The London Parks and Gardens charity has been running the fundraising Open Gardens event for 25 years, with tickets now up for grabs to peek into the capital’s ‘green lungs’.
This year 117 usually closed gardens in 12 London boroughs will open to the public on June 8 and 9.
They range from peace gardens and bowling clubs to the exquisite roof spaces of city banks, historic institutions, and community spaces such as Hampstead’s Branch Hill allotments.
In previous years it has even included the Prime Minister’s Downing St Garden.
A range of walks, cycle tours and garden activities are also happening over the weekend so seek out something to enjoy at londongardenstrust.org.
This year there are nine new gardens joining for the first time or after a long break. Organisers are delighted to welcome back The Charterhouse Courtyard Gardens near Barbican, showcasing seven beautiful acres of garden space including the Charterhouse Square and six courtyard gardens within the Tudor walls.
In Central London, the serene Barkston Gardens joins a suite of stunning squares uniquely un-locked for the event including Hyde Park Square and neighbouring Gloucester Square which boasts an impressive new playground covering 1.6 acres which will be accessible throughout the weekend.
Dorset Square in Marylebone was laid out on the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground in 1787, and is one of London’s few intact Georgian squares whose blue plaques include George Grossmith, who wrote The Diary of a Nobody, and Dodie Smith, author of 101 Dalmatians.
Roof gardens are a favourite for many, and this year visitors are spoilt for choice with eight iconic high spaces showcasing our city from above including 25 Cannon Street which boasts stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
New community gardens opening in 2024 include the Spurgeon Estate Garden in Lambeth, Quill Street Allotments in Gillespie Park, and Highbury Quadrant, a beautiful hidden child friendly woodland area in the city.
This year, the charity also welcomes Hackney’s Community Garden of the Hoxton Trust, established in 1983.
And in the Trust’s 25th year they also celebrate the gardens who have opened from the beginning including Ladbroke Square, The Inner Temple, and Cadogan Place South.
Many spots reveal hidden parts of London’s history, found between Tate Modern and The Globe Theatre, the garden at 49 Bankside with its pond and fountain, was featured in Gillian Tindall’s book The House by the Thames, and is reached via the ancient Cardinal Cap Alley – London’s narrowest street.
The courtyard garden at Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Elephant and Castle was created from the former prisoners’ exercise yard of Old Kennington Courthouse.
And The Aga Khan Centre’s Islamic Gardens in King’s Cross, and the Alara Permaculture garden at Camley Street N1, are among the more unusual green spaces taking part.
Nathan Oley, Chair of London Open Gardens and Trustee of London Parks and Gardens said: “A silver jubilee is a chance to savour the pleasure that gardens bring to people of all ages, and we are delighted that over 100 special spaces will open this June.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back familiar favourites, and to explore exciting new oases including a beautiful new square, thriving allotments, and a woodland wonderland!”
“City gardens provide pleasure and refreshment but are also crucial for tackling both the climate emergency and protecting wildlife, so this weekend has never been more important.
“With free access for children, we hope that visitors of all ages will enjoy a day out and be inspired to keep our city green!”
All proceeds from around 40,000 garden visits made during the weekend are shared with the community gardens taking part, with the remainder supporting London Parks and Gardens’ year-round work to cherish and protect city green spaces.
Tickets are now on sale at £22 plus booking fee, with tickets for under 25s half price and under 12s totally free.
https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/24198988.londons-hidden-parks-squares-open-open-gardens-weekend/
