London’s Open Garden Squares Weekend is this weekend, 9 and 10 June, and I have been visiting some of the gardens which will be open. If you are in London, or within reasonable travelling distance of London do visit – you won’t be disappointed. Most of the gardens are normally closed to the public and so this will be your only chance to go behind the gates and railings this year!
In the 19th century, London was the world’s biggest port and docks lined the River Thames; but in 1960-80 all these docks closed to commercial traffic. Today the Docklands have been imaginatively regenerated.
On the north bank of the River Thames Providence Row and Core Landscapes link ‘meanwhile gardens’ and therapeutic activities; Winterton House Garden and Cable Street Community Garden have transformed rubbish dumps into beguiling gardens; and Canary Wharf is a thriving, trading ‘City’ in the former West India Docks with a stunning roof garden.
Do take time to visit Cody Dock (to be regenerated and on The Line art walk) and the beautiful Thames Barrier Park, London’s newest Park.
Core Landscapes next to the Royal London Hospital promotes social-purpose gardening.
Providence Row has a rooftop garden where training in horticulture is offered to homeless people
Winterton House on the Commercial Road has a remarkable garden created from a rubbish dump.
Cable Street was once a rubbish damp and today is a welcoming, peaceful community garden.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf is a parkland roof garden – do not miss!
Cody Dock on the River Lea is a community centre in an historic site on the brink of major redevelopment.
And if you have time go and see London’s newest park – the Thames Barrier Park – you will be astonished!
I would love to hear from you!