The Gardener’s Notebook
Next weekend London Open Gardens celebrates the capital’s green spaces. George Hudson looks at the gems to explore
Next 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.
Barbican Wildlife Garden
City of London
Hidden between the ancient city walls 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. • Open 10am to 5pm on
Saturday and Sunday; EC2Y 8BR
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.
• Open Saturday noon-5pm; 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.
25 Cannon Street Roof Garden
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.
• Open Saturday 10am to 2.30pm; EC4M 9AF The first 100 readers can get 20% off adult weekend tickets (usually £21.80) by using the code LOGEVESTANDARD.
Visit londongardenstrust.org