This weekend (June 6 and 7) offers the chance to explore more than 120 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. Here’s a 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.
Well worth a visit: Core Landscapes Community roof garden in Hackney
Handout
Core Arts Community Gardens, 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.
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 and a plant sale on Sunday.
Talk a walk: the volunteer-run King Henry’s Walk Garden in Dalston
Anna Barclay
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.
25 Cannon Street Roof Garden has spectacular views of St Paul’s and the City
Michael Hallifax
The Cannon Street Roof Garden is open on Saturday from 10am to 3.30pm with visitors granted entry at regular intervals; EC4M 9AF