Local Open Gardens: Down the garden path…
Time to indulge in a little garden envy by visiting local open gardens this year
17 May: 2.30-6pm
11 Ernle Road, Wimbledon SW20
A 1/3 of an acre surburban garden on sandy acid soil which has been transformed into beautiful, organised separate sections. An oak pergola frames the main vista, woodland, yew circle, water lily pond, trees and shrubs. Somehow wonderfully combines both natural and formal. Teas. £5
18 May: 11am-5pm
Petersham Open Gardens TW10
There are a group of seven beautiful gardens in Petersham this year from the grand to the ornate, the natural, modern minimalist, Zen and the quirky. All within walking distance of each other. Easy to follow map. Tea and cake at Petersham Lodge. More details at petershamopengardens.org. £12 group entry
18 May: 2-5pm
25 May: 6-8pm
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. £8-£10 group entry
30 May: 6-8pm
1 June: 1-5pm
Chiswick Mall Gardens W4: Swan House, Field House, Longmeadow etc
A group of stunning gardens by the river in historic old Chiswick. 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. £12.50-£15 group entry
1 June: 1-6pm
Sheen Open Gardens
Twenty beautiful gardens from large lawns to smaller, more intimate gardens of mystery. From formal to natural. Tickets on the day sold at All Saints Church, 63 East Sheen Ave or Christ Church, Christchurch Rd. £10 group entry
*Please note that in the current issue, it is stated that there will be teas at the Barnes Green Centre. This is not correct, so please don’t go there!
21 June: 2-5pm
Roehampton Garden Society Allotments, PutneySW15
These allotments were established in the 1920s and set within the Dover House Estate – a conservation area. The Pleasance site has 90 plots, cultivated by a diverse community. Flowers, fruit and vegetables auctioned off at 4.,30pm. Teas. £4
22 June: 2-6pm
61 Arthur Road, SW19
A steeply sloping garden, comprising woodland walks, flowering shrubs and ferns. In early summer the focus is on roses grown around the garden, alongside colourful perennials and herb garden. Teas. £5
22 June: 3-6pm
Ormeley Lodge, Ham TW10
A large and beautiful walled garden, close on Ham Common, with wide herbaceous borders, box hedges, a wildflower orchard and knot and vegetable gardens. You will also see an aviary and chickens. Teas. £5
22 June: 3-6pm
Cairn Cottage, Ham TW10
A hidden garden with magnificent magnolia and robinias underplanted with shrubs and roses, herbaceous perennials and hydrangeas. £4
6 July: 2-6pm
31 West Park Road, Kew TW9
Modern botanical garden with oriental twist and the emphasis on foliage and unusual plants. £4
6 July: 2-5.30pm
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. Tea and cake. £5
27 July: 11am-6pm
100 Colne Road, Twickenham TW2
An enchanting first floor roof garden above an 1850s workers cottage and a 1950s studio and artist workshops to the rear. A wide spiral staircase leads to the small sheltered intensively planted container garden. £7
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
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