Woollon House is a small block of flats on one side of Sidney Square in Tower Hamlets. The Square was developed in the 1820s and the central garden was bought by the LCC in 1904 and opened to the public in 1904. Currently local residents are working to restore the gardens. Behind Woollon House is a rectangular garden which stretches the length of the block and which has been created by a dedicated and determined lady for the benefit of the residents. This unexpectedly peaceful garden is just a few minutes’ walk from the busy Commercial Road and it will be open on Sunday 18 June during Open Garden Squares Weekend.
The planting is electic but that means there are always lovely surprises! Attractive plant combinations, hidden flowers, and interesting leaf shapes. The smell of Jasmine was heavy on the air when I visited – it really is the scent of summer.
The roses in this garden were just as pretty this year as last year, and on a hot day their scent was unmistakable.
Pink geraniums are everywhere and particularly pretty contrasting with Sambucus Nigra; the irises are striking even when out of bloom; and hostas, acers, and fatsias provide striking leaf patterns.
The vegetable garden is increasing in size and ambition!
And at the end of the day there is time and space to sit down, enjoy the flowers, and listen to the birds!
Do visit on Sunday 18 June!