Grasses in the early morning

First thing in the morning I check the garden – just to make sure it is still there! I still can’t believe what has been achieved. The grasses are flowering, and beautiful in the early sunshine.

Avery Hill Winter Garden

I was excited about seeing the Winter Garden at Avery Hill, where, I was told, ‘…The well-stocked Winter Garden is open to the public, and to the west are terraced flower gardens… The main domed structure was “flanked by fernery and conservatory, the best survival in London of such Victorian extravaganzas” (Pevsner) and it took 8 years to build.…

Sky Garden

Inspired by Nomura International PLC‘s roof garden and the Roof Gardens in Kensington, I wondered if there were any similar gardens in London, and found Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, aka the ‘Walkie Talkie Building’! The garden is newly planted and needs time to develop, but there are beautiful ferns and cycads, and something I haven’t seen for a long time, Tradescantia…

Fann Street Wildlife Garden

Fann Street Wildlife Garden puzzled me slightly – perhaps my visit was too brief during the Open Squares Weekend in London. However, it was the one garden which left me thinking.

Open Squares in London, no.2

The 4.5 acres of Belgrave Square were planted by Thomas Cubitt in 1826 – today it is quite simply stunning – parkland in the centre of London for residents of the square. Eaton Square was started in 1826 for the Duke of Westminster, the landowner. Chester Square was laid out in 1828-40 by the first Duke of Westminster and his…

Open Squares in London, no.1

I visited several squares on Sunday 14 June – all amazing! Kensington Square is one of the earliest garden squares in London, with layout beginning in 1692. Queen’s Gate Gardens was laid out in the 1860s and we were asked to note the mulberry tree and the catalpa, both from the original plantings. Hereford Square was built between 1845-50…

The Roof Gardens, Kensington

Sunday 14 June, the second day of the Open Squares Weekend, started very early at The Roof Gardens on Kensington High Street – what a fantastic place! The Roof Gardens covers 1.5 acres on the roof of the former Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street and is now owned by Sir Richard Branson. In 1853 Joseph Toms started…

Greenwich Park Rose Garden

Ranger’s House dates from c.1700 and was built for a sea captain, Vice Admiral Francis Hosier. The house overlooks Blackheath and backs on to Greenwich Park. It is possible to visit the house, but only on a guided tour. The rose garden is in the Park and is filled with wonderful things. These stunning roses in the…

Open Gardens in Halesworth

Halesworth is a Market Town in High Suffolk and over the weekend townspeople opened their gardens in support of Air Ambulance. Walking through the town centre gives no hint of the beautiful spaces hidden away throughout the town – it was a wonderful afternoon! The flowers were abundant everywhere, and the roses were particularly beautiful. There were…