Local Open Gardens: behind the garden gate…
Time to indulge in a little garden envy by visiting local open gardens this year
17 May: 11am-5pm
Richmond Hill Gardens, TW9
16 beautiful gardens will be taking part this year, all within walking distance of each other near Richmond centre and on Richmond Hill. Plants will be on sale in some gardens and teas are available at St Matthias Church. richmondhillopengardens.org. £15 on the day, £12.50 adv.
17 May: 12am-5pm
Ham Open Gardens TW10
A wonderfully diverse group of 20 gardens, reflecting the area’s rich and diverse history, from the 18th century through to modern day creations. All the gardens are within walking distance of Ham Common and teas will be served at St Thomas Aquinas Church, near the pond. The Grade II listed St Andrews Church will be open. hamandpetersham.com. £15 on the day, £12 adv.
17 May: 12.30-5pm
49 Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13
A large garden in Barnes which has undergone extensive development. It is home to two ponds, two large deodars and a monkey puzzle tree. Wisteria, rhododendron and other spring shrubs and plants will be in bloom. Teas on sale. £10 to include Nowell Rd.
68 Nowell Road A cosy suburban garden, with mature shrubs and lots of colour in the centre of Barnes. Weigelas, hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons alongside a pond and pergola.
17 May: 2-5pm
24 May: 5.30-7.30pm
67, 69, 71, 73 Kew Green Gardens TW9
These gardens each measure around 100 yards, from the back of the beautiful houses facing Kew Green to the Thames. Each garden is individual in style and structure and include lush lawns, winding paths, low walls and climbing roses and clematis. Teas at St Anne’s Church on the 17th and wine on the 24th. £8 (17th), £10 (24th).
29 May: 6-8pm
31 May: 1.30-5.30pm
Chiswick Mall Gardens W4: Cedar House, Miller’s Court, Swan House, Field House, St Peter’s Wharf
A group of stunning gardens by the river in historic old Chiswick, with views onto Chiswick Eyot. Home to artists, these walled gardens inspire calm and serenity with their thoughtful planting, exotic foliage, trickling water features and beautiful borders. Other gardens may be open in the area on 2 June include Cedar House, St Peter’s Wharf etc – check website at end for details. 29 May: Tickets & wine at Miller’s Court. 31 May: Tickets from any garden and also includes The Old Vic. £15 per day.
31 May: 1-6pm
Barnes Open Gardens, SW13
It’s the turn of Barnes this year to open their beautiful gardens to the public. Twenty beautiful gardens from large lawns to smaller, more intimate gardens of mystery. From formal to natural. Tickets sold the day before from M&S Barnes and Waitrose in East Sheen. On the day from Barnes Green Centre. Also cream teas, live music and Pimm’s at Barnes Green Centre (where you can also buy the entry ticket). £10
7 June: 1-5pm
1 Fife Road, SW14
Fife Road is the lone garden in East Sheen this year. Mature trees, including oak and cedar, cast their shadows over this large garden, with a wild area, fruit trees and vegetable area with a greenhouse. It has a no-dig ethos. Teas available. £5
7 June: 2-5pm
Marksbury Avenue Gardens TW9 (26, 59, 60, 62)
These four gardens, all close together, whilst similar in size, are all very different. They range from New Zealand natives, with plenty of fruit trees; a garden largely created through propagation and self-seeding, including a small vegetable patch; a town garden with patio roses and a family garden created from scratch in 2018 with yew topiary. Teas at the Barn Church at the corner of Marksbury and Atwood Ave. £7
12 July: 2-6pm
119 Mortlake Rd, Kew TW9
Combinations of colour form create stunning displays. Each deep bed is colour themed and packed with perennials. Ferns give way to cottage planting and riot of colour. Teas. £5
12 July: 2-5.30pm
31 West Park Road, Kew TW9
Modern botanical garden with oriental twist and the emphasis on foliage and unusual plants. £4
There seem to be no Open Gardens or NGS gardens in Putney. Come on, Putney!
Dates and timings may change, so look for details on gardens, timings and directions with the National Gardens Scheme at ngs.org.uk and for Open Gardens at opengardens.co.uk before visiting.
Find more local articles here.