London Open Gardens weekend: five secret gardens and new rooftop spaces opening to the public in June
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This weekend (June 10 and 11) offers the chance to explore more than 100 of London’s lesser known and sometimes hidden green spaces as part of London Open Gardens.
From newly created rooftop gardens in the City to community growing plots, the weekend showcases all things green in the capital.
In addition to the open gardens, the London Gardens Trust has also organised £5 tours and talks across the city that can be purchased alongside a ticket for the weekend. Here’s my pick of what to see over the weekend.
Barbican Wildlife Garden, the City of London
Hidden between the ancient walls of the city, and the concrete towers of the Barbican, is a secret wildlife garden. Not normally open to the public, and carefully sheltered from the outside world, the nature hub is home to more than 300 species of wildlife. It’s an opportunity to get a fresh perspective of Barbican architecture and its relationship to nature, and marvel at the life that thrives in the middle of the City.
The Barbican Wildlife Garden is open 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday; EC2Y 8BR
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Core Landscapes Community Roof Garden, Hackney
With no permanent home, the Core Landscapes community garden has been on a journey around parts of east London, relocating at least four times.
The garden is all planted in containers but the green has spilled out onto the street, allowing people to connect to the natural environment.
Well worth a visit, and they will be selling plants.
The Core Landscapes Community Roof Garden is open 12pm to 5pm on Saturday; E9 6DJ
King Henry’s Walk Garden, Dalston
Tucked away in the back streets of busy Dalston is a super community green space, run entirely by volunteers.
This is a real hidden gem, located behind an unsuspecting gate at the side of an adventure playground.
Food-growing plots are arranged along a south-facing wall, and the garden is home to a wealth of insect, bird and plant life. The garden will also be holding its annual summer fête on Saturday.
King Henry’s Walk Garden is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm until 4pm; N1 4NX
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Southwark Cathedral Deanery, Southwark
Take a step back in time, down the very narrow Cardinal Cap Alley in Bankside and find yourself in the garden of the Dean of Southwark.
Attached to a private residence which was built in 1712, the traditionally English garden is full of roses, fuschia, ivy and camelia. On Saturday there will also be a harpist, mudlarker and historian.
Southwark Cathedral Deanery is open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm; SE1 9JE
25 Cannon Street Roof Garden, the City
A newly created roof garden with spectacular views of St Paul’s and the city. Planters are filled with a mix of sun-loving herbaceous perennials, as well as shrubs and small trees. Go early on Saturday, as just 10 people will be allowed up every half hour.
In front of the building, if you have to wait around, is a garden designed by Tom Stuart Smith, with an amazing reflecting pool in the centre.
The Cannon Street Roof Garden is open on Saturday from 10am to 2.30pm; EC4M 9AF
Offer: 20% off Adult weekend tickets with the code LOGEVESTANDARD (first 100 readers)
Visit londongardenstrust.org