Winterton House Organic Garden E1 2QR This large community-based flowers and vegetable walled garden is maintained by the residents of Winterton House on a volunteer basis. We have in addition a greenhouse/polytunnel, a largeish alpine/rockery bed and ducks and chickens. Residents have their own growing spaces, which have been cultivated organically with great success. This is an opportunity to view a secret garden normally not on view to the general public. We won both the Best Newcomer and the Best Community Garden in the 2010 Tower Hamlets in Bloom competition. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Deancross St. – just off the Commercial Road Access: The new allotment area has a step entrance Nearest stations: Shadwell, Whitechapel Buses: 15, 100, 115, 135, 339, D9 Activities: Guided tours with one of our volunteers. Mammoth plant sale at very cost-effective prices. Refreshments including home-baked cakes. Bric-à-brac stall. The famous East End homemade pickle-and-jam lady Gardener: Melvyn Smith/Ken. Davis Cg

OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area J: Lambeth

Inner London

Lambeth

Legible London

OVA L

walking scale

AD RO M AP CL

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AD RO CK

HA LA

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N D

TORY

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PULROSS RD LE ROAD DA RN FE

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Brixto Recre Cent

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O2 Academy Brixton

Lambeth Hospital

C Clapham North

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FERNDALE ROAD

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BRIXTON ROAD

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Queenstown Road (Battersea)

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South Lambeth Library

WA N D SSW W WO RT TH ROA RO OA O AD

New Covent Garden Market

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Battersea D Dogs & Cats R O A Home RK

15 mins

Battersea Power Station (Disused)

10 mins D

5 mins

Clapham m Common

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PA R K

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ACRE LANE

MAYOR OF LONDON

Lambeth Town Hall

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

Squares & Gardens Key

val

Kennington Park

Mark’s urch

St. Michael & M All Angels A C of E Academy AD

AR MEDL

RO N MA ER

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Loughborough Park

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Kingdom Hall

LO O U G H B O RO RO U G H JUNCTION

F Transport for London

Windrush Square

Opening Times

Overground station National rail station

King’s College Hospital

Loughborough Junction

Trinity Hospice

Underground station

Key

K HILL

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Eden at St. Paul’s Community Garden

Please check individual listings for details.

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Durand Gardens

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OGSWGuide 2013 Inner London Area J: Lambeth

Inner London

Lambeth

J1. Durand Gardens SW9 0PS Durand Gardens are an unusual Dshaped space in the Stockwell Park Conservation Area. The shape of the garden is said to be derived from its being the site of a plague pit. The area was developed from around 1840 to 1870. The houses were built around the garden on a pattern-book system in a wide variety of styles. The gardens themselves were neglected for many years until the residents bought them in the 1980s. Since then they have been kept as woodland gardens and are at their best in the spring, with large displays of bluebells and daffodils. The main group of trees are limes and oaks, with a scattering of specimen trees amongst them. The central grass area is a delightful spot for a picnic. There is now a residents’ scheme to develop a wider season of plant and tree display. An exhibition will explain the history and plans for the site. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite no. 19 Access: Uneven ground: wheelchairs can get in but may find it uncomfortable Nearest station: Stockwell Buses: 155, 333 (Clapham Road), 3, 59, 133, 159, 415 (Brixton Road) Activities: Small exhibition of the garden’s history. Tea, coffee and refreshments

J2. Eden at St. Paul’s Community Garden SW4 0DX Eden Community Garden is a tranquil green space in the middle of inner-city Clapham. It was founded in 2000 on the site of an ancient burial ground, dating back 1,000 years to the original church of Clapham, and is part of St. Paul’s churchyard. In the 17th century the land here was connected to the manor house owned by Henry Atkins, physician to King James I. It was a burial ground for parishioners who died from the plague, followed by Roundhead soldiers killed in the Civil War battle for Battersea Marshes. Our aim is to create and maintain a sustainable habitat for wildlife and promote recycling and biodiversity through planting native British species

Windrush Square

and organic gardening. An apiary and a wildlife pond help us achieve this aim. We hold summer solstice and autumn celebrations. Volunteering days are on Mondays and some weekends throughout the year. The garden has won a Green Pennant for seven years running and four Green Flags, and received an ‘outstanding’ commendation in the London in Bloom competition, 2011. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Matrimony Place off Rectory Grove Nearest stations: Wandsworth Road (500m), Clapham Common (1km) Buses: 77, 87, 88, 322, 417, 452 Activities: Saturday: St. Paul’s Church Summer Fair 12-3pm. Cake stall, tombola, coconut shy, plant stall and other attractions w www.stpaulssw4.org Community gardener: Stephen Barney

J3. Trinity Hospice SW4 0RN Trinity’s gardens were designed by John Medhurst according to plans drawn up by American landscape architect Lanning Roper, who in 1982 had offered to design Trinity’s gardens but sadly died before he could finish the job. John Medhurst took up the mantle and incorporated many of

Lanning Roper’s ideas. Little of the garden pre-dates 1983 (when Medhurst finished his work) except hedges and trees, notably a purple beech planted in 1981 by the late Queen Mother. Two old mulberries, a plane, horse chestnut and a swamp cypress give maturity to the garden, while the cherries add colour. The trees are protected by preservation orders and have to be carefully maintained. The garden covers just under two acres. At the far end is a pond stocked with goldfish. A sculpture Four Open Horizontal Squares, by George Rickey sits in the pond, moving in the wind with the slightest breeze. A new inpatient centre opened in 2009, making more work necessary on the garden to fit around the new buildings. The newer parts of the garden were designed by T.P. Bennett. They are intended to be viewed from both the upper and lower levels of the in-patient centre, with steep slopes of shrubs and herbaceous planting falling towards the building. The in-patient centre and gardens were officially opened in July 2009 by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall and a tree was planted to mark the occasion. The weeping cherry sits in the middle of one of the new lawns created and will add lovely spring flowers to the gardens. In time, the gardens will mature into something even more special

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 for the residents to enjoy within the grounds of the hospice. Open: Saturday: 11am–4pm, Sunday: 11am–4pm Entrance: 30 Clapham Common North Side Access: Steps can be avoided by using ramps Nearest station: Clapham Common Buses: 35, 37, 88, 137, 155, 345, G1 Activities: Plant sale. Refreshments w www.trinityhospice.org.uk Head gardener: Terry Salter

J4. Windrush Square SW2 1JQ Windrush Square is a public open space in the heart of Lambeth, opposite the Edwardian town hall. Part of the historic Rush Common, it was formed by the amalgamation of Tate Library Gardens with the adjacent old Windrush Square. The part of Rushcroft Road that used to separate the two areas has been closed and incorporated into the new square. The works to create the Square were carried out by Transport for London and the Square opened in February 2010. This is our fourth year of participating in Open Garden Squares Weekend since Windrush Square was created.

Trinity Hospice

Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Effra Road / Brixton Hill Access: Level access to library from Ruschcroft Road Nearest station: Brixton Buses: 2, 3, 35, 37, 45, 59, 109, 118, 133, 159, 196, 250, 333, 415, 432, P4, P5 Activities: The Brixton Society will have a stand in the square over the weekend with displays of local history and local history publications for sale. A number of

A new festival of flowers, gardens and gardening across London 53

heritage walks led by knowledgeable guides will take place around the square (which is surrounded by important Victorian and Edwardian buildings and contains a number of interesting monuments) as well as setting out from the square to take in a wider area. This will be supplemented by displays in the adjacent public library w www.brixtonsociety.org.uk

Something’s happening near you. ChelseaFringe.com

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area K: Notting Hill ■ Bayswater ■ Little Venice

Central London

Notting Hill ■ Bayswater ■ Little Venice

Legible London

DB RO

AV E

HAR

H UT

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Whiteleys

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walking scale 15 mins

MAYOR OF LONDON

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10 mins

Kensing Palace

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Coronet Cinema

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Westbourne Grove Church

o Road Portobello Market

LADBR RO OKE Latimer Road G ROV OV E AVO V O N DA L E VO K13

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North Kensington Library

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St. Charles’ Centre

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BBC Maida Vale Studios

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G EL

MAID DA HILL

RLB

KENSAL TO OW WN

W ROA D

Sainsbury’s

FERNHEAD ROAD

HARRO

Jubilee Sports Centre

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

Squares & Gardens Key K1 K2 K3

1 O

RO VE

K10

Ladbroke Square Garden

K11

Lighthouse-West THT

K12

Norland Square Rosmead Garden Royal Crescent Gardens

B4 B3 A4

RE RO

Edgware Road

Little Venice

A4 A2

K18

St James’s Gardens St Quintin Avenue Community Kitchen Garden Stanley Crescent Garden

K19

Triangle Garden

K13 K14 21 K16

HARROW ROAD

K17

W AY

Edgware

PA D D I N G T PA TO O N Road

Oak

St. Mary’s S T R s Hospital ED A

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P ddi d i gt Paddington

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Hilton n London n Paddington

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Cleveland Gardens Crescent Garden Formosa Garden Hanover Gardens Kensington Gardens Square Kensington Nursing Home (BUPA)

B3 B3 E3 E3 E1 D1 B4 D3 B4

Ca n nchal

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MAID DA A VA ALE

Arundel & Elgin Garden Arundel & Ladbroke Gardens Cleveland Square

Opening Times

Open Saturday & Sunday

SSt John’s John’ o ’ss St. Church

Open Saturday only Open Sunday only Please check individual listings

Lancaster s London o Hotel B AY S W

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National rail station

K E N S I N G TO TO N GARDENS ton

Serpentine e Gallery for London Based upon Ordnance Survey with theofpermission of © Transport © forTransport London Based upon Ordnance Survey material withmaterial the permission

Ordnance Survey of theofController of Her Majesty’sOfÀce Stationery OfÀce © Crown Copyright. Ordnance Survey on behalf of on thebehalf Controller Her Majesty’s Stationery © Crown Copyright. infringes Crown may lead to or prosecution or civil proceedings. UnauthorisedUnauthorised reproductionreproduction infringes Crown Copyright andCopyright may leadand to prosecution civil proceedings. TfL Licence Number LA100032379 2013 TfL Licence Number LA100032379 2012

Transport for London

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area K: Notting Hill ■ Bayswater ■ Little Venice

K Notting Hill Central London

K1. Arundel & Elgin Garden W11 2ER

A friendly and informal garden square with mature trees, plants and shrubs, laid out to the original Victorian design from an old map of 1862. It is dominated by a very tall plane tree in the centre. Arundel Gardens and Elgin Crescent were built between 1852 and 1862 as part of the residential development of the Ladbroke Grove area. Open: Sunday: 2–5.30pm Entrance: Opposite 174 Kensington Park Road Access: Narrow gates: 91cm wide from Ladbroke Grove and 105cm from Kensington Park Road. Narrow paths: 45cm wide Nearest stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove Buses: 23, 52, 228, 452 Activities: Tea served. Live music at intervals during the afternoon w www.arundelandelgingarden.org

■ Bayswater ■ Little K2. Arundel & Ladbroke Gardens W11 2EP

This is a woodland garden that has retained its original Victorian layout. Paths wind around island beds and lawns, past many of the original trees, which include seven magnificent London planes ringing one of the lawns. Over the years we have tried out nearly every shrub and perennial recommended for heavy clay and shady conditions (as well as some that are not). We aim to provide colour in late summer, when the leaf canopy is at its most dense. Planting plans are displayed in each planted area. Open: Sunday: 2–6pm Entrance: Opposite 134 Kensington Park Road Access: Three shallow steps into the garden. Thickly gravelled paths Nearest stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove Buses: 7, 23, 52, 70, 452 Conditions: No photography w www.arundelladbrokegardens.co.uk Gardener: Paul Walsh

Venice

K3. Cleveland Square W2 6DG A beautiful, quiet 1.5-acre garden square with lawns, gravel paths and mature trees, surrounded by grade II-listed white stucco-fronted houses. The square dates from around 1855. Recent replanting offers a rich range of horticultural interest. There are new areas of underplanting in the shade and, in the sunnier parts, small fruit trees and herbs set among a wide variety of herbaceous perennials. In addition, a cycle of bulbs flowers through the first half the year, culminating in parrot tulips and alliums. In 2012 the gardens won second place in the large private square category of the London Squares Garden Competition. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: West gate, opposite no. 25 Nearest stations: Paddington, Bayswater, Lancaster Gate Buses: 7, 23, 27, 36, 46, 159, 205, 332, 436 + 70, 94, 148, 274, 390 w www.clevelandsquare.org

K4. Cleveland Gardens W2 6HA

Small sister garden to Cleveland Square, just 75m away. In 2006 the old perimeter fencing was replaced with beautiful traditional railings and the entire garden was refurbished – all achieved by the hard work of the residents’ association with the help of grants from English Heritage and Westminster City Council. One of the conditions of the grants is that the garden is open to the public for 21 days a year. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm Entrance: East gate, opposite no. 7 Nearest stations: Paddington, Bayswater, Lancaster Gate Buses: 7, 23, 27, 36, 46, 159, 205, 332, 436 + 70, 94, 148, 274, 390 w www.clevelandsquare.org

K5. Crescent Garden W9 1ED Recently given an award as London’s best large private garden square, Crescent Garden is a three-acre communal garden, just off Warrington Crescent. It is surrounded by stuccofronted houses dating from around 1865,

Arundal & Elgin Garden

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 including a grade II-listed balconied terrace. In the 1970s local residents defeated plans by the Church Commissioners to turn the garden into communal car parking. Today it has lawns, a fine set of interesting trees, island beds and many unusual plants and shrubs. There is also a children’s play area. The area was bombed in WW1, when enemy planes mistook the Little Venice canals for the Thames. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Entrance next to 1 Warrington Crescent, down ramp and through gate Access: Gravel paths Nearest station: Warwick Avenue Buses: 6, 46, 98, 187, 414 Activities: Children’s play area with swings and slide w www.crescentgarden.co.uk Garden associates: Robert Player

K6. Formosa Garden W9 1EZ A beautiful triangular garden lined with plane trees that is a source of joy to the residents who use it. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: At 32 Castellain Road, near junction with Sutherland Avenue Access: Gravel paths Nearest station: Warwick Avenue Buses: 6, 46, 187, 414, 98 w www.formosaamenity.co.uk Garden Renaissance: Mike Stratford

K7. Hanover Gardens W11 3LN

A peaceful woodland garden in the heart of the historic Ladbroke Estate, the quiet of which is disturbed only by birdsong and the bells of St John’s, Notting Hill. Rolling lawns with mature spreading planes and occasional specimen trees, including a tulip tree, are interspersed with copses of choice woodland planting, such as callicarpa, honeysuckle, brunnera, liriope, hellebores, epimediums 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 is accessible by wheelchair, apart from one area with steps. Gravel paths Nearest station: Holland Park Buses: 31, 94, 148 Gardeners: Mark Steel and Chris Hearn General maintenance: Joseph Jones

Kensington Gardens Square

K8. Kensington Gardens Square W2 4DJ These gardens, ‘serene with a touch of waywardness’, are surrounded by fivestorey stucco-fronted houses built in 1858 by Henry de Bruno Austin. Originally family houses for members of the thenemerging professional classes, the grade II-listed properties are now flats and hotels. The gardens have recently been upgraded and replica wrought-iron gates installed as a step towards replacing the lost WW2 railings. They enclose a tranquil green space in this busy enclave of Bayswater. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Gate opposite no. 75 Access: Gravel paths Nearest station: Bayswater Buses: 7, 12, 15, 23, 27, 70, 94, 148 w www.kgsgarden.org.uk

K9. Kensington Nursing Home (BUPA) W11 3PH Two very different and delightful gardens at the same location. A spacious, mature private garden with L-shaped lawn and shaded seating, raised flower and herb beds, paved path around lawn, an intriguing Perspex sculpture, mosaics, and a sensory garden. There is also a

separate garden with a pergola, fronting onto Ladbroke Road. Delightfully cool on a hot summer afternoon! Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: 40-46 Ladbroke Road Nearest stations: Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park Buses: 12, 94, 148 Activities: Tea and coffee Gardener: Karin Welzel

K10. Ladbroke Square Garden W11 3BJ The garden was originally the site of a racecourse, the Hippodrome, built by John Whyte in 1837. The venture foundered as the course was too heavygoing. A plan of 1849 signed by the architect/surveyor Thomas Allason shows the garden laid out as it is today, the largest of the 16 communal gardens of the Ladbroke Estate. It is also one of the largest private garden squares in London, listed by English Heritage as grade II. Within the railings, shrubbery and mature trees enclose a long east-west walk along the north side, with winding paths around three spacious lawns. Open: Sunday: 2–6pm Entrance: Gate opposite 60 Kensington Park Road only Access: Level access, but gravel paths

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area K: Notting Hill ■ Bayswater ■ Little Venice Nearest stations: Ladbroke Grove, Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate Buses: 7, 23, 52, 452,228 Activities: We hope once again to have our very successful, utterly delicious ‘Pop-Up Café’. Every penny raised will go to the Kipungani Schools Trust. This charity helps educate Kenyan children both primary and secondary, expanding schools, providing extra teaching staff and grants too

K14. Royal Crescent Gardens W11 4SN

Lighthouse-West THT

and uneven surfaces Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate Buses: 12, 27, 28, 52, 94, 328, 452 Activities: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution will provide teas Head gardener: Colin Derome

Buses: 7, 23, 52, 70, 228, 295, 452 Activities: Lunches. Tea, coffee, cakes. Rare plant sale Garden co-ordinator: Gary Eisenhauer

K11. Lighthouse-West THT

Originally part of the Norland Estate, the square and beautiful surrounding stuccofronted houses were built by a property developer in the early 1840s. A shady gravel path meanders around the garden next to borders filled with mixed shrubs and ornamental trees. The garden railings were reinstated in 2007. The sunny central lawn has a children’s playground and tennis court at opposite ends. 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 Activities: Homemade cakes and water available

W11 1QT

Award-winning garden created in 1990 as part of a centre for people facing the challenge of HIV/AIDS. The original planting in 1990 was a donation from the gold-medal-winning Crabtree and Evelyn Chelsea Flower Show scented garden. Since then the garden has developed to form a secluded enclave in the heart of busy Ladbroke Grove. The garden is a south-facing courtyard, enclosed by walls on three sides. The planting includes a mixture of herbaceous perennials, climbers and tender sub-tropical plants, such as brugmansias, abutilons and musas, which flourish in this microclimate. Nest boxes encourage a number of small bird species to thrive in the garden. The garden is situated behind the Lighthouse-West building, originally built in 1866 as the Bayswater Jewish School. In 1987 the building reopened as the London Lighthouse. In 2000, Lighthouse merged with the Terrence Higgins Trust to become THT LighthouseWest. Open: Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: 111–117 Lancaster Road Nearest station: Ladbroke Grove – turn right and right again

K12. Norland Square W11 4PX

K13. Rosmead Garden W11 2JG

This garden is part of the Ladbroke Estate, which includes Arundel Gardens and St John’s Gardens. Thomas Allom’s plan of 1823 provided for generous communal gardens, organised in a concentric layout of crescents. The outer crescents date from the 1860s. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Rosmead Road gate Access: Entry down a steep flight of steps followed by a short gravel slope.

These gardens are part of the Norland Estate, developed from around 1840 by Robert Cantwell, who laid out Royal Crescent in 1846. The Ordnance Survey map of 1860 shows a path following the periphery and trees and paths within the space. The gardens contain two magnificent plane trees at least as old as the Crescent buildings. The perimeter railings, sacrificed for the war effort in WW2, were restored in 1997. The garden committee has worked since 2003 with a garden designer on full restoration, to enhance the planting and improve the visual amenity the gardens offer to all residents. Considerable progress has been made, including the installation of a gazebo specially made for the garden as a new central feature in 2007, replanting of the west side in 2008-9 and the South path in 2011. Improvements to the planting and layout continue and the project is nearing completion. In 2007 the garden won the Kensington Society Award for Garden Design and in 2008 first prize for communal gardens in North Kensington under the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme. It came second in the communal gardens class in 2009 and again in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Open: Saturday: 9.30am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Double gate opposite no. 5 on east side Nearest stations: Holland Park, Shepherd’s Bush Underground and Overground Buses: C1, 31, 49, 94, 148, 228, 295, 316, Oxford Tube, buses coming to Shepherds Bush/Westfield Contract gardener: Joseph Jones

K15. Garden withdrawn

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

K16. St James’s Gardens W11 4RA

The gardens were established in the late 1840s as part of the Norland Estate. A speculative developer, Charles Richardson, built the houses around St James’s Gardens and set up the gardens for the benefit of the residents who were, and still are, required to maintain them. Richardson gifted the site for St James’s Church to the Church Commissioners on the basis that the houses would be more saleable if they had access to their own adjacent church. The church, designed by architect Lewis Vulliamy, was built between 1844 and 1855. The gardens are laid out in an informal woodland style, dominated by the fine chestnut and lime trees which date back well into the 19th century. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: South side of gardens Nearest station: Holland Park Buses: 31, 94, 148, 228, 295, 316 Gardener: Joseph Jones

K17. St Quintin Avenue Community Kitchen Garden

own fresh produce. The site is used by over 100 local people and groups to grow a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. The garden consists of 48 raised wooden beds and provides a local food-growing centre. The design of the site maximises food-growing space and allows the garden to look attractive. Plot holders are encouraged to grow a mixture of fruit, vegetables and flowers. The garden has an amazing ambience, which has helped foster a great community spirit between plot holders. It shows what can be created on an underused and neglected open space. St Quintin’s Garden won second prize in the community foodgrowing category in ‘London in Bloom’ in 2010. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: The entrance is on St Quintin Avenue next to the Health Centre Access: Narrow paths, ramps Nearest station: Ladbroke Grove Buses: 7, 23, 70, 228, 295, 316 Activities: Plants and homemade cakes for sale Cg

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K18. Stanley Crescent Garden W11 2NA

A disused tennis court has been transformed into a community kitchen garden where local residents grow their

One of the least altered communal gardens in the area, the garden is part of the Ladbroke Estate development which

Triangle Garden

was largely designed and built in 1852-3 by Thomas Allom. It contains many old, rare and protected trees. The garden was recently voted the best garden square in Kensington and Chelsea in a competition organised by Garden Square News. Open: Sunday: 2–6pm Entrance: South gate in Kensington Park Gardens Nearest stations: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove Buses: 52, 452, 228 w http://stanleycrescentgarden.wordpress.com

K19. Triangle Garden W9 1BQ A beautiful, tranquil garden, perfectly proportioned in the form of a triangle, with formal and informal beds. The original white stucco houses, dating from the 1860s, surround this peaceful space. There is a central island of London plane trees that are over 100 years old. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Corner of Randolph Avenue and Randolph Crescent; between 26 and 28 Randolph Crescent Access: Wheelchair access on rather steep slope. Gravel paths Nearest station: Warwick Avenue Buses: 6, 46, 187 Garden associates: Robert Player

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Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

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OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area L: Marylebone ■ West End ■ Bloomsbury

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Marylebone ■ West End ■ Bloomsbury

L1. The Academy Gardens

L2. Bedford Square

The hotel is formed from five cleverly linked Georgian houses, originally built in 1776. It has two small courtyard gardens to the rear, one with a fishpond, while large trees dominate the perimeter. There is a small collection of interesting shrubs. It’s hard to believe that you are in the heart of London. Just off Bedford Square, this area of London was home to the famous Bloomsbury Set, which included writer Virginia Woolf and economist John Maynard Keynes. Open: Saturday: 9am–5pm, Sunday: 9am–5pm Entrance: 21 Gower Street Access: Several steps Nearest stations: Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road Buses: 10, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390 Activities: Sip a glass of chilled wine next to the pond, curl up with a paper or enjoy a hot brew or afternoon tea. Full range of refreshments available w www.theetoncollection.co.uk/academy

Built between 1775 and 1786, Bedford Square is the best and most complete Georgian square in London. The elegant surrounding buildings, now mainly offices, were once fashionable town houses and have distinctive Coade-stone entrances. The large oval garden at the centre is surrounded by pre-war iron railings and screened by encircling shrubberies and mature plane trees. The garden has benefited over the years from a programme of works, with new benches and metal edging installed alongside the newly re-surfaced path that circumnavigates the garden. Areas of interest include a ring of mature London plane trees, a Victorian stumpery and pocket planting of a large variety of herbaceous plants. A beehive has also been installed as part of a biodiversity programme. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: North side of square Access: Hard surface only at entrance to garden

WC1E 6HG

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The Academy Gardens

Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street Buses: 10, 24, 29, 73, 134 + 1, 7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 w www.bedfordestates.com Head gardener: James Gillions

L3. British Medical Association Council Garden WC1H 9JP

Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this elegant town garden at the heart of the BMA headquarters at Tavistock Square. It is a private garden, much esteemed by members and visitors to the BMA, but little known beyond. Planting is refreshingly green around a central oval pool. A collection of physic plants bears witness to the continuing role of plants in contemporary pharmacology. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Via main entrance to BMA House in Upper Woburn Place, opposite NE corner of Tavistock Square Access: The garden is accessible to wheelchairs Nearest stations: Russell Square, Euston

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Buses: 59, 68, 91, 168 Activities: Guided talks on the garden, its history and its plants at 11am, 12noon, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Café open. Music will be provided by members of the Corinthian Chamber Orchestra at intervals during the day Gardener: Daniela Sikora

L4. Brunswick Square WC1N

1AZ

Brunswick Square was one of the gardens flanking the Foundling Hospital (now demolished), a charity set up in 1739 to cater for abandoned children. Work on the square began in 1795 and the gardens were originally laid out and railed in 1799. The grade II-listed square is named after Caroline of Brunswick, the Prince Regent’s wife. In Jane Austen’s Emma, Mr and Mrs John Knightley make their home in Brunswick Square, then on the edge of London, commending its healthiness: ‘Our part of London is so very superior to most others. The neighbourhood of Brunswick Square is very different from almost all the rest. We are so remarkably airy!’ Virginia Woolf is one of several famous former residents of the square. The original houses surrounding the square have been replaced by the University School of Pharmacy and the Foundling Museum to the north, the Brunswick shopping centre to the west and International Hall (a university hall of residence) to the south. The children’s charities, Coram and Coram’s Fields, are off the square. Mecklenburgh Square is a similar square to the east, linked by a path. The square’s large old London plane tree is recognised as one of the Great Trees of London. Open: Sunday: 12–4.30pm Entrance: Turn right on exiting the station Nearest station: Russell Square Buses: 7, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 Activities: Readings and music at intervals between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday afternoon, celebrating our connection with Jane Austen’s Emma. Self-guided walks around the Bloomsbury squares can be downloaded at the Association of Bloomsbury Squares and Gardens website: www.bloomsburysquares.org.uk. On both Saturday and Sunday, guided walks around Bloomsbury for OGSW ticketholders start from Bedford Square at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. No booking required. Free entry and 10% discount in the café for OGSW ticket holders at the Foundling Museum. The Museum tells the story of the Foundling

Calthorpe Project Community Garden

Hospital, Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s firstever public art gallery. Professor Laurie Kaplan will talk about ‘Emma Woodhouse and the Children at Brunswick Square’, an exploration of the theme of foundlings in Jane Austen’s novel Emma, in the Foundling Museum on Saturday 8 June at 11am. (Entry to talk with OGSW ticket) w www.bloomsburysquares.org.uk/ brunswick-square

L5. Bryanston Square W1H 2DH

Bryanston Square was built between 1811 and 1821. The houses on the east and west sides were built to a grand design with stuccoed fronts and columns and pediments at each corner and in the centre (the latter now lost). The square has magnificent old London plane trees set among other flowering trees. Planting includes rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, weigelas, dogwood, viburnum, mahonia, hydrangeas and others. There is a memorial drinking fountain of 1863 at the south end and an early 19th-century cast-iron water pump in the form of a Doric column at the north end. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Middle of east side, opposite no. 11 Access: Gravel paths Nearest stations: Baker Street, Marble Arch Buses: 2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 139, 189, 274 Contract gardener: Joseph Jones

L6. Calthorpe Project Community Garden WC1X 8LH A 1.2-acre community garden, which opened in 1984 after local residents campaigned against the sale of the land for development. Today it includes a Walter Segal self-build community building, an under-fives area, a wild garden, community composting area, Bangladeshi womens’ plots, family plots and the only outdoor AstroTurf futsal pitch in the country at present. We have also developed a food-growing area with raised beds and large polytunnel for use by local people, schools and other community groups. Open: Saturday: 12–6pm, Sunday: 12–6pm Entrance: From Gray’s Inn Road, opposite Westminster Kingsway College Access: Disabled access throughout the garden. Nearest station: King’s Cross Buses: 17, 45, 46 Activities: Tea, coffee and scones for sale. Under-5s drop-in and play scheme for 8-14 year olds Conditions: No alcohol permitted on site. Guide dogs only w www.calthorpeproject.org.uk Gardeners: Staff and volunteers

L7. Dorset Square NW1 6QJ Dorset Square is the central feature of an urban layout planned by the Portman Estate (1815-20). The square, architecturally still intact, was laid out on the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground, established in 1787. Sir Laurence Gomme (1853-1916), an early pioneer of

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area L: Marylebone ■ West End ■ Bloomsbury

Goodenough College

the Blue Plaques scheme, lived at no. 24 from 1895 to 1909. His home is marked by the 800th blue plaque. George Grossmith, co-author of The Diary of a Nobody, was also a resident of the square. He too is marked by a blue plaque, as is Dodie Smith, author of 101 Dalmatians. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: South Gate – opposite no. 34 Nearest stations: Baker Street, Marylebone Buses: 2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 82, 74, 113, 205, 274, 453 Gardener: Mario Crasta Cg

L8. Fitzroy Square W1T 6EF Fitzroy Square is one of London’s finest squares and the only London square designed by Robert Adam. It is named after Charles Fitzroy, 4th Duke of Grafton, who commissioned Adam to design the houses for a new London square in the

late 18th century. Many famous artists, writers and statesmen have lived here. Houses marked by blue plaques include those once occupied by Victorian prime minister Lord Salisbury, and writers George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf, who both lived at no. 29 at different times. During the last 40 years the square and garden have been restored, including the circular stone plinth and railings to the original design. More information on the square and its history is available in the booklet for sale. Open: Sunday: 10am–6.30pm Entrance: North side of Fitzroy Square, off Warren Street Nearest stations: Warren Street, Great Portland Street Buses: Northbound: 10, 24, 29, 73, 134; southbound: 88, C2; westbound: 18, 27, 30 Activities: Homemade cream teas and light refreshments served in the tea marquee

L9. Goodenough College – London House and William Goodenough House Quadrangles WC1N 2AB London House has an enclosed quadrangle, set to lawn, entered through large wrought-iron gates. A surprisingly tranquil place, it has three specimen trees, including a large mulberry, and a number of mixed beds surrounding the lawn. Goodenough College was established in 1931 by Frederick Goodenough to provide overseas postgraduate students with a collegiate home while studying in the city. London House, a neo-Georgian building designed by Sir Herbert Baker, has knapped flint panels and a stone-faced colonnade on the south side of the quad. William Goodenough House was established after WW2 to provide accommodation for female postgraduates and families. After a 15th-month renovation it reopened in

The Bloomsbury Squares Bloomsbury is famous as an area of garden squares and today the Bloomsbury Squares provide a green route for visitors between the major stations of arrival into the capital (Kings Cross, St Pancras, Euston) and the West End. The first site in London to be called by the name ‘square’ was Bloomsbury Square, originally known as Southampton Square, as it was created in the 1660s on land owned by the 4th Earl of Southampton. All the squares were developed as residential areas with a common space in the centre and, in the 18th century, they quickly grew popular as pleasant, airy places to live. Many squares on the edge of the town still had views of open country; the ideal was ‘rus in urbe’ – to bring a feeling of the countryside into the town. Today these leafy green spaces, each with its own character, are fulfilling the same purpose. Most are open to the public on a daily basis, but Bedford, Fitzroy and Mecklenburgh Squares are usually only accessible on Open Garden Squares Weekend. For more information and suggested walking routes visit the website of the Association of Bloomsbury Squares and Gardens: www.bloomsburysquares.org.uk

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 2012 and the quadrangle includes a water feature by David Harber and Portland stone benches. The College provides accommodation for 700 students from 80 different countries, studying at over 70 institutions in London. Open: Sunday: 12–5pm Entrance: Entrance to the gardens on the south side of Mecklenburgh Square. Access: Please ring 020 7520 1570 in advance if you have any special requirements Nearest stations: Russell Square, King’s Cross Buses: 17, 45, 46 + 19, 38, 55, 243 Activities: Guided tours by members of the College and a cake stall in Mecklenburgh Square Garden, manned by the children of the College, who donate the proceeds to a charity of their choice Conditions: Study bedrooms surround the quad. Visitors are asked to respect this and to keep noise to a minimum w www.goodenough.ac.uk Gardener: Myriam Sarens

L10. Garden withdrawn L11. Lloyd Square WC1X 9BA The tranquil and secluded garden of Lloyd Square has a traditional layout, with trees around the perimeter and a central flowerbed surrounded by smaller beds, planted with shrub roses and perennials in an informal design. A gravelled path leads to a pergola. The lawned children’s play area was originally a tennis court. The distinctive pedimented façades of the surrounding houses were designed by the father-and-son team of John and William Booth between 1820 and 1830 for the Lloyd Baker family, who owned the whole estate until the mid-20th century. A garden committee run by residents has managed the garden since 1917. In the last few years, renewal work has been undertaken to repair and renovate the railings, reinstate paths, extend planting across the garden and refurbish the arbour. Leaving the square at the south-west end, a walkway leads through St Helena’s Garden, recently replanted by the local community group with shade-loving plants. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: South side of the square Access: Chippings on paths may cause difficulties for pushchairs and wheelchairs Nearest stations: Angel, King’s Cross Buses: 63, + 19, 38, 341, + 30, 73, 205, 214, 394, 476 Activities: Display boards on the history

of the square and the story of Bethany House, built in ‘Queen Anne’ style for the Society of the Sisters of Bethany in 1881 Lloyd Square Garden: Liz Thornton

L12. Manchester Square Gardens W1U 3AB A beautiful Georgian square with a fine collection of trees, shrubs and plants, first laid out between 1776 and 1788. A major replanting programme took place in 2006-8. The square is named after the Duke of Manchester, who – attracted by the good duck shooting in the area – built a house (then called Manchester House) on the north side in 1777. The 2nd Marquess of Hertford acquired the lease in 1797 and it became known as Hertford House. In the 19th century Hertford House was home to Sir Richard Wallace (1818–90), illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess, who displayed much of the Hertford family’s fabulous collection of fine and decorative arts here. In 1897 Lady Wallace left it to the nation as the Wallace Collection. Hertford House today is a rare example of a London town house occupying the whole side of a garden square. A church originally planned for the centre of the square was never built. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Opposite Hinde Street, leading from Marylebone High Street Access: One very shallow step at entrance. Gravel paths Nearest stations: Bond Street, Baker Street Bus: Any bus along Oxford Street or Baker Street Activities: Come and relax on the lawn in our beautiful garden. Bring your own deckchairs and rugs Contract gardener: Joseph Jones

Manchester Square Gardens

L13. Mecklenburgh Square WC1N 2AD

Named after Queen Charlotte, formerly Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the square was designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell and Joseph Kay for the Foundling Estate in the early 19th century. The grade II-listed two-acre garden was laid out in 1810-12. It remains close to the original design, with fine mature planes and other ornamental trees, formal lawns and gravel paths. One section is devoted to plants from New Zealand, including a number of rarities. A herb garden has been planted, with assistance from the Wellcome Trust. A children’s play area, barbecue area and tennis court cater for the large number of postgraduate students and their families living around the square. 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 Activities: Leaflet describing the garden and celebrating its 200th anniversary available. We hope to offer cream teas, served in a genuine Mongolian yurt that is erected in the garden from time to time w http://bloomsburysquares. wordpress.com/mecklenburgh-square/ Gardener: Myriam Sarens

L14. Montagu Square W1H 2LA

Montagu Square lies within the Portman Estate and is a fine example of late Georgian architecture. It is the only purely residential square left in Westminster and has a beautiful, tranquil, shady garden. In 1554 Sir William Portman, Lord Chief Justice to Henry VIII, bought the freehold

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area L: Marylebone ■ West End ■ Bloomsbury to the manor of Lileston (Lisson). Most of the land was used for farming until the 1750s, when building on the estate expanded rapidly, centred on Portman Square. About 1800, Montagu Square was laid out by the estate’s architect, James Thompson Parkinson. It was named after Elizabeth Montagu of nearby Montagu House, now demolished. She is remembered for her literary Blue Stocking Society and the annual May Day party for chimney-climbing boys. Roast beef and plum pudding were served and a shilling given to every boy. Among those who attended this festivity was a young David Porter, who started life as a chimneysweep but grew up to be the builder of Montagu Square. More recently, the residents restored the railings, which had been removed during WW2. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Gate in George Street Nearest stations: Baker Street, Marble Arch Buses: 2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 139, 159, 274 Activities: Tea, coffee and biscuits Gardener: Joseph Jones

L15. October Gallery WC1N 3AL

Originally St George the Martyr School, built in 1863, October Gallery was founded in 1979 and is dedicated to the appreciation of art from all cultures

around the world. The gallery exhibits and promotes art of the transvangarde – or transcultural avant-garde. In the centre of the building is a courtyard with acers, camellias, shrubs and flowers. This provides a delightful setting, reflecting the ethos of the gallery and its artists. The garden is an unexpected refuge in the heart of urban London and another one of Bloomsbury’s best-kept secrets. October Gallery is a self-supporting charitable trust, named after the month in which the gallery was founded, a season associated with ripeness and fruition. Open: Saturday: 12.30–5.30pm Entrance: 24 Old Gloucester Street, through gallery Access: Two steps up from street but wheelchair ramp is available Nearest stations: Holborn, Russell Square Buses: 55, 68, 91,168, 25,8 Activities: Art gallery, lunches, teas, coffees and cakes. Tours of the garden and the building w www.octobergallery.co.uk October Gallery Courtyard: Chili Hawes

L16. Park Crescent NW1 4LJ Originally planned as a full circus by Regency architect John Nash, only the graceful and elegant semicircle was realised. The Nursemaids’ Tunnel connects Park Crescent with Park Square and has an elegant pavilion concealing a

Park Square

ventilation shaft for the London Underground. New railings and gates have been installed to original designs. Park Crescent is dominated by magnificent London planes of a similar age to their counterparts in Park Square. The original Regency railings are currently being restored, one section at a time, in conjunction with a replanting programme. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through tunnel from Park Square – steep ramp Access: Steep tarmac ramps through tunnel from Park Square. Gravel paths. Nearest stations: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street Buses: 18, 27, 30 + C2, 88 Conditions: Small family picnics permitted w www.cepc.org.uk Head gardener: Kevin Powell

L17. Park Square NW1 4LJ One of the largest of London’s private squares, dominated by plane trees planted in 1817 to commemorate the allied victory at Waterloo two years earlier. Other trees of note include a tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera. New gates and railings have been installed to original designs. An original and unusual feature of the garden is the Nursemaids’ Tunnel, an early underpass connecting the square to Park Crescent.

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Park Square West Access: New access ramps at gate with no further steps. Gravel paths Nearest stations: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street Buses: 18, 27, 30 + C2, 88 Conditions: Small family picnics are permitted w www.cepc.org.uk Head gardener: Kevin Powell

L18. The Phoenix Garden WC2H 8DE

The Phoenix Garden is the best-kept secret of London’s West End. Open daily, it provides a peaceful, green retreat for local residents, workers and tourists all year round and is a haven for a wide range of urban wildlife. Created by local volunteers in 1984 on the site of a former car park, this is the last of the Covent Garden community gardens. The location can be challenging, yet the Phoenix Garden triumphs using ingenuity and innovation to demonstrate what can be achieved upon a bedrock of West End rubble. Plants are chosen to suit the difficult growing conditions and to support as wide a range of wildlife species as possible. This creates an attractive year-round display with echiums towering over vibrant red salvias, clematis scrambling through bramble and golden nettles thrusting through purple elders. A stone’s throw from the West End’s theatres, a surprising range of wildlife makes its home here: five species of bees, various butterflies, many birds (blue and great tit, wren, robin, blackbird, greenfinch, house sparrow, woodpecker, kestrel, sparrowhawk) and the West End’s only frogs. Our awardwinning community gardener, Chris Raeburn, continues to introduce innovative methods to create new habitats and improve the garden. Retaining walls have been built from recycled newspapers, while reclaimed bomb rubble from deep below the garden has been used to build gabion dry-stone walls. The newly completed wildlife ponds are an exciting addition to the Phoenix Garden. The Phoenix Garden is a registered charity managed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers and funded from membership subscriptions, donations and grants. Awards include London Green Corners (2007, 2008) and Camden in Bloom 2003-7 for Best Environmental Garden; Camden in Bloom 2009 Best Community Wildlife-Friendly

Regent’s College London

Garden; Highly Commended, London in Bloom 2009; Best Community-Run Garden, Camden in Bloom 2010; Certificate of Excellence, London in Bloom 2010. 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 till dusk Access: Refurbished paths are now accessible Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Covent Garden Buses: 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176 Activities: Support the charity by becoming a Friend of the Phoenix. Subscription £12 per year. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and invitations to all garden events w www.thephoenixgarden.org Conditions: Please note that, because of building works, only a portion of the garden can be visited this year Community gardener: Christopher Raeburn

L19. Portman Square W1H 7BH

The first square was developed in the 18th century by Henry William Portman on 200 acres of meadow passed down from a Tudor ancestor. It was immediately popular due to surrounding buildings by Robert Adam and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. The gardens were laid out around 1780 as a wilderness and once contained a movable temple, erected by the Turkish ambassador to enjoy the seasons. Today

a private garden of one hectare (2.5 acres) is enclosed by a clipped privet hedge, with notable London plane trees and other varied trees and shrubs. There is a children’s play area. There was a major rejuvenation of the garden in 2005. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: West side of square Nearest stations: Marble Arch, Bond Street Buses: 2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 274, plus buses in Oxford Street w www.portmanestate.co.uk

L20. Regent’s College London NW1 4NS Regent’s College London sits in eight acres of Crown Estate land within Regent’s Park. The site has been dedicated to higher education for more than 100 years, and was originally home to the pioneering Bedford College for Women. The grounds are laid out in an informal woodland style at the perimeter, with wide expanses of lawn surrounding ivy-covered college buildings. A variety of trees and shrubs includes a number of mature plane trees, one of which is designated a ‘Great Tree of London’. A ‘secret garden’ tucked away behind mature hedges features a sheltered network of paths with roses, seating, a pond and tree ferns. This area was originally the Bedford College botany garden, established in 1909, and used for studying plant classification, diseases and plant breeding. The College continues to encourage biodiversity: garden and food waste from the kitchens is composted, there are beehives within

OGSWGuide 2013 the grounds and the gardens are used for ecological surveys and projects. The present College occupies the site of South Villa, one of the original Regent’s Park villas designed by architect John Nash in the early 1800s. Bedford College took a Crown lease on the estate in 1908 and began to develop the site. New buildings designed by architect Basil Champneys were opened by Queen Mary in 1913. The Gate Lodge, on the southeast corner of the estate, is the only part of the original Nash design left intact. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Entrance at rear of College. From Cumberland Gate, turn right and cross the footbridge over the lake. Turn right and the garden entrance is on your left Access: A few steps and narrow paths, but most parts of the garden are accessible Nearest station: Baker Street Buses: 2, 74, 82, 274 Conditions: Opening is subject to bookings for private events. Please check the OGSW website to confirm opening over the weekend w www.regents.ac.uk Grounds manager: Robin Frew

L21. The Regent’s Park Allotment Garden NW1 4NR The Regent’s Park Allotment Garden has been developed in partnership between Capital Growth, The Royal Parks and Capel Manor to inspire, educate and demonstrate the growing of fruit and vegetables in an urban environment.

Capital Growth conducts its urban foodgrowing training programme here. It covers the essential elements of any successful urban food-growing project, including planning, soil management, composting and much more. Training is open to anyone interested in food growing. Many sessions are also run with local schools. The allotment is a wonderful example of a thriving foodgrowing space in the heart of the capital. Open: Saturday: 11am–4pm Entrance: Corner of Chester Road and Inner Circle Nearest stations: Great Portland Street, Baker Street, Regents Park Buses: 18, 27, 30, 205, 453 Activities: Garden tours, seed swapping, plant sale, competitions and children’s activities Conditions: Park toilets are very close w www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/regents_park/allotment_garden.cfm Co-ordinator: Julie Riehl Cg

L22. Ridgmount Gardens WC1E 7AU

This residential garden occupies a narrow strip of land opposite the imposing Ridgmount Mansions, a Victorian-era apartment building. Stretching from Chenies Street to Torrington Place, the path of this long, narrow garden leads alongside a series of miniature lawns interspersed by shrubby borders. The garden has benefited over the years from a planting programme which includes mixed herbaceous borders and a woodland glade area. A new sunny

Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden

border by Chenies Street is now established and flowering well. At either end of the garden sit ornamental birdbaths frequented by the local avian population. This garden is a rare treasure. 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 w www.bedfordestates.com Head gardener: James Gillions

L23. Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden NW1 4LE The Royal College of Physicians of London is a registered charity that aims to ensure high-quality care for patients by promoting the highest standards of medical practice. It was founded in 1518 by a charter from Henry VIII. Its present building was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun in 1964 and extended in 1996. The College’s medicinal garden has been extensively replanted since 2005. It extends from the North American medicinal plant beds at the front of the College to the eight box parterres in St Andrews Place containing plants used in medicines, as described in the College’s Pharmacopoeia Londinensis of 1618 and immortalised in Culpeper’s Herbal. Around the lawns to the rear of the College there are rare medicinal plants from ancient Greece and Rome, Europe, the Middle East, the countries of the southern hemisphere and Asia. The graceful plane tree in the lawn, a descendant of the tree under which Hippocrates taught his medical students on the island of Cos 2,400 years ago, reminds us of our long heritage of plants associated with medicine. The tours are both entertaining and educational: the plants, from which we obtain local anaesthetics, treatments for swine flu, leukaemia, cancers, cardiac problems, asthma, scurvy and intestinal worms – as well as narcotics, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and more – are endlessly fascinating. See website for further information and photographs. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Main garden at end of St Andrews Place Access: Part of the garden has no path, just sloping lawn. Mostly brick paths Nearest stations: Great Portland Street, Regent’s Park

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Buses: 18, 27, 30, 88, 205, 453, C2 Car parking: No parking on site Activities: Conducted tours throughout the day. Tea and light refreshments w www.rcplondon.ac.uk/garden Head gardener: Miss Jane Knowles

L24. Russell Square Gardens WC1B 4JA One of only three London squares designed by Humphry Repton and considered by many to be one of the finest in London. It was originally designed as the centrepiece of the 5th Duke of Bedford’s 1800 development plan for northern Bloomsbury. James Burton created a link between Russell and Bloomsbury Squares in the form of a central axis along Bedford Place. Repton completed this vision by terminating the view in each direction with statues of the Duke of Bedford and Charles James Fox. Although the square has undergone various changes since its original conception, many historic features remain. The fine mature trees do not date back to the original 1804 planting, but they echo the original pattern of Repton’s lime avenues and have been retained. The square is listed grade II by English Heritage. It is protected by the London Squares Preservation Act of 1931 and lies within the important Bloomsbury Conservation Area. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: All four sides Nearest station: Russell Square Buses: 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 Activities: The Friends of Russell Square will be available for information and history. Punch and Judy show, children’s activities, on both days. Archives and picture exhibitions. Guided tours, depending on the weather. Cafeteria with open-air seating w www.camden.gov.uk/whatson

L25. St George’s Gardens WC1N 2NU

Originally meadowland, the site was acquired in 1713 to serve as the burial grounds for the new churches of St George, Bloomsbury Way and St George the Martyr, Queen Square. These were the first church burial grounds in London not to be sited next to their churches. The first recorded case of ‘body-snatching’ (the theft of corpses for medical research and teaching) took place here in 1777. Today the gardens are a peaceful retreat.

St George’s Gardens

The many large plane trees create shade, while imposing ivy-clad tombs and gravestones may be found throughout the gardens. The site (restored in 2001 by the London Borough of Camden, with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund) now includes a new sensory garden created by the Friends of St George’s Gardens near the Chapel of Rest. Open: Saturday: 8am–9pm, Sunday: 8am–9pm Entrance: Handel Street (off Hunter Street), Sidmouth Street or Heathcote Street (both off Gray’s Inn Road) Access: Level access from Sidmouth and Heathcote Streets Nearest station: Russell Square/King’s Cross Buses: 17, 45, 46 Activities: Drop by this peaceful open space for some time out. Information leaflets and representatives of the Friends of St George’s available 10am-5pm on both days w www.friendsofstgeorgesgardens.org.uk

L26. St Paul’s Churchyard Covent Garden WC2E 9ED The burial ground of St. Paul’s Covent Garden dates from 1633, and was laid out to gardens in the 1850s. It makes a brilliant setting for Inigo Jones’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Church. The award-winning garden provides a calm and tranquil space in a very busy part of the city. There is ample seating for informal picnics. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 9am–5pm

Entrance: Bedford St, Henrietta St., King St. The Piazza Access: Most of the garden has level access, but the two grassed areas require the negotiation of three steps Nearest stations: Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Leicester Square Buses: 91, 15, 23, 19, 11, 87, 176, 68, 24, 29, 134 w www.actorschurch.org Gardener: Carol Bavin

L27. SOAS JapaneseInspired Roof Garden WC1H 0XG

The School of Oriental and African Studies has a small, modern Japanesestyle roof garden, designed by Peter Swift and opened in November 2001 by the donor, Mr Handa. The main features are a karesansui (dry landscape) with rocks, a chequerboard planting of lemon thyme alternating with grey pebbles, an engraved water basin and a raised platform for performances. The garden’s theme is ‘forgiveness’ and it is a space for quiet contemplation and meditation. Open: Saturday: 10.30am–5pm, Sunday: 11.30am–5pm Entrance: Via Brunei Gallery in the northwest corner of Russell Square Access: Wheelchair access via ramp and lift Nearest stations: Russell Square, Euston Square, Goodge Street Buses: 7, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 w www.soas.ac.uk/visitors/roofgarden

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Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

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A number of these City Gardens are generally open. To make the most of them we suggest signing up to one of our free guided walks. See page 7 and the walks page on our website for details.

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only by steps or from Huggin Hill (steep slope) Nearest station: Mansion House Buses: 4, 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76, 100, 172, 388 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

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M1. Bunhill Fields EC1Y 1AU Bunhill Fields is a former Dissenters’ burial ground of four hectares, laid out as a public garden in the 1870s. It has been managed as a public open space by the City of London since 1867. Its fine mature trees harbour birds and bats. Its value for biodiversity is indicated by its designation as a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. The graveyard is well stocked with around 130 trees, including avenues of the London plane, oaks and limes, a golden-barked ash, a black mulberry and a June-flowering winter bark tree (Drymis winteri) from South America. The trees provide cover for birds including great tit, blue tit, wren, robin and feral and wood pigeons. A pair of spotted flycatchers (a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species) is also reported as breeding on site. Ground flora includes annual meadow grass, greater plantain, perennial rye grass and chickweed. Flowers include spring beauty (Claytonia perfoliata), white clover, selfheal and procumbent yellow sorrel. Bunhill was listed grade I in 2011. Open: Saturday: 9.30am–4pm, Sunday: 9.30am–4pm Entrance: City Road, Bunhill Row Nearest station: Old Street Buses: 21, 43, 76, 141, 205, 214, 271 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M2. Christchurch Greyfriars Rose Garden EC1A 7BA In the Middle Ages this was the site of a Franciscan monastery and today’s garden is on the site of the Franciscan Church of Greyfriars (1225). Following the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, it was converted for use as a parish church. In 1429 Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor, founded a library here. Numerous well-known people, including four queens, were buried in the old church, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. A new church, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was built between 1687 and 1704. The body was gutted by fire during WW2 and only the west tower remains. A major overhaul of the gardens took place in 2011 and major soil improvements were made, along with some hard landscaping improvements. The new planting was

M4. Drapers’ Hall Garden EC2N 2DQ

Drapers’ Hall Garden

designed to reflect current trends and increase biodiversity. There are heavily planted herbaceous borders, with a variety of modern repeat-flowering shrub roses and climbers. The concept is based on traditional herbaceous planting, with a more modern interpretation to the planting palette. The garden has a colour scheme of mainly blue, purple and white, with shots of deep crimson, silver and lime to bring it to life, all contained within low, clipped box hedging. The wooden towers within the planting replicate the original church towers and house a variety of bird boxes as well as hosting t a variety of climbing plants. Open: Saturday: 9am–8pm, Sunday: 9am–8pm Entrance: King Edward Street; not gated, open all the time Nearest station: St Paul’s Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M3. Cleary Garden EC4V 4HQ Nestled in the heart of the City, the area originally housed Roman baths before vintners used the site for trading and growing vines in the Middle Ages. Today the garden has two terraces leading down to an intimate lawn – a haven for office workers and visitors escaping the City’s bustling crowds. The garden is named after Fred Cleary (1905-1984), a great campaigner for increasing the City’s open spaces. In 2007 it underwent a major redevelopment as the Loire Valley Wines Legacy Garden, with vines and aromatic plants to evoke the flavours and bouquet of wines from the Loire region. Open: Saturday: 8am–7pm, Sunday: 8am–7pm Entrance: Queen Victoria Street Access: The lower levels can be reached

The garden behind the hall is a small part of the original garden, purchased by the Drapers’ Company from King Henry VIII in 1543. The Great Garden, as it was called, is now occupied by the modern building known as Drapers’ Gardens. In 1543 rose bushes, gooseberry trees, gourds, strawberries and herbs grew here. A bowling alley, maze and summerhouses added to its attractions. Open to the public, the garden remained a welcome retreat in the smoky City until Throgmorton Avenue was constructed in 1874. The avenue sliced through the east side of the garden, prompting the remainder to be leased to eager property developers. The Great Garden was thus sacrificed to the demands of the commercial City, but the upper garden close to Drapers’ Hall was retained and periodically renovated. The present layout with raised beds and paving dates from 1928, since when the garden has withstood well the disruption caused by neighbouring developments. The tradition of fruit-bearing trees continues with the garden’s five mulberry trees, of which one was planted by HM the Queen in 1955 and another by the Prince of Wales in 1971. The gates, walls and railings, designed by Stephen Dykes Bower, date from the 1970s. Open: Sunday: 10am–3pm Entrance: Copthall Avenue Nearest stations: Bank, Liverpool Street, Moorgate Buses: 100, 153, 214 (westbound) + 11, 76, 133, 141 w www.thedrapers.co.uk

M5. Fann Street Wildlife Garden EC2Y 8BR Fann Street Wildlife Garden is one of the private residents’ gardens on the Barbican Estate and is recognised as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The garden is mainly funded by Barbican Estate residents and maintained by the City of London Corporation with volunteers from the Barbican Wildlife Group (BWG) since 2004. It is managed to enhance wildlife through the planting of native species, the re-creation of the

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 wildflower meadow, the creation of a beeand butterfly-friendly cottage garden and a wildlife pond. The garden also contains a number of insect habitats and bird feeders and bird boxes. In 2012, over 100 small shrubs, a Jubilee gift from the Woodland Trust, were added to enhance the two main hedges. It is a vital open space that provides a green corridor for wildlife movement in, around and through the City. Heavily bombed during WW2, the garden underwent renovation in the 1990s to encourage wildlife. The poorquality, shallow soil is ideal for the creation of a wildlife garden. The garden is open this weekend by the Barbican Estate Office and manned by BWG volunteers. London in Bloom awarded this garden a Certificate of Excellence in 2012. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 12–4pm Entrance: Fann Street Access: One step into garden. Path made from mulch/woodchip Nearest station: Barbican Buses: 4, 56, 153 Activities: Sale of wildlife-friendly plants. w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/citygardens Team Leader/Barbican Wildlife Group volunteer: Alex Piddington-Bishop/Paula Tomlinson

M6. Gray’s Inn WC1R 5ET The gardens of Gray’s Inn are known as the Walks. It was Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who laid them out in 1606 when he was Treasurer at Gray’s Inn. The main feature of the gardens is a broad gravelled path between an avenue of young red oak trees and mature London planes. The Indian bean trees (Catalpa bignonioides), at the end of the Walks, now bowed with age and supported by crutches, grew from slips which were brought back from Virginia in America by Sir Walter Raleigh and planted by Bacon. The Walks have always been a popular promenade and were fashionable throughout the 17th century. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: High Holborn, next to the Citie of York pub Nearest station: Chancery Lane Buses: 8, 242, 25, 521 w www.graysinn.org.uk Head gardener: Jason Reid

garden here since the 12th century and there is a legend that the Wars of the Roses began after an encounter here. A deep herbaceous border flanks the 18thcentury gates at the main entrance, renowned for the use of succession planting and innovative colour combinations. In early summer this border is luminous with a variety of alliums, inter-planted with delicate forms of aquilegia. Ssalvias, asters, heleniums, geraniums, grasses and dahlias supply a tapestry of colour until the onset of winter. Other notable features include a peony garden, a brass Queen Anne sundial, a statue by van Ost, a pond area, a broad walk lined with mature plane trees along the Embankment boundary, tranquil woodland plantings and a constantly refreshed pot display. The 12th-century Temple Church lies within the boundaries of the Inn, the prizewinning garden of the Master’s House on iits eastern boundary. As well as notable lawyers and politicians, many men of letters have lived here, including Charles Lamb, Oliver Goldsmith, Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson. The courtyards of the Temple are adjacent, where barristers have their chambers and smaller pockets of greenery and plantings can be found. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Crown Office Row, via Tudor Street security gate Nearest stations: Blackfriars, Temple Buses: 388 + 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172, 341 Conditions: Professional photography by prior arrangement w www.innertemple.org.uk Head gardener: Andrea Brunsendorf

M8. IPC Media Roof Garden SE1 0SU

The Blue Fin garden is situated on the 10th floor of an award-winning building with

M7. Inner Temple Garden

panoramic views over London and the river. It has been designed as a contemporary space for employees to both relax and eat. The planting is simple and striking and complements the harder lines of the building by incorporating curves with architectural foliage and flowers. The garden was designed by Mathew Bell, who continues to look after the garden and its plants. During the summer months, the space is well used by staff working in the building for lunch breaks, coffee breaks and meetings. Other uses for this unique space are external functions, weddings and also filming. Our small collection of six grape vines is listed in the UK Vineyards Guide 2010. Open: Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: 110 Southwark Street Nearest stations: Southwark, Blackfriars, London Bridge Buses: 381, RV1 Activities: Light refreshments w www.mygardens.co.uk Garden designer: Mathew Bell

M9. Lincoln’s Inn Gardens WC2A 3TL

Lincoln’s Inn was founded in or before 1422. Its magnificent lawns and trees make up six separate gardens, comprising the North Lawn, Benchers’ Lawn, New Square, Gatehouse Court, Kitchen Garden and Stone Buildings. Heritage London planes and mulberries stand alongside two recently remodelled herbaceous borders. The only British prime minister to be assassinated, Spencer Percival (1762–1812), lived at nos. 59–60 Lincoln’s Inn Fields. He was one of 16 prime ministers to be a member of Lincoln’s Inn. Others include Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair. A modern fountain, designed by William Pye, was constructed on the New Square lawn in 2004. Open: Sunday: 12–5pm Entrance: Southeast corner of Lincoln’s Inn Fields Nearest station: Holborn Buses: 1, 8, 25, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 242, 243 Activities: Head gardener and staff present. Tours at 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm from the main gate. Tea, coffee and cakes w www.lincolnsinn.org.uk Head gardener: Miranda Kimberley

EC4Y 7HL

M10. Middle Temple EC4Y 9AT

The Inner Temple Garden occupies a three-acre site within the historic precincts of the Temple. There has been a

An award-winning garden in one of the four Inns of Court. The name derives from the 12th-century residence of the Knights

Inner Temple Garden

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area M: City ■ South Bank Templar, which was built on the site and Traditionally this was the scene of the plucking of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York. In 1602 the first presentation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night was held in Middle Temple Hall. Today the planting is a mixture of herbaceous borders, rose beds, a lavender walk and trees surrounded by lawyers’ chambers and apartments. Elm Court is a charming, formal rectangular garden. The fountain in Fountain Court appears in Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Tudor St and the Embankment end of Middle Temple Lane only. Entry to Middle Temple garden via the gate opposite Garden Court Access: Most parts accessible to wheelchairs Loose gravel paths. Steps to raised section at north end Nearest stations: Temple, Blackfriars Buses: 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 172, 341,388 Activities: Head gardener present. Tours. Refreshments. w www.middletemplehall.org.uk Head gardener: Kate Jenrick

M11. Portsoken Street Gardens E1 8BT Local garden with an interesting history as one of the King George’s Fields sites which were set up by the Lord Mayor of London in 1936 to commemorate King George V. The foundation was created to carry his name forward by dedicating playing fields for the use and enjoyment of the people. Now the garden has a selection of play equipment for children, a wildlife pond and a mixture of interesting herbaceous planting. A significant ‘living green wall’ directly overlooks the garden. Open: Saturday: 8am–7pm, Sunday: 8am–7pm Entrance: Portsoken Street Nearest stations: Tower Gateway DLR, Tower Hill Buses: 100, 42, 78, N551 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-todo/green-spaces/city-gardens/visitor-in

M12. Postman’s Park EC1A 4AS

This small park in the City of London was formed from the churchyards of St Leonard, Foster Lane and St Botolph, Aldersgate, and the graveyard of Christ Church, Newgate Street. The park derived its name from its popularity as a lunchtime garden with workers from the

nearby Old Post Office. The park was laid out as a public garden in 1880. The Watts Memorial, a touching wall of tablets by the artist G.F. Watts, records the heroic deeds of ordinary men, women and children who lost their lives to save others. It was erected to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. The hand-lettered tiles are by Doulton. Open: Saturday: 8am–7pm, Sunday: 8am–7pm Entrance: St Martin’s le Grand, Aldersgate Street, King Edward Street Access: Wheelchair access from King Edward Street only Nearest stations: St Paul’s, Barbican Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M13. Red Cross Garden SE1 1HA

This small but delightful garden was originally laid out in 1887 on the site of a derelict paper factory by Octavia Hill, the Victorian philanthropist and co-founder of the National Trust as ‘an open-air sittingroom’ for the people of Southwark. In its heyday it was the scene of the annual Southwark flower show and many concerts and fêtes. Bankside Open Spaces Trust worked with many supporters to restore the original layout of this delightful Victorian garden. The project included the re-creation of the pond with bridge and fountain, new flowerbeds, lawns and benches, and a small information centre and gardener’s office. The garden is laid out in front of Octavia Hill’s model dwellings and community hall (private), both integral to her vision for the local community. The garden won a Gold Award in Southwark in Bloom 2010, a Green Flag Community Award 2011-12 and Outstanding in Britain in Bloom 2012. Open: Saturday and Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: From Redcross Way Nearest stations: London Bridge, Borough Buses: 21, 35, 40, 133, 343, 344, C10 Activities: Meet the gardener, Saturday 10am-1pm w www.bost.org.uk

M14. St Botolph without Bishopsgate EC2M 3TL St. Botolph’s Church, set in the heart of the City of London, offers a small yet popular green space. The area is made up of the churchyard of St Botolph without Bishopsgate and land donated by

the Common Council in 1760. The current church dates from 1725-8. To the west of the church is what used to be a primary school, indicated by stone figures of schoolchildren made in 1821. The garden is currently undergoing refurbishment to a cleaner, stronger design for the current borders, which are over-mature and dated. The improved borders will contain shrub planting with some groundcover and herbaceous elements to enhance biodiversity. Renovations will also include watering systems, increased levels of lighting new turf and fencing repairs. Open: Saturday: 8am–8pm, Sunday: 8am–8pm Entrance: Bishopsgate, Old Broad Street (north of Wormwood Street) Nearest station: Liverpool Street Buses: 8, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 135, 149, 205, 242, 344, 388 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M15. St Dunstan’s in the East EC3R 5DD Opened by the City of London in 1971, St Dunstan’s in the East is claimed to be the most beautiful public garden in the City. An imaginative planting scheme of unusual trees, wall shrubs and flowers grows amongst the ruined arches. Climbers cover the tracery, creating a scene of romance and peace. Set within a grade IIlisted ruined Victorian wall, the site now forms part of the parish of nearby All Hallows by the Tower. Most of the church was destroyed in WW2, although the Wren tower and steeple survived. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: St Dunstan’s Hill, off Lower Thames Street Access: Steps, uneven surfaces, narrow paths Nearest station: Bank Buses: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1, N15 w www.ahbtt.org.uk

M16. St Joseph’s Garden EC1Y 8LE

The purpose of this garden is manifold. It is an extension into the neighbourhood of the almost invisible basement Church of St Joseph. It is a patch of green in an otherwise totally concrete, grey environment. It is a haven for birds. It is a small space where people may pause and be refreshed. The garden is a modest tribute to a very great Christian, the late Cardinal Basil Hume (1923–99), Archbishop of Westminster, monk and

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 shepherd, whose life of prayer and total self-giving service was an inspiration to so many. The garden was designed by young landscape gardener Simon-Peter Stobart, whose influences included Japanese design and one of the themes from the ‘Song of Songs’ in the Bible – an enclosed garden in which the Beloved might be encountered and experienced. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Lamb’s Passage, Bunhill Row, EC1 (next to the Cass Business School of City University in Bunhill Row) Nearest stations: Old Street, Moorgate, Barbican Buses: 55, 243, 43, 205 w www.rcdow.org.uk/bunhillrow

M17. St Mary Aldermanbury EC2V 7HP

Mainly populated by lunching City workers, this garden is planted with shrubs and trees and has twice-yearly bedding plant changes. It features a majestic bust of William Shakespeare. Also commemorated in the gardens are fellow actors John Hemynge and Henry Condell, to whom we owe the printing of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s work. Open: Saturday: 8am–8pm, Sunday: 8am–8pm Entrance: Aldermanbury/Love Lane Nearest station: Moorgate Bus: 100 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M18. St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard EC4M 9AB The present cathedral is the fifth on the site. In 1712 completion of Sir Christopher Wren’s cathedral was marked by a statue of Queen Anne (the current statue is a marble copy of the original). Remains of the earlier chapter house cloister are still visible in gardens to the south of the cathedral nave, where trees include mature plane, ginkgo, maple, lime, ash, mulberry and eucalyptus. The north side of the garden is home to some of the oldest London plane trees in the City as well as the City’s only giant fir tree. At the south gate is a beautiful rose garden. Through the south exit towards the river is the fomrer coach park, now a large public garden. The newly named Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Garden opened in April 2012. It mirrors the design around the Carter Lane Gardens and Information Centre. The garden offers an enormous increase in accessible green space, with 378sqm of lawn, 3,000 herbaceous plants, 184 linear metres of clipped box

hedging, flowering street trees and multistemmed garden trees. Sculpture brings a new element to one of the most visited areas in the Square Mile. A drinking fountain is incorporated in the design, following the success of previous drinking fountains in other gardens. The garden also features granite and wooden seating, improved and discreet lighting and a fully automated irrigation system. Open: Saturday: 8am–8pm, Sunday: 8am–8pm Entrance: Northeast, northwest and south sides of churchyard Nearest station: St Paul’s Buses: 4, 11, 15, 25, 23, 26, 100, 242 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

M19. Salters’ Gardens EC2Y 5DE

Originally opened in 1981, the garden was redesigned as a knot garden by David Hicks FRSA and reopened in 1995 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Salters. The garden is sunk below road level and has the old Roman/medieval city wall as its southern boundary. It is formally laid out with areas of lawn, hedging, pergolas, gravel paths and paving. There are three fountains and a central decorative urn near the Roman wall. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Off Fore Street. Viewing point from the east end podium level can be accessed by wheelchair users Access: Gravel paths and stairs. Access difficult for those with walking difficulties Nearest stations: Moorgate, St Paul’s Buses: 100 + 76, 133, 141 Conditions: Children must be accompanied at all times w www.salters.co.uk Gardener: Mr F. Wright

M20. Community Garden at Tate Modern SE1 9TG A gated community garden with pond and wildflowers, which opened in 2006 and is run in partnership by Tate Modern and the green community charity Bankside Open Spaces Trust. The garden is enjoyed by local residents, including schoolchildren, who take part in events including planting days, pond-dipping, wildlife-spotting, events and gardening clubs. Local people can meet, dig, have fun and take pleasure in flowers, plants and animals, in what is otherwise a busy tourist thoroughfare.

West Smithfield Garden

Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: A gated garden on the front lawned area of Tate Modern on the east side Nearest stations: London Bridge, Southwark Buses: RV1, 381 w www.tate.org.uk/modern/building /garden Community garden facilitator: Peter Graal

M21. West Smithfield Garden EC1A 9BD In the Middle Ages this was a plain, grassy space just outside the City walls, known as Smooth Field, where fine horses were sold. A cattle market was established in 1638 and remained until 1855, when it was moved to Islington. Smithfield was a place of public execution for over 400 years. Here heretics, rebels and criminals were burnt, beheaded or boiled. In 1305 Scottish hero William Wallace was hanged, drawn and quartered after being dragged to the site by a horse. In 1381 Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants’ Revolt, gathered his army in Smithfield and was stabbed by the Mayor of London. The injured Tyler was taken to the hospital at St Bartholomew’s Church, but dragged out again and beheaded. The gallows were moved to Tyburn in the 15th century but Smithfield continued to be used for executing religious martyrs. This reached a peak when more than 200 Protestants were burnt at the stake during Queen Mary’s reign in the 1550s. Today the area is a peaceful, hidden corner of London – but one with a terrible past. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: North of garden on West Smithfield facing market Access: Kerbs could be an issue Nearest stations: Farringdon, Barbican Buses: 56 + 8, 25, 45, 63, 242 w www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/openspaces

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area N: Kensington ■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

Central London

Kensington ■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

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Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

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Bramham Gardens

Carlyle’s House N4 Collingham Gardens N3

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Queen’s Gate Gardens

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OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area N: Kensington ■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

N Kensington Central London

N1. Bina Gardens East SW7 4NH

Nicknamed ‘The Secret Garden’, this award-winning small, rectangular garden is tucked away between Rosary Gardens and Bina Gardens. It was originally laid out in the 1880s as a formal garden by the Gunter Estate and has many unusual mature trees and shrubs, enhanced by summer planting and complementary sculptures. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through Dove Mews off the Old Brompton Road Nearest station: Gloucester Road Buses: C1, 430 Activities: Small plant stall and refreshments Gardener: Lisa Simmonds

N2. Bramham Gardens SW5 0HF

Bramham Gardens is a large, tranquil one-acre lawned garden established in the late 1800s. It boasts some of the tallest plane trees in any London square. It is flanked by pink redbrick Victorian houses and terracotta Dutch Gothic houses by architect Harold Peto. Like many of the surrounding streets, Bramham Gardens derives its name from the Yorkshire connections of the local landowners, the Gunter family. In recent years there has been much new planting.

■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

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 Gardener: Garden Associates

N3. Carlyle’s House SW3 5HL A peaceful walled garden in the heart of Old Chelsea. The Victorian writer Thomas Carlyle and his wife, Jane, rented this house for nearly 50 years. Carlyle’s House opened as a museum in 1895 and is now owned by the National Trust. Laid out when Chelsea was still a riverside village, the garden at Cheyne Row was a typical town garden, with an oblong patch surrounded by high brick walls to the east of the house. From the back door, three steps led to a yard paved with flagstones, from which one step led up to a gravel path, bordered with box. The path branched to the left between the flowerbeds, and led to the earth closet, a square brick building almost hidden in summer by lilac bushes and fruit trees. In 1843 Jane complained that Carlyle never dreamed of lying in the shade of his own walnut tree: ‘It is a tree! Leaves as green as any leaves can be!’ Carlyle walked and sat in the garden. ‘It was,’ he said, ‘of admirable comfort in the smoking way.’ Come and see the garden that was theirs for nearly 50 years. Open: Saturday: 11am–4.30pm Entrance: 24 Cheyne Row, through house Access: Too narrow for wheelchairs Nearest stations: South Kensington, Sloane Square Buses: 11, 19, 22, 49, 170 w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carlyleshouse Gardeners: Linda Chinnery and Linda Skippings

N4. Collingham Gardens SW5 0HW

Carlyle’s House

These award-winning gardens were named after the village of Collingham in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the family home of local landowner Captain Robert Gunter in the 19th century. The grade II*listed houses were designed by

architects Ernest George and Harold Peto in the 1880s, and represent the high point of late Victorian individualism. They surround communal gardens created by Harold Peto, a leading Edwardian landscape designer. Exceptionally, the gardens’ overall layout survives and has not been altered since it was first conceived by Peto. The gardens are laid out in a simple, symmetrical style with wide lawns and curving gravel paths. The central circular lawn is framed by shrub beds, each with its own Japanese cherry tree, producing magnificent springtime blossom displays. The gardens feature Peto’s hallmark naturalistic placement of large trees, as if in a woodland pre-dating the existence of all buildings. The distinctive rear elevations of each house create a community which appears to have organically developed over time. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Collingham Gardens gate Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 + 74, 328, C3 (southbound) Gardener: Hamish Crawford, Joseph Jones and Partners in collaboration with the CGGC Gardening Officer.

N5. Cornwall Gardens SW7 4AW

Cornwall Gardens was developed from 1866 to 1879 on a block of land belonging to the Broadwood family, the famous piano makers. The garden is in three sections. The magnificent plane trees, planted in 1870, are among the tallest in London and, with several other species, contribute to the tranquil atmosphere of a woodland garden. An irrigation system has allowed the lawns and flowering shrubs to flourish and made further planting possible. Most of the railings were lost in WW2, but privet hedges now add to the cosy, secluded feel. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Central section (west of Grenville Place) Nearest station: Gloucester Road Buses: 49, 74 Gardener: David Ashton, One Two Tree

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

N6. Courtfield Gardens (East) SW5 0NQ In the mid-19th century, when plans were being made to develop the area around Earls Court Manor House (next to the site of the present-day Earls Court station), Captain James gave a portion of the Court Fields as a site for a new church. St Jude’s opened on Christmas Eve, 1870. Today St Jude’s is surrounded by a deeply sunken garden, with banks of azaleas, rhododendrons and a miniature bog garden and rockery. There are also ornamental flowerbeds and an abundance of self-seeded 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 Activities: Cakes and drinks. Children’s playground

N7. Courtfield Gardens (West) SW5 0PD A tranquil and shady mid-Victorian square with mixed shrubs and ornamental trees. The square, built around 1893, is dominated by a huge plane tree more than 200 years old. Like Courtfield Gardens (East), this square takes its name from the Court Fields around Earls Court Manor House, which used to stand nearby. Replacement of the wire-netting fence with metal railings was completed in 2008. A new irrigation system was completed in 2010. Work in progress includes the ongoing implementation of a new planting scheme. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite 19 Courtfield Gardens Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 + C3, 74, 328 southbound w www.courtfieldgardens.net Contract gardener: Robert Player

N8. Earls Court Square SW5 9DG

This award-winning Victorian garden, laid out as part of the Edwardes Estate in the 1870s, was well managed with an almost full-time gardener until 1939. In WW2 the handsome cast-iron railings were taken away and five huge emergency water tanks filled the southern half of the

Earls Court Square

garden. By the early 1970s the garden had become overgrown, used as a dump and surrounded by green wire netting. In the mid-1970s the newly formed residents’ association brought the garden under the provisions of the 1851 Kensington Improvement Act. Landscape gardener and resident Christopher Fair designed the present layout.The established London plane trees have now grown to dominate the square. One on the south side was blown down in the 1987 gale. The garden has been maintained and improved over the past 30 years. Since last year the north-east corner of the garden has been cut back and replanted with the help and guidance of Charles Wood and Eyre Sykes. New roses and fruit trees have been planted to remember former residents of the square and we look forward to the first flowering of the Diamond Jubilee Rose, planted in 2012. The children’s play area was added in 1980. The garden hosts many neighbourhood social events, including a summer BBQ, Christmas-tree-lighting party and soirées musicales. The rather grand stucco-fronted terraces in the late Italianate style on three sides of the square are complemented by the grade II*-listed Flemish-style red-brick houses on the south side. In the early 1970s part of the square was in danger of being torn down and replaced with high-density housing, but was instead designated a conservation area. The last 20 years have seen the conversion of the remaining hotels into high-quality flats. Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet, spent her early years at no. 23 and ran dancing classes in the first-floor ballroom. Choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton also lived in the square as a young man. Mr Frank Gielgud lived at no. 36, where his son, actor Sir John Gielgud, was very possibly conceived before the family moved in 1904. In 1963 no. 21 became the home of the National Poetry Society and most of the famous poets of

the day read their works in the salon. 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 Activities: Live music on both mornings and afternoons. Light refreshments National Trust stand and activities Gardener: Victor Smith

N9. Edwardes Square W8 6HL One of London’s loveliest garden squares. A beautiful three-acre garden with meandering paths through shrubberies, lawns, flowerbeds, rose pergola, croquet lawn, grass tennis court and a children’s play area. The square was built between 1811 and 1819. By 1820 the garden was laid out much as we see it today. With guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society, it was designed by Signor Agostino Aglio, an Italian artist, who planned the plantings and winding walks in a manner different from most other squares. A Grecian-style lodge with Doric columns was built for the gardener. Known as ‘The Temple’, it is still the head gardener’s residence. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: South side, next to The Temple. Access: Level wheelchair access Nearest stations: High Street Kensington, Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 Activities: Refreshments: cakes, sandwiches and Pimms Conditions: No picnics Head gardener: David Magson

N10. Ennismore Gardens SW7 1AJ

This beautiful, award-winning Victorian garden was first planted in 1870, when it

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area N: Kensington ■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

Hereford Square

formed part of the gardens and paddocks of Kingston House, which stretched the length of Prince’s Gate. The garden, named after William Hare, Viscount Ennismore and Earl of Listowel, has been extensively developed and restored over the past 20 years. An ornamental urn commemorates the actress Ava Gardner, who lived in Ennismore Gardens for many years. In 2011 Ennismore won a London Gardens Society Highly Commended certificate in the ‘large private squares’ category. Don’t miss Rutland Gate South Garden, just around the corner. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: On east side Nearest station: Knightsbridge and South Kensington Buses: C1, 9, 10, 14, 52, 74, 414, 452 Car parking: Respark in operation. Visitors’ parking available on pay-byphone spaces and single yellow lines (check at the time) Conditions: Dogs, other than working assistance dogs, must be left at the gate. Water provided Contract gardener: Robert Player

N11. Gardening Leave, Royal Hospital Chelsea SW3 4SR

This garden in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, openined in 2010, is a haven for veterans and serving personnel who come to Gardening Leave for horticultural therapy. It is run by horticultural therapists Joanna Wise and Tara Jeewoonarain. Veterans referred to the project work with staff and volunteers to make a garden where they grow vegetables for the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary and cut-flowers for the Chapel

and State Apartments. The garden’s layout is similar to other Gardening Leave sites, with a quiet area, a poppy bed, raised beds for the less mobile, plenty of seating and many different ways of growing vegetables in containers. Many of the veterans who come to Gardening Leave suffer from hyper-vigilance – living on their nerves, looking over their shoulders – so the privacy, peace and safety of the garden offers significant therapeutic benefit and helps to reduce the social isolation which many encounter in ‘civvy street’. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: London Gate entrance to Royal Hospital, follow Gardening Leave signs Nearest stations: Victoria/Knightsbridge, thence bus Sloane Square Tube Buses: 11, 19, 22, 137, 170, 211, 319, 360, 452 w www.gardeningleave.org Horticultural therapist: Joanna Wise

N12. Gledhow Gardens SW5 0AY

The gardens here are named after the family home of Miss Jane Benyon of Gledhow Hall in Yorkshire, who married landowner Captain Robert Gunter in the 19th century. The area was originally filled with market gardens and there was once a thriving village located between Gledhow and Bina Gardens. The site was developed by James Gunter, who founded a property empire on the proceeds of his celebrated bakery business. Gunter’s first purchase was Earls Court Lodge, known as CurrantJelly Hall. Eventually he purchased most of the land as far as Redcliffe Gardens and developed it as rented houses for the London season. The communal garden here was formed by the Gunter Estate management, which joined the originally separate back gardens of the surrounding Victorian villas together. The clean microclimate has nourished some of the oldest and healthiest trees in London. There is a range of interesting wildlife, including a variety of rare bird species. We keep the gardens as organic and pesticide-free as possible. Thanks to the generosity of Dr Robert Ker, the gardens now belong to the residents. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: East side of garden Access: Only the single gate on the Gledhow Gardens side, off the Old Brompton Road (red brick houses side of Gledhow), is open for access.

Nearest station: Gloucester Road. Earl’s Court Buses: C1, 430 w www.gledhowgardens.org.uk Gardener: Robert Player of Garden Associates

N13. Hereford Square SW7 4TS

Hereford Square was built by the architect Thomas Holmes between 1845 and 1850. The garden with its iron railings was completed in 1848 at a cost of £1,300. The square has retained its charm and the garden is full of trees and flowering shrubs, with very pleasant walks. Sir James Barrie, author of Peter Pan lived at 133 Gloucester Road on the east side of the square. Rumour has it that Peter flew in through the first-floor window to take the children to NeverNever Land. While the houses on the north side are intact, those on the west have been restored. The south side was destroyed by bombs in WW2, during which the garden was used as a baseball ground by American soldiers. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: West side of square Nearest stations: Gloucester Road, South Kensington Buses: C1, 49, 430 Activities: Historical introduction to the square. A planned walk through neighbouring squares is also available Gardener: Neville Capil

N14. Holland House Garden W8 7QU

The original Holland House was a Jacobean mansion, built in 1607 for Sir Walter Cope, James I’s Chancellor of the Exchequer. In the 18th century it was owned by Charles James Fox, who became leader of the Whig party. In the early 19th century, Lady Holland held a salon here, attended by such famous names as Richard Sheridan, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, William Wordsworth and Charles Dickens. During WW2 the house was bombed and destroyed by fire. Afterwards the remains of one wing were repaired. With new buildings designed by Sir Hugh Casson and Neville Condor, this now forms the King George VI Memorial Youth Hostel. It was officially opened by HM the Queen on 25 May 1959. The garden is laid mainly to lawn, surrounded by beds containing shrubs and perennial plants with some annuals for additional colour. There is a large,

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 well-stocked pond in front of the old Holland House, visited by mallards, moorhens, herons and Holland Park’s peacocks. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Holland House Youth Hostel is accessed by the Duchess of Bedford’s Walk gate to Holland Park on Holland Walk, it being approx. 50m from the gate on the right when entering the park Access: Entrance to the garden down a flight of seven steps Nearest stations: High Street Kensington, Holland Park Buses: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 + 52, 70, 94, 148, 452 Activities: Tea/coffee available. There will be a BBQ, weather permitting Conditions: No picnics w www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london -holland-park

N15. The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden SW7 2SL The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden is one of London’s best-kept secrets. The serene setting of this beautiful garden reflects Islamic precedent, drawing from the traditions of a faith that has inspired outstanding buildings for many centuries throughout the world. The chahar-bagh (four-part) garden, delineated by a central fountain, draws inspiration from the Qur’anic Garden of Paradise. Sheltered yet open, it combines granite and greenery with geometry, symbolism and the sound and flow of water. Visitors are treated to a sanctuary of calm amidst the bustle of the city below. 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 Activities: Tea and coffee available Conditions: No photography

N16. Kensington Square W8 5HD

One of the earliest garden squares in London, dating from the 17th century, and built as part of the Thomas Young Estate. Today the square provides a quiet, leafy haven, only yards from Kensington High Street. Originally called King’s Square, it was surrounded by fields until 1840. The first buildings date from 1682 and the west side was completed in the 1730s. Artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-98) lived at no. 41, philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-73) at

no. 18, musician Sir Charles Hubert Parry (1848-1918) at no. 17, and pioneer of public health Sir John Simon (1816-1904) at no. 40. Open: Sunday: 1–5pm Entrance: South side Nearest station: High Street Kensington Buses: 9, 10, 28, 49, 52, 328, 452 Activities: The Treblemakers, an a cappella singing group, will be performing 2.15-3pm Gardener: Stephen Airey

N17. K+K Hotel George SW5 9NB

The K+K Garden of Varieties offers an island of peace in London’s hustle and bustle. Imposing Victorian plane trees with gnarled trunks and surrounded by deep green lawns are the central feature of this classic English garden. There are garden niches of different character to tempt your curiosity. A shimmering stone sculpture is set in a spiral footpath, which leads to an area reminiscent of a jungle and a still, peaceful corner with an Asian atmosphere inviting you to rest. The view of the neighbouring gardens gives the impression of depth and of walking in a park. Four patio areas provide seating to relax, contemplate and enjoy your favourite apéritif. London’s mild climate allows a surprising range of plants from different parts of the world to thrive. Highlights are the Tasmanian tree ferns, a rice-paper tree, passionflowers and the lignified fuchsia. Open: Saturday: 2–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: 1-15 Templeton Place Access: Six steps up to hotel entrance, five steps down to garden. Level access via side entrance Nearest station: Earl’s Court Buses: C1, C3, 74, 328 w www.kkhotels.com Gardener: Miss Caroline Turner

studio-houses in the area including G.F.Watts, Val Prinsep and Luke Fildes. The area rapidly became a magnet for upcoming artists, writers and politicians, and home to highly cultivated residents. The garden was restored in 1997 with generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, on the basis of a plan of the house and garden dating from 1896. This showed the formal beds immediately in front of the house, and a large expanse of lawn with herbaceous borders around the perimeter. A trellis covered part of the path running up the west side of the garden and the two mounds originally laid out were evidently planted with two substantial trees. An account from the 1870s by the architect Frederick Pepys Cockerell of summer Sunday mornings spent with Leighton is evocative: ‘The quiet, the sun overhead, the grass under our feet, the green trees around us, and the house visible between them, form an ineffaceable picture of aesthetic contentment it is a delight to recall.’ Come and enjoy your weekend in the tranquil garden of Lord Leighton and seize the opportunity to step into his private palace of art. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 12 Holland Park Road Access: House and toilet facilities over two floors with steep stairs externally and internally. Sorry - no wheelchair access to the house or toilet facilities Nearest stations: Kensington High Street, Olympia Buses: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 Activities: Sunday, 3.30 – 4.30pm Music for a Summer Garden, sung by the a capella group Fever Pitch w www.leightonhouse.co.uk w www.fever-pitch.co.uk

N18. Leighton House W14 8LZ Visit the garden of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (18301896). Located on the edge of Holland Park in Kensington, the large and secluded garden belongs to one of the most remarkable buildings of the 19th century – Leighton House Museum. Frederic Leighton built his house in the mid-1860s, to designs by architect George Aitchison, on a plot adjacent to what was then Holland Park Farm. The area stretching north remained uninterrupted parkland. Over the next few years a number of other artists built grand

Fever Pitch

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area N: Kensington ■ Brompton ■ Chelsea

N19. Lexham Gardens W8 5JA

This small one-acre square was refurbished in 1990. It has won the All London Garden Square Best Garden award three times (it was second in 2009) and the Brighter Kensington & Chelsea Prize nine times. Among the facilities are a children’s play area and ponds with fountains. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: East and west ends Access: Kerb and small step at gate. Nearest stations: Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road Bus: 74 Activities: Garden party 3-5pm on Saturday, including children’s entertainment. Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea is the guest of honour Conditions: No ball games Gardener: Oliver Dickinson

N20. Markham Square SW3 4UY

The building of the original square was begun in 1836 on the site of the old orchard of Box Farm, owned by the Markham family, which had had common rights since the ‘29th year of Elizabeth’. In 1935 the garden was laid out as a cherry orchard, in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of George V. After WW2, the square was redesigned in the style of a private country garden by the head gardener at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The garden is notable for its light, open aspects and unusual trees, none of which have been allowed to obscure the colourful borders. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: North side of square Nearest stations: Sloane Square, South Kensington Buses: 11, 19, 22, 211, 319 Gardener: François Pont

Nevern Square

N21. The Wildlife Garden at the Natural History Museum SW7 5BD

Opened in 1995 as the Natural History Museum’s first living and working exhibition, the Wildlife Garden reveals a range of British lowland habitats, including deciduous woodland, chalk meadow, heathland, reedbed and ponds. Set in the museum grounds, the garden is also used by schools and scientists. It is a haven for over 2,200 British plant and animal species, demonstrating the potential for wildlife conservation in the inner city. Escape the city and wander through the tranquil habitats of the garden for free. Winner of the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme President’s Trophy and Wildlife Garden Award 2012. Green Flag Award 2012. Open: Saturday: 12–5pm, Sunday: 12– 5pm Entrance: Via main entrance to Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road. Admission is free Nearest station: South Kensington Buses: 14, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 Activities: Additional displays and free family activities. Wildflower plants for sale w www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whatson/wildlife-garden-whatson

N22. Nevern Square SW5 9NW Nevern Square, built from 1880-86, was named after the village of Nevern in Pembrokeshire, country seat of local landowners the Edwardes family. William Graves designed the square, with the garden an integral part of the layout. Residents paid an annual rent of two guineas for the maintenance of the garden. The east, north and south sides (of uniform design) were built by Robert Whitaker, and the west side completed by George Whitaker in the red-and-yellow brick ‘Domestic Revival’ style, which contrasts sharply with the white stuccofronted houses of the surrounding streets. Note the continuous first-floor balconies with delicately patterned iron railings. The land remained in private hands until 1974, when the local residents formed a nonprofit-making company to buy it. In 1978 the Kensington Improvement Act of 1851 was applied to the square, ensuring a regular income for the maintenance of the garden. During WW2 the railings were taken down and the north gate destroyed by a flying bomb. The railings were replaced in 1979 and a replica Victorian gate constructed in 2005. The garden’s seven magnificent plane trees probably

formed part of the original planting, and there are 28 other varieties of tree. The simple layout consists of a large lawn with a circular central bed, surrounded by gravel paths and borders planted with a mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants. New shrubs and plants have livened up the borders in recent years. Most of the beds get little direct sunlight, and show the range of plants that can be grown in these conditions. There is also a small play area for children. 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 Activities: Saxophone quartet, Sunday 24pm w www.nevernsquaregarden.co.uk Contract gardeners: Joseph Jones: Hamish and Eileen

N23. Paultons Square SW3 5DP

Pleasant Georgian square built in the 1830s on the site of an old market garden, land previously owned by Sir Thomas More and Sir John Danvers. It is the furthest west of the squares that lead off the King’s Road. Interesting lawned garden with unusual plants, shaded by mature plane trees with a central play area, enclosed by railings. Redesigned to celebrate the millennium with a number of new features. The square was named after Paultons in Hampshire, the country seat of George Stanley, the son-in-law of Sir Hans Sloane, who 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. 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 Head gardener: Chris Bell

N24. Queen’s Gate Gardens SW7 5LY

Queen’s Gate Gardens was created in the 1860s when a residential square was built on the site of former market gardens. The landscaping largely retains its original Victorian layout and the old mulberry and catalpa trees must be at least 150 years old. The circles visible in the lawn mark

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 the underground bomb shelters from WW2. Our garden is always beautiful but in spring it is spectacular when carpeted with bluebells and brilliant with blossom and spring flowers. In this big city, the gardens are a source of joy and give a sense of community to the members. 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, 74, 70 Activities: Teas w www.qgg.org.uk Gardener: Manuel Mendes

N25. The Roof Gardens W8 5SA

Originally above Derry & Toms department store, which opened in 1933, The Roof Gardens were conceived by the vice-president of Barkers, Trevor Bowen, who employed landscape architect Ralph Hancock to realise his vision. The gardens opened in May 1938. This is the 75th anniversary year. There are three themed gardens: the Spanish Garden, Tudor Courtyard and English Woodland Garden. All three have been extensively restored and replanted. The Spanish garden is now planted in the style of the 1950s, while the Tudor Garden planting is based on the Biba ethos and planting from the 1970s. The English Woodland, which contains trees from the original planting, is managed as a 21st-century environmental and wildlife garden. The gardens still have a selection of exotic wildfowl including four flamingos. Owned by Sir Richard Branson for 32 years, the gardens are part of Virgin Limited Edition. They host a members’ club, a private function venue and since 2001, on the seventh floor overlooking the woodland garden, the Babylon Restaurant. Open: Sunday: 8–11am Entrance: 99 Kensington High Street (actually in Derry Street) Access: While wheelchair access is possible, one or two very small areas of the garden are not accessible Nearest station: High Street Kensington Buses: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452 Activities: The head gardener, David Lewis, will be present. Tea and coffee available Conditions: No picnics or alcohol. Please note closing time of 11am, when the garden must be vacated w www.roofgardens.virgin.com Head gardener: David Lewis

N26. Rutland Gate South Garden SW7 1PL A shady garden with nine scheduled plane trees, interesting evergreens, variegated foliage and shrubs. Part of a development of brick-and-stucco houses originally dating from the 1860s. The garden can conveniently be visited in conjunction with Ennismore Gardens, adjacent. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite 54 Rutland Gate Access: Level access but gravel paths/ uneven surfaces Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge Buses: 9, 10, 14, 74, 52, 414, 452, C1

N27. Sunningdale Gardens W8 6PX

This almost secret little space is essentially the front garden of just nine 1860s houses, two terraces facing each other across it. The distinguished artist Paul Nash, born here in 1889, dismissed it as ‘meaningless’, but 120 years later it means much to those who care about and for it. Nearly all upkeep is performed by real live residents, sometimes differing in tastes and opinions, but combined in pride, and surprise, at winning their class in the 2012 Brighter Kensington & Chelsea Scheme. A visit is an inevitably intimate experience. Open: Sunday: 10am–6pm Entrance: Stratford Road, facing Abingdon Road Access: Easiest by western gate Nearest stations: Earl’s Court, Kensington High Street Buses: C1, 74

N28. Thrive Battersea – Herb Garden and Old English Garden SW11 4NJ Thrive is a national charity which uses gardening to change lives. Thrive’s garden project in Battersea Park features two glorious gardens created entirely through the skills and commitment of the charity’s beneficiaries – disabled people from across south and west London. In 2012, Thrive hit the media headlines with its stunning renovation of the Old English Garden, sponsored by Jo Malone London Limited, and won London in Bloom’s award for the best community garden in the capital. Come and enjoy a guided tour of the Jo Malone Old English Garden

Thrive Battersea

and then relax with tea and cake in the tranquil herb garden where you will find a whole range of plants for sale including those featured in the Old English Garden. There will also be plenty of activities and fun for all the family. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Albert Gate Access: Full disabled access and toilet facilities Nearest stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road Buses: 170 + 44, 137, 344, 452 Activities: Plants and herbs for sale. Delicious refreshments. Information on Thrive. Plenty of children’s activities including flowerpot painting, a bug hunt, and a painting competition. Free balloon for every child Conditions: No alcohol w www.thrive.org.uk

N29. Thurloe Square SW7 2SX A typical Victorian garden, with mature trees, winding paths, lawns, borders, flowerbeds and children’s play area, enclosed within its original railings. The square was developed in the 1840s to designs by George Basevi and ushered in a new era of Italianate townhouse design in London. The square takes its name from John Thurloe, Oliver Cromwell’s Secretary of State. 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 w www.thurloesquaregardens.com Gardener: Robert Player

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area O: Belgravia ■ Pimlico ■ Westminster

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OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area O: Belgravia ■ Pimlico ■ Westminster

O Belgravia Central London

■ Pimlico ■ Westminster

Photo Les Wilson, Mail on Sunday

expectations of modern users and the preservation of the square for the future. Look out for the new herbaceous border planted this spring. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: South Gate opposite no. 31 Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner Buses: C1, 2, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 38, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414, 436 Activities: Tree guide. Refreshments w www.grosvenor-gardens.co.uk Lead gardener: Martin Hutchinson

No. 10 Downing Street

O1. No.10 Downing Street SW1A 2AA

Conditions: Escorted tours only. Places allocated by public ballot. See page 5 The garden at Number 10 Downing Street is enjoyed by the Prime Minister and his family, as well as visitors to the building. Larry, the Downing Street cat, and Freya, the Chancellor’s family cat, are also fond of the outdoor space! The terrace and garden at Downing Street were constructed in 1736, shortly after Walpole moved into No. 10. The terrace extends across the back of the house. The garden is dominated by an open lawn of 0.5 acres that wraps around in an L-shape. There is a centrally located flower bed with flower urns, a bench and an arch. Tubs of flowers line the terrace and roses line the main pathway through the garden. There is also a vegetable patch where produce includes radishes, spring onions, beetroot, cress, carrots and leeks. There are bird-feeding tables where birds as exotic as a parakeet have been seen feeding. The garden has provided a casual setting for a number of significant gatherings, including the press launch for the announcement of the coalition government in May 2010 and, in 2011, a barbeque for military personnel hosted by the Camerons and Obamas.

Also, the London 2012 school games competitors used the space for activities in March. Entrance: No. 10 Downing Street Access: Steps Nearest station: Westminster Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 159, 453

O2. Belgrave Square SW1X 8PG

A 4.5-acre private garden designed by George Basevi, first planted by Thomas Cubitt in 1826 and now restored to its 1867 Victorian layout. There are many trees, including large plane trees dating from the original plantings. A central path curves through pergolas overhung with wisteria and roses. The square also features a quiet garden, a play area for children and a tennis court. The statuary around the garden reflects the international nature of the square and offers a rare chance to see a collection of modern figurative work. A 1998 statue of Sir Robert Grosvenor by Jonathan Wylder at the corner of Wilton Crescent features the quote from John Ruskin: ‘When we build, let us think we build for ever’. The Belgrave Square garden committee seeks to balance the maintenance of the garden’s historic character with the needs and

O3. Cadogan Place Gardens SW1X 9PQ

At the end of the 18th century this garden was known as the London Botanic Garden. The mulberry trees on the south lawn are around 300 years old and thought to have been grown for the silk trade. The severe storm in 1987 resulted in the loss of many large trees, which have now been replaced with a variety of ornamental trees, opening up the garden. An interesting mixed border is planted opposite the mulberries. On the east side, a walk running the length of the garden is being developed for spring interest, along with a fern garden. Near the tennis courts, a water garden is partially hidden by black bamboo and willows, while to the centre of the south garden is the award-winning Hans Sloane Garden, adapted from a design for the 2003 Chelsea Flower Show to celebrate the life of the physician and collector Sir Hans Sloane, who died in 1753. His daughter Elizabeth married the 1st Earl Cadogan. William Wilberforce (1759-1833), campaigner for the abolition of slavery, lived at 44 Cadogan Place. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite 91 Sloane Street Access: Ramps Nearest station: Knightsbridge Buses: C1, 19, 22, 137, 452 Activities: The Cadogan Hotel will be serving light lunches, afternoon tea and Pimms, 11am-4pm. Live entertainment from swinging 1950s band The Milkshakers Head gardener: Ric Glenn

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

O4. Cadogan Square Gardens SW1X 0EE Three houses in the south-west corner are by the celebrated Victorian architect Norman Shaw (1831-1913). The novelist Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) lived at no.75. The poet John Betjeman (19062006) prayed that God would protect the square from German bombers in WW2: ‘Lord, put beneath Thy special care, OneEighty-Nine Cadogan Square.’ A round raised bed, with a collection of David Austen roses, mixed with lychnis, cistus and agapanthus, occupies the centre of the garden. The Kiftsgate rose growing around the summerhouse near the tennis courts is of special interest, with a small mixed border nearby. The garden lost almost half its plane trees during the 1987 storm. They were replaced with ornamental trees set out in a less formal fashion. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite Milner Street (60 Cadogan Square) Nearest station: Knightsbridge Buses: C1, 19, 22, 137, 452 Head gardener: Ric Glenn

O5. Carlton House Terrace Gardens SW1Y 5WD Carlton House, the London residence of the Prince Regent, was built (at great expense) on part of the site of the former royal garden of St James’s Palace and remodelled in 1813 by the Regency architect John Nash. After becoming George IV, the Prince Regent lost interest in the house and it was demolished in 1827. Nash replaced it with Carlton House Terrace (1827–32) and Carlton Gardens (1830–33), houses for ‘persons of the highest social rank’. Waterloo Place was Nash’s southern terminus for Regent Street. The central space between the two blocks of nine houses was intended to have a domed fountain, but is now occupied by steps down to the Mall and a column surmounted by a statue of Frederick Augustus, the ‘Grand Old Duke of York’. The gardens have retained much of their 19th-century character, with serpentine paths, trees and shrubs. Handsome railings and a number of good statues define the perimeters of the gardens. In 2008 the gardens were restored. The original path network has been reinstated with a firm surface of self-binding gravel. Replanting has added a greater variety of shrubs and groundcover more suited to the shaded

environment. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Gate on SW side of Waterloo Place Access: Raised stone threshold at gate. New, firmed paths Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus Buses: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453 w www.cepc.org.uk Head gardener: Kevin Powell

O6. Chester Square SW1W 9HS

Chester Square was laid out between 1828 and 1840 by the 1st Duke of Westminster and his surveyor and architect Thomas Cundy II as part of the Grosvenor Estate. St Michael’s Church on the west side was also designed by Thomas Cundy and still provides a backdrop to the garden today. Ropeedged tiles and some original trees have survived. The garden is planted with shrub and herbaceous borders and contains a delightful central rose garden. Just under 1.5 acres in size, it was restored in 1997 to the layout that appears in the Ordnance Survey map of 1867. The garden’s essence today is one of peace and tranquillity. It was highly commended in the 2011 London Gardens Society Competition. Past residents include the poet Matthew Arnold (182288) at no. 2, and Mary Shelley (1797-1851), author of Frankenstein, at no. 24. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite 20 Chester Square Nearest stations: Victoria, Sloane Square Buses: C1, C2, 2, 16, 38, 73, 82, 137, 148, 170, 211, 436, 507 Activities: Garden information guide. w www.grosvenor-gardens.co.uk Charge gardener/lead gardener: Stuart Camm/Nick Butler

O7. Dolphin Square SW1V 3LX The garden of this luxury residential complex remains much as it was planned in 1935, but the maturity of the trees and

Chester Square

plants have made it more beautiful. It has a bloom of colour in the spring and summer, especially from the rose beds. There are two spacious lawns, an avenue of pollarded chestnut trees and several rockeries and raised borders. Recent additions are a herb garden for the tenants and a circular seated area nestled between Howard and Nelson House. The Dolphin Fountain, commissioned from James Butler RA in 1987, can be found in the pond in the centre of the garden. Just up some steps from the fountain is the Moroccan Garden, which was landscaped in the 1980s following a competition. The Moroccan Garden has its own small fountain, raised lavender beds and terracotta tile floor. Round the corner from the Moroccan Garden is a Japanese-style grotto made with original tufa limestone. Across the road from the main garden are an all-weather tennis court and lawn for croquet use and views over the river. It may interest the ecologically aware visitor that Dolphin Square gardens are among the last gardens in Westminster to be watered from their own artesian wells. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Chichester Street Nearest station: Pimlico Buses: 24, 360, C10 Activities: On-site restaurant and bars open for tea, cakes and other refreshments. A recently added attraction is the spa, which is located close to the health club. Exclusive luxury products and treatments (by appointment) are available Conditions: No photography or filming w www.dolphinsquare.co.uk Head gardner: Michael Deville

O8. Eaton Square SW1W 9BD Eaton Square is one of London’s premier addresses. The layout, along with Belgrave Square, was begun in 1826 by Thomas Cubitt for the Grosvenor Estate. The square was named after Eaton Hall in Cheshire, home of the landowner the Duke of Westminster. The square is actually a rectangle divided into six gardens. The central garden on the south side is open for OGSW. In 2011 these perfectly manicured gardens were among the top three – and awarded a bronze medal – in the London Garden Society’s competition for large private squares. Mixed borders around two formal lawns are divided by a tranquil retreat of paths and seating through a shaded enclave. In addition, there is a tennis court with a

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area O: Belgravia ■ Pimlico ■ Westminster planted walking area around the outside and formal raised beds, which always offer a vibrant display in time for OGSW. Famous past residents include prime minister Neville Chamberlain (no. 37) and actress Vivien Leigh (no. 54). Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite no. 42 (South Side) Nearest station: Victoria Buses: C1, C2, 2, 16, 38, 73, 82, 148, 170, 185, 211, 436 Activities: Tree guide. Live music. Refreshments. Punch & Judy w www.grosvenor-gardens.co.uk Lead gardener: Nick Butler

O9. Eccleston Square SW1V 1NP

Eccleston Square takes its name from the Cheshire village of Eccleston, part of the estates of the landowners, the Dukes of Westminster. Originally a low-lying swamp which was drained in the early 17th century, it was planned as a threeacre square in 1828 by Thomas Cubitt (1788–1855). Over the past 20 years, the square’s garden committee has replanted the whole garden to give year-round interest. There are many specialist collections, including camellias, climbing and shrub roses, and a National Collection of ceanothus. In 2006, a Wollemi pine was donated to the square. The species was thought to have been extinct until found recently in Australia. Over the past eight years a large variety of unusual tender plants have been planted and are flourishing in the garden. Eccleston Square is proud to have won several prizes in the past eight years. We took the top prize award by the National Garden Society 2011. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm

Entrance: Opposite no. 15 Nearest station: Victoria Buses: 11, 24, 44, 211, C1 Car parking: No parking restrictions over the weekend around the square w www.ecclestonsquaregarden.co.uk Gardener: Neville Capil

O10. Lillington & Longmoore Gardens SW1V 2LD

The Lillington Gardens Estate was designed by Darbourne and Darke for the City of Westminster in the 1960s. It was one of the first low-rise, high-density housing estates in London. Longmoore Gardens was completed in the late 1970s. The estates were designated a conservation area in 1990 and parts are listed grade II*. Originally the estate was landscaped as a series of green spaces with trees. Since 1996 these have been developed considerably into a number of unique gardens planted with a wide range of shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs suited to the dry urban environment. Bedding and hanging basket plants are raised by the gardeners. Features include classic mixed borders, Mediterranean areas, an exotic border with yuccas, palms, agaves and cannas, a sensory garden with bubble fountain, pergolas, flowers and vegetables, a family ‘grow your own’ garden and a garden club area. Perennial meadows and wildlife areas and a pond have been made to increase biodiversity. The estate has won the Best Garden for Wildlife section of the Westminster in Bloom competition and has achieved a Green Flag award for excellent management and maintenance six years running. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 3 Charlwood Street Access: Difficult in a few places Nearest stations: Pimlico, Victoria Buses: 2, 24, 36, 185, 436 Car parking: Please park off the estate in the street Activities: Map of the gardens available. Gardeners present. Guided walks 11am and 3pm. Children’s playground. Plants for sale. Tea, coffee and cakes

O11. Marlborough House SW1Y 5HX

Lillington & Longmoore Gardens

Built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1709-11, this magnificent house is now the working headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation. The garden has been largely maintained in its original formal 18thcentury layout, with a number of large,

plain expanses of lawn, intersected by gravel pathways. At its southern and western boundaries, bordering The Mall and Marlborough Road respectively, the lawns bank upwards, enabling residents to see over the fairly high boundary wall from the gravel path. Against these walls are formal beds with some hedging and other planting. At the eastern boundary is a less formal, extensive shrubbery, with a woodland path and a pet cemetery, where the tombstones commemorate household pets, including some of Queen Alexandra’s dogs. There is a revolving timber summerhouse with a thatched roof commissioned by Queen Mary, the last royal resident of the house, in front of the east wing of the building. In the southeast corner of the garden is a brick-built gazebo. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm Entrance: From Marlborough Road Nearest station: Green Park Bus: 9 w www.thecommonwealth.org/mhouse/ index.html

O12. MaRoCoCo Garden at Rococo Chocolates SW1X 8JU

A small courtyard garden behind Rococo Chocolates. The layout plans were by Dræyk van der Hørn of Bonnington Square Pleasure Garden, executed by Chantal Coady, the shop’s founder, who has also been closely involved with the Bonnington Square gardens. Once a neglected city space, with a lone acacia tree, the garden now features a Moroccan tile mosaic and is filled with fragrant plants – all the things used in the Rococo repertoire: rose, lavender, geranium, mint, jasmine, and a kaffir lime. The result is a stunning asymmetric mirrored courtyard in the middle of Belgravia. Many elements in the garden are recycled: old mirrors came from the late Lady Rusheen WynnJones house’ in Sprimont Place and tiles from Dar interiors. The garden is now a favourite hangout for local birds, with a couple of resident robins. Tits, a family of blackbirds, and even a great spotted woodpecker visit the garden. Open: Saturday: 11am–6pm, Sunday: 12–6pm Entrance: Through 5 Motcomb Street Access: One step into the shop and a flight of stairs down into the garden Nearest station: Knightsbridge Buses: C1, 19, 22, 137, 452 Activities: Fresh baked cakes and pastries. Coffees, teas and hot chocolate. Demonstration of chocolate techniques

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013 Conditions: A maximum of 12 people at a time: it is a very small space! w www.rococochocolates.com

O13. Warwick Square SW1V 2AL

Warwick Square was laid out in the early 1840s as part of Thomas Cubitt’s development plan for Pimlico. The vista westwards towards St Gabriel’s Church was a component of Cubitt’s original design. Six of the original iron lamp standards remain in use. The railings have been replaced, the hoggin paths and rope-edge tiles reinstated and a great many new plants introduced, many of which were used in the Victorian period. The two original Victorian mounds have been re-landscaped with timber forts, concealed paths and hiding places to encourage creative play. Open: Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Opposite no. 12 Nearest stations: Pimlico, Victoria Buses: 24 + C10, 2, 36, 185, 360, 436 Gardener: Sarah Syborn

O14. Westminster Abbey: Dean’s Yard SW1P 3PA Dean’s Yard is built on the site of The Elms and the former monastery farmyard. In the 18th century there were three rows of trees on the central green. The high railings surrounding the green were removed in 1967 to give a more welcoming appearance. The yard now features a number of large trees, including one champion London plane, red horse chestnut, tulip tree, maple and sycamore. Smaller trees include silver birch and medlar. The surrounding buildings are in an attractive ‘collegiate’ style. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Gate from Broad Sanctuary Nearest station: Westminster Buses: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211 + 3, 12, 53, 87, 159, 453 Activities: If visitors make their way to the Cloisters (entrance in Dean’s Yard) and to the College Garden, there will be lunches and teas available to have on the lawn. The theme is Elizabethan Scents and Flavours. The Head Gardener will be on hand to answer questions and there will be tours around the Herb Garden at 12pm and 2pm w www.westminster-abbey.org Head gardener: Jan Pancheri

Warwick Square

O15. Westminster Abbey: College Garden SW1P 3PA The College Garden was once the garden of the Infirmarer of the great medieval monastery, established in the 11th century. It is the largest and most important garden at the Abbey. ‘College’ here refers to the old meaning of the word: a community of clergy. To the right of the entrance is the new Herb Garden, created to celebrate both the lives of the monks who used to live here and the founding of Westminster School in 1560 by Elizabeth I. The area is divided into four wicker-edged beds which contain dye plants, vegetables, medicinal and culinary herbs. The garden is dominated by two plane trees at the centre, planted in 1850. Other trees of interest include quince trees, step-over apple trees at the entrance and a white mulberry by the fountain. The rose garden celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne in 1952. The garden is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but OGSW is the only occasion when it can be seen at the weekend. During July and August there are free band concerts here on Wednesdays and in the summer holidays, children’s workshops. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through the cloisters via Dean’s Yard Nearest station: Westminster Buses: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211+ 3, 12, 53, 87, 159, 453 Activities: See O14 w www.westminster-abbey.org Head gardener: Jan Pancheri

O16. Westminster Abbey: St Catherine’s Garden SW1P 3PA St Catherine’s Garden has been created within the ruins of the old chapel, built 1154-61. The chapel was used by the monks as an infimary and was the only

part of the monastery to have a fire, as only the sick really needed warmth! The raised bed now grows sun-loving plants such as cistus and genista, from which the Plantagenets took their name. After the dissolution of the monastery in 1540, the chapel was allowed to fall into ruin and eventually pulled down. Besides its use as the infirmary chapel, many 12thand 13th-century bishops were consecrated here, including Hugh of Lincoln (1186). It was here in 1253 that King Henry III swore to observe the privileges granted in Magna Carta. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Through the cloisters via Dean’s Yard and follow signs Access: The garden may be viewed from the Cloister Nearest station: Westminster Buses: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211 + 3, 12, 53, 87, 159, 453 Activities: See O14 w www.westminster-abbey.org Head gardener: Jan Pancheri

O17. Wilton Crescent Garden SW1X 8RX Wilton Crescent was an addition by Thomas Cundy, the Grosvenor Estate surveyor, to the original 1821 Wyatt plan for Belgravia. Today this crescent-shaped garden is planted in a white theme and is a tranquil enclave only a stone’s throw from Belgrave Square. Modern sculpture mixes with imposing London plane trees. Open: Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Opposite 38 Wilton Crescent Nearest stations: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge Buses: 2, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 38, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414, 436 Activities: Written plant guide w www.grosvenor.com Lead gardener: Martin Hutchinson

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area P: North Lambeth ■ Southwark

Central London

North Lambeth ■ Southwark Legible London

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Lliffe Yard

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10 Downing Street

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OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area P: North Lambeth ■ Southwark

Central London

North Lambeth ■ Southwark

P1. Bonnington Square SW8 1GA

The pleasure garden here was once a bombsite, then a derelict playground, before it was imaginatively re-designed by the Bonnington Square Garden Association, a group of local residents with backgrounds in film, art, design and horticulture. Funded by grants and local sponsorship, the garden includes a 9metre Industrial Revolution iron waterwheel, a huge Helping Hand sculpture and evocative, lush sub-tropical planting. Further planting under the umbrella of the Paradise Project includes trees, groundcover planting, vines and endless street gardens. The pleasure garden is today regarded as one of the finest community gardens in London. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: On north side Nearest station: Vauxhall Buses: 2, 36, 88, 185, 436 also 44, 77, 77A, 156, 322, 344 Activities: Refreshments, activities w www.bonningtonsquaregarden.org.uk

P2. Chumleigh Gardens SE5 0RJ

Chumleigh Gardens is located within the recently regenerated Burgess Park in SE5. What is now 46 hectares of green open space was once an area of heavy industry, factories, slums and a ship canal. The area was bombed heavily

during WW2 and as a result of the 1943 Abercrombie plan for improving open spaces, Burgess Park came into being. Chumleigh Gardens itself is three almshouses in the centre of the park, dating back to 1802, set in four interlinking world gardens. These four gardens contain native species of England, Africa, Eastern Asia and the Mediterranean and have been landscaped to replicate these regions. Art in the Park, the Chumleigh Gardens art studio and Heart Garden will also be open to the public offering activities throughout the weekend. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: Chumleigh Street, off Albany Road Access: Some gravel paths may be difficult for wheelchair users Nearest stations: Elephant & Castle, thence bus 343 Buses: 42, 343 Activities: The World Gardens are open daily, but during the weekend we’ll be opening the community food growing area, polytunnels and art and sculpture studios. Activities will include a plant sale, artistic treasure hunt, live music, photographic exhibition, art workshops and some gardening/horticultural activities. The café will be serving cream teas in the gardens w www.southwark.gov.uk/burgesspark Head gardener: Mark Cox

Chumleigh Gardens

P3. Diversity Garden SE1 0RU The Diversity Garden at King James St replaces the garden which was lost during the redevelopment of the site. During 2012, local residents helped to kick-start the growth and ‘rebirth’ of the Diversity Garden, planting native hedgerows, four new fruit trees and an ‘edible’ hedge composed of rosemary, bay, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, raspberries and other assorted herbs, all within easy picking distance of the kitchens in the residents’ homes next to the garden. The garden also features a wildlife pond (please don’t put unwanted aquarium pets in here!) and a raised goldfish pond. There is also an underground rainwater harvesting tank and composting area for green garden waste and vegetable peelings. The beds are a combination of individual plots in which residents living in the adjacent housing blocks grow vegetables, as well as communal vegetable beds under crop rotation, which all residents are able to harvest. Residents entered some of their communal produce in our hugely popular Octavia Hill Flower and Vegetable Show, held at Red Cross Garden on in September 2012. One Library Street resident group won the best exotic category for their Bangladeshi squash. We are planning to plant more evergreen shrubs and perennials to give the garden winter interest and colour. Please look for planting days on our website and join us for our regular gardening clubs! If you’d like to gain access to the garden or join the gardening club, contact the Red Cross office (020 7403 3393 or info@bost.org.uk). The club meets on the second Saturday of the month, 10am1pm and fortnightly on the last Wednesday of the month, 10am-12 noon. It would be wonderful to meet you. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: Milcote Street or King James Street Access: Level access from pavement. Dropped kerbs near the entrances from road Nearest station: Elephant & Castle Bus: 344 w www.bost.org.uk Gardener: Dumisani Nyathi

Garden listings OGSWGuide 2013

P4. The Garden Museum SE1 7LB

The museum garden is 17th-century-style knot garden, designed by the Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury, President of the Garden Museum. It was officially opened in 1983 by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The garden is set in the old graveyard surrounding the museum, which was formerly the parish church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. It features plants of the period and contains the tombs of the famous 17th-century gardeners and plant-hunters, the John Tradescants, father and son. The wild garden at the front of the museum, created in 2007, will be in flower. Open: Saturday: 10.30am–4pm, Sunday: 10.30am–5pm Entrance: Via the Museum – a former church at the corner of Lambeth Road and Lambeth Palace Road Nearest stations: Waterloo, Lambeth North Buses: C10, 3, 77, 344, 507 Activities: Permanent collection. Current exhibition. Café and gift shop. Plant sales w www.gardenmuseum.org.uk Horticultural consultant: Sarah Price

P5. Harleyford Road Community Garden SW8 1TF In 1984 local residents started to grow vegetables on a 1.5-acre plot of wasteland, beginning the present community garden. Apart from a few existing trees, the whole garden has been created and maintained by residents. The garden is divided into several areas including a wildlife area, pond and a playground. Recent enhancements include a mosaic wall, extended mosaic paths and new benches. Open: Sunday: 2–5pm Entrance: From 37 Bonnington Square or Harleyford Road Access: Most parts wheelchairaccessible, including the lavatory Nearest stations: Vauxhall, Oval Buses: 36, 185, 436 + 2, 88 Activities: Tea and cakes. Music. Jumble and other stalls 2-5pm Conditions: Garden open daily until sunset all year

P6. Iliffe Yard SE17 3QA Iliffe Yard is one of three adjacent cobbled yards built in Victorian times by James Pullen. Today Iliffe Yard workshops house a wealth of creative talent, from letterpress printers, painters

Jamyang Buddhist Centre

and photographers, to ceramicists, jewellers, film animators, structural designers and more. The area was used as a set for the film The King’s Speech. Urban pocket gardens in raised beds, ground-level planting and pots show how a garden can be created from the tiniest and unlikeliest of space. Most plants, other than Virginia creeper and established shrubs, have been grown from cuttings, seedlings and divided plants. This shows that a garden can be created without the need to spend much money. Plants grown from cuttings, such as a thorn-free hybrid blackberry, honeysuckle and old rose varieties, thrive by climbing on the south-facing walls. Self-seeded passionflowers bloom by the Crampton Street gates. Planting is based on flowers, soft fruit and vegetables. This garden provides important pollen for surrounding bee colonies. The Virginia creeper is especially popular when in flower, and provides nesting areas for blackbirds. The planting in the raised beds and small pockets creates an environment for butterflies. A sense of well-being for the human environment is created by the ability to see greenery and colour in this urban setting. Twice a year the three Pullen yards – Iliffe, Clements and Peacock – open their workshops to the public. This gives a chance for people to see how tangible creativity and the necessity for tactile values in this increasingly computer-based world are still alive and thriving today. Look at the fascinating workshops, talk with the makers, even commission works of art. There is the opportunity to buy one-off items directly from the designer/maker, and become inspired to make things. Open: Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 11am–5pm Entrance: Crampton Street/Amelia Street

Access: Uneven cobbled yard, so care is needed Nearest stations: Kennington, Elephant & Castle Buses: 35, 40, 45, 68, 171, 176, 468 Activities: Open studios weekend in Iliffe, Clements and Peacock Yards. Rescue birds of prey from ‘Many Hoots’. Beehive from ‘Bee Urban’ (depending on weather and hive inspection). Food and drink from Electric Electric Elephant Café w http://iliffeyard.co.uk Gardener: Barbara Wakefield

P7. Jamyang Buddhist Centre SE11 4NA Our garden is located in the original exercise yard for prisoners of the Old Kennington Courthouse, which was a Lambeth magistrates’ court for 100 years, built in 1869. It is the last surviving Victorian courthouse in London, listed grade II since 1993. In the 1960s it became a high-security courthouse where terrorists such as the IRA and the gang who seized the Iranian Embassy were tried. Other colourful inmates were the Kray twin gangsters and Charlie Chaplin’s father. Jamyang Buddhist Centre bought the Old Court House in 1995, when it was in poor repair. A large team of volunteers restored the beautiful old building over time, including the exercise yard, which retains the original Victorian cobblestones. The gated courtyard garden covers approximately 120 square metres, and is set out with a magnificent golden Buddha statue, the tables and chairs of our onsite café, and a small meditative garden space. The garden, designed and maintained by volunteers, is planted with a mixture of shrubs, climbers, perennials and annuals. His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited in 1999 and planted a magnolia tree in the

OGSWGuide 2013 Central London Area P: North Lambeth ■ Southwark

Walworth Allotment Association

courtyard. An old Victorian cast-iron safe found on site is now nestled among boulders beneath the Buddha statue, forming the base for a pretty garden. We feel that the idea of sharing the building is entirely commensurate with the commitment we made during the purchase campaign to bring the Old Court House back into community use. The centre is involved in a variety of partnerships and networks with local health, non-profit and community groups. Open: Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–5pm Entrance: 43 Renfrew Road Access: Building and garden fully accessible. Courtyard cobblestones are a bit uneven for a wheelchair, although still quite accessible Nearest stations: Kennington, Elephant & Castle Buses: 196 (Kennington Lane), 133, 155, 333 (Kennington Park Road), 3, 59, 109, 159 (Kennington Road) Activities: Café offering an eclectic range of food, all produced on site. Lunches, cakes and freshly baked breads based on seasonal produce, plus excellent espresso coffee. Small shop selling incense, books, colourful prayer flags and Tibetan art cards w www.jamyang.co.uk Volunteer head gardener: Ros Williams

P8. Merrick Square SE1 4JB Small, quiet, well-maintained garden square, originally laid out in 1853-6 as part of the development of land belonging to the Corporation of Trinity House. It is still composed of 32 single houses, owned by Trinity House. Holy Trinity Rectory, between nos. 16 and 17, was built in 1872. Open: Sunday: 11am–6pm Entrance: West side of Merrick Square Access: Kerb at entrance. Outer parts of the garden are reached across lawns Nearest stations: Borough, Elephant & Castle, London Bridge

Buses: 21, 35, 40, 133, 343, C10 Activities: Music and refreshments organised by Trinity Newington Residents’ Association (TNRA), by kind permission of the Corporation of Trinity House w www.tnra.net

P9. Trinity Church Square SE1 4HT

A formal garden square built between 1824 and 1832 on land belonging to the Corporation of Trinity House. Most of the houses, still owned by Trinity House, have been converted into flats. The church is now the Henry Wood Hall, used for orchestral rehearsals. The garden, maintained by Trinity House, contains one of the oldest outside statues in London, probably of Alfred the Great and possibly originally sited in Westminster Hall. The garden has been open to residents only since 1997 and has been well used since the closure of Trinity Street to through traffic in 2002. Open: Sunday: 11am–6pm Access: Level entrance. Garden is mostly lawn Nearest stations: Borough, Elephant & Castle, London Bridge Buses: 21, 35, 40, 133, 343, C10 Activities: Music and refreshments organised by Trinity Newington Residents Association (TNRA), with kind permission of the Corporation of Trinity House w www.tnra.net

P10. Walworth Allotment Association SE17 3EQ Walworth Allotment Association was founded in the 1970s by a passionate local Southwark community who wanted to grow their own fruit and vegetables as close to home as possible. This site, which includes a wildlife area and thriving beehives, has developed over the years through various planting and community initiatives. The current twice-yearly

working party has reclaimed industrial/garage space to create a pleasant, intimate communal urban green space. We have 16 plots, some of which are shared, with a very diverse group of keen gardeners. We grow a variety of fruit, herbs and vegetables organically, with the occasional floral flourish! This is possibly one of the most urban vegetable growing sites in the world – the London Eye is almost in sight, while the roar of the cricket crowds at Oval can be heard while gardening on a summer’s day. You’re welcome to come and enjoy our creative horticultural inner-city delights. Open: Saturday: 10am–6pm, Sunday: 10am–6pm Entrance: Fielding Street, off Walworth Road, just west of railway bridge Access: Ground uneven in parts, but still wheelchair accessible Nearest stations: Kennington, Elephant & Castle Buses: 12, 68, 171, 176, 468 from E+C Activities: Soft drinks and delicious homemade cakes

P11. Walworth Garden Farm SE17 3BN

Walworth Garden Farm was founded in 1987 in a heavily built-up inner-city area of Southwark. Local residents created the farm on derelict land to provide education, training and resources in organic horticulture for the local community. The farm now delivers a variety of services, including horticultural therapy for adults with learning difficulties, outreach environmental education for schools, horticultural training and employment programmes for local residents aged 16-25, contractgardening services and introductory gardening courses. Activities include beekeeping and an observation hive. In 2012 the garden farm won its fourth Green Flag Community Award, as well as Gold in the Best Community Area Award for Southwark in Bloom. Open: Saturday: 10am–4pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm Entrance: Manor Place / Braganza Road Access: Accessible toilet. Hoggin paths Nearest station: Kennington Buses: 133, 155, 333, 12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 148, 171, 176, 468 Activities: Plant sales and other activities w www.walworthgardenfarm.org.uk Gardener: Kevin Moore

Vouchers OGSWGuide 2013

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Join the London Parks & Gardens Trust today and receive 18 months’ membership for the price of 12! London Parks & Gardens Trust members receive: ■ The newsletter London Landscapes three times a year ■ A copy of the annual journal London Gardener ■ One free ticket for Open Garden Squares Weekend ■ Discounted rates for lectures ■ Invitations to walks, study days and other exciting events

10% discount*

2 for 1 admission National Trust around London…

* For terms and conditions please see overleaf.

OGSWGuide 2013

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To take advantage of this offer simply join the London Parks & Gardens Trust. Phone 020 7839 3969 and request membership information (or use the form at the back of this book). When you return your membership form, attach this coupon. Membership forms must be received by July 2013 to be eligible. London Parks & Gardens Trust, Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ Enquiries@londongardenstrust.org Answerphone: 020 7839 3969 www.londongardenstrust.org

2 for 1 admission* National Trust around London

Chartwell Cliveden (garden only) Mottisfont Nymans Polesden Lacey Sissinghurst Stowe The Vyne IZfbg VcY XʩcY^h^ʩcg/ DŶZf ^g ʩcam jVa^Y [fʩb LZYcZgYVm ' October – Friday 15 November 2013 at the participating properties named above during published opening times only. Please check opening times before you visit at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Only one voucher can be used per person. This voucher must be surrendered upon admission and is non-transferable against the cost of membership. Photocopies of this voucher will not accepted. I]^g ʩŶZf ^g cʩh jVa^Y [ʩf XʩVX] dVfh^Zg# I]ZfZ ^g cʩ XVg] VahZfcVh^jZ# I]^g jʩiX]Zf XVccʩh WZ igZY ^c Xʩc_icXh^ʩc k^h] Vcm ʩh]Zf ʩŶZf# Not valid on Bank Holiday or Bank Holiday weekends. Not valid at a National Trust event where a separate X]Vf\Z ^g bVYZ# I]Z EfʩbʩhZf ʩ[ h]^g ʩŶZf/ I]Z National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA. Registered Charity No 205846. Photography: © National Trust Images /John Millar

Index OGSWGuide 2013

Index of gardens GREEN = new garden for 2013 Garden name and postcode

page

A Abbey Gardens – What Will The Harvest Be? E15 Abney Park Cemetery N16 The Academy Gardens WC1 Acton Community Garden W3 Alara Permaculture Forest Garden N1 Arlington Square N1 Arnold Circus E2 Arundel & Elgin Garden W11 Arundel & Ladbroke Gardens W11 Avenue House and Garden N3

Ballast Quay Garden SE10 Barnsbury Square N1 Bedford Square WC1 Belgrave Square SW1 Bina Gardens East SW7 Bonnington Square SW8 Bramham Gardens SW5 Branch Hill Allotments NW3 British Medical Association Council Garden WC1 Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses SE24 Brunel Museum Gardens SE16 Brunswick Square WC1 Bryanston Square W1 Bunhill Fields EC1 Burgh House NW3

14 14 62 28 36 36 42 56 56 15 18 36 62 86 78 92 78 31 62 18 48 63 63 72 31

C Cable Street Community Gardens E1 48 Cadogan Place Gardens SW1 86 Cadogan Square Gardens SW1 87 Caledonian Park and Community Orchard N7 36 Calthorpe Project Community Garden WC1 63 Camley Street Natural Park NW1 37 Canons Park – George V Memorial Garden HA8 12 Canons Park – Seven Acre Lake HA8 12 Carlton House Terrace Gardens SW1 87 Carlyle’s House SW3 78 Carshalton House Landscape Garden SM5 22 Centre for Wildlife Gardening SE15 18 Charlton Manor Primary School SE718

87 Chester Square SW1 Chiswick House Walled Gardens 28 W4 Christchurch Greyfriars Rose Garden EC1 72 Chumleigh Gardens SE5 92 Cleary Garden EC4 72 Cleveland Square W2 56 Cleveland Gardens W2 56 Clissold Community Garden N16 15 Collingham Gardens SW5 78 Cornwall Gardens SW7 78 Courtfield Gardens (East) SW5 79 Courtfield Gardens (West) SW5 79 Cranbrook Community Food Garden E2 42 Crescent Garden W9 56 Culpeper Community Garden N1 37 Culverley Green SE6 19

D Dalston Eastern Curve E8 Diversity Garden SE1 Deen City Farm SW19 Dolphin Square SW1 Dorset Square NW1 Downing Street, No 10 (special conditions apply) SW1 Drapers’ Hall Garden EC2 Dulwich Upper Wood LNR SE19 Durand Gardens SW9

42 92 22 87 63 86 72 19 52

E Earls Court Square SW5 79 Eastbury Manor House Walled Gardens and Herb Garden IG11 16 Eaton Square SW1 87 Eccleston Square SW1 88 Eden at St. Paul’s Community Garden SW4 52 Edwardes Square W8 79 Emery Walker’s House W6 28 Ennismore Gardens SW7 79

F Fann Street Wildlife Garden EC2 FARM:shop E8 Fassett Square E8 Fenton House and Garden NW3 Fitzroy Square W1 Formosa Garden W9 Freightliners Farm N7 Fulham Palace SW6 Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments SW6 97

72 43 43 31 64 57 37 22 22

G Gainsborough Gardens NW3

Garden Barge Square at Downings Roads Moorings SE1 48 Gardening Leave, Royal Hospital Chelsea SW3

The Garden Museum SE1

Geffrye Museum Gardens E2

Gledhow Gardens SW5

Gloucester Circus SE10

Goodenough College – London House and William Goodenough House Quadrangles WC1 64 Gray’s Inn WC1

Grey Court School Community Allotment TW10

Growing Gardens Community Project at Deen City Farm SW19 22 Grove House Estate (Roehampton University) SW15 23

H Ham House and Garden TW10

Hanover Gardens W11

Harleyford Road Community Garden SW8

Hereford Square SW7

The Hill Garden and Pergola NW3

HM Prison Holloway (special conditions apply) N7

Holland House Garden W8

Iliffe Yard SE17

Inner Temple Garden EC4

IPC Media Roof Garden SE1

The Ismaili Centre Roof Garden SW7

J Jamyang Buddhist Centre SE11

John Betts House W12

K Kensington Gardens Square W2

Kensington Nursing Home (BUPA) W11

Kensington Square W8

King Henry’s Walk Garden N1

K+K Hotel George SW5

OGSWGuide 2013 Garden name and postcode

page

L Ladbroke Square Garden W11 Lavender Pond and Nature Park SE16 Leighton House W14 Lexham Gardens W8 Lighthouse-West THT W11 Lillington & Longmoore Gardens SW1 Lincoln’s Inn Gardens WC2 Lloyd Square WC1 Long Lane Pasture N3

57 48 81 82 58 88 73 65 16

M Manchester Square Gardens W1 Markham Square SW3 Marlborough House SW1 MaRoCoCo Garden at Rococo Chocolates SW1 May Project Gardens SM4 Mecklenburgh Square WC1 Melissa Garden Bee Sanctuary N1 Merrick Square SE1 Middle Temple EC4 Montagu Square W1

65 82 88 88 24 65 38 94 73 65

N Natural History Museum, Wildlife Garden SW7 Nevern Square SW5 Norland Square W11

82 82 58

Oaklands School Roof Gardens E2 October Gallery WC1 The Olden Garden N5 Osterley House Gardens TW7

44 66 39 12

P Park Crescent NW1 Park Square NW1 Paultons Square SW3 The Phoenix Garden WC2 Pooles Park Primary School N4 Portman Square W1 Portsoken Street Gardens E1 Postman’s Park EC1

66 66 82 67 16 67 74 74

Q Queen’s Gate Gardens SW7 Queen’s Wood Lodge Organic Garden N10

82 13

R Rainham Hall RM13 Red Cross Garden SE1 Red House DA6 Regent’s College London NW1

17 74 20 67

GREEN = new garden for 2013 The Regent’s Park Allotment Garden 68 NW1 Ridgmount Gardens WC1 68 29 The River Café W6 13 Roe Green Walled Garden NW9 Roehampton Allotments – Dover House Road and The Pleasance SW15 24 83 The Roof Gardens W8 Rookery and Streatham Common Community Garden SW16 24 Rosmead Garden W11 58 Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden NW1 68 Royal Crescent Gardens W11 58 Russell Square Gardens WC1 69 Rutland Gate South Garden SW7 83

S St Botolph without Bishopsgate EC2 St Dunstan’s in the East EC3 St George’s Gardens WC1 St James Close N1 St James’s Gardens W11 St Joseph’s Garden EC1 St Joseph’s Hospice Garden E8 St Mary Aldermanbury EC2 St Mary’s Secret Garden E2 St Michael’s Convent TW10 St Pancras and St Giles Churchyard NW1 St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard EC4 St Paul’s Churchyard Covent Garden WC2 St Quintin Avenue Community Kitchen Garden W10 Salters’ Gardens EC2 The Secret Orchard SE14 SHARE Community Horticulture Project SW17 The Skip Garden N1 SOAS Japanese-Inspired Roof Garden WC1 South London Botanical Institute SE24 Spitalfields City Farm E1 Stanley Crescent Garden W11 The Compound, Stave Hill Ecological Park SE16 Sunningdale Gardens W8 Sutton Ecology Centre SM5 Sycamore House W6 Sydenham Garden SE23 98

74 74 69 39 59 74 44 75 44 25 39 75 69 59 75 20 25 39 69 20 49 59 49 83 25 29 21

T Tate Modern, Community Garden SE1 75 Thrive Battersea – Herb Garden and Old English Garden SW11 83 83 Thurloe Square SW7 Tooting Community Garden SW16 25 Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park E3 49 59 Triangle Garden W9 94 Trinity Church Square SE1 Trinity Hospice SW4 52

V Valence House Museum Herb Garden RM8

W Walpole Park Walled Garden W5 Walworth Allotment Association SE17 Walworth Garden Farm SE17 Warwick Square SW1 Waterlow Park Kitchen Garden N6 West Ham Park and Nursery E7 Westminster Abbey: Dean’s Yard SW1 Westminster Abbey: College Garden SW1 Westminster Abbey: St Catherine’s Garden SW1 West Smithfield Garden EC1 William Morris Society W6 Wilton Crescent Garden SW1 Windrush Square SW2 Winsford Gardens SE20 Winterton House Organic Garden E1 The Woodlands Farm Trust DA16 World Peace Garden Camden NW3

13 94 94 89 13 17 89 89 89 75 29 89 53 21 49 21 33

Z Zander Court Club House E2

Visitor feedback OGSWGuide 2013

Open Garden Squares Weekend: Visitor Feedback

Tell us what you think and you could win £50 in M&S vouchers! We'd like to hear your views on this year’s Open Garden Squares Weekend. Please complete this form and drop off in a garden over the weekend or post to: OGSW, Duck Island Cottage, St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ. Name Address

Postcode (or if you live outside the UK, what country are you visiting from?) Email Telephone number Age

Gender

How did you hear about Open Garden Squares Weekend?

How would you rate your experience of this year's Open Garden Squares Weekend?

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Any further comments:

Open Garden Squares Weekend is organised by the London Parks & Gardens Trust (LPGT). Would you like to hear about other events organised by LPGT? ■ YES

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Would you like to find out about becoming a Member of the London Parks & Gardens Trust (LPGT) and enjoying regular newsletters, events and other benefits? ■ YES ■NO I would like a copy of the detailed feedback form posted to me at the address above ■ OR, please email me a link to the detailed feedback form ■ Thank you. All completed postcards received by Friday 28 June 2013 will be entered into a draw to win £50 in Marks & Spencers vouchers. The details here will enable us to send you a link to/hard copy of the detailed questionnaire. Completing this will give you a second opportunity to win £50 in Marks & Spencers shopping vouchers. Open Garden Squares Weekend is organised by London Parks & Gardens Trust (Registered Charity No 1042337). All information supplied will be subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and will remain secure and confidential.

OGSWGuide 2013

Protecting and promoting London’s green open spaces London is one of the world’s greenest cities, but its open spaces are under constant threat from development, inadequate funding and climate change. Safeguarding parks and gardens and creating new green spaces throughout Greater London is essential to the well-being and enjoyment of present and future generations of Londoners, as well as visitors to the capital. London Parks & Gardens Trust projects include: n Open Garden Squares Weekend www.opensquares.org n London Parks Discovery Project www.parkexplorer.org.uk n The London Inventory of Historic Green Spaces www.londongardensonline.org.uk

Join today... it will make a difference London Parks & Gardens Trust Duck Island Cottage St James’s Park London SW1A 2BJ Enquiries@londongardenstrust.org Answerphone: 020 7839 3969 www.londongardenstrust.org