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London squares open up for the weekend
By Ellen Widdup, Evening Standard 07.06.07
Leafy: Kensington Gardens Square was created in the mid-19th century
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As Britain's fascination with gardening grows into a multi-billion pound industry, thousands will flock to this year's Open Garden Squares weekend.
A total of 163 private garden spaces in central
London will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday for the annual event.
It comes as a survey shows that Britons will spend more than £4 billion on plants and shrubs this year as homeowners purchase an average £278 worth of plants and garden furniture for the summer.
More than one in 10 will hire a gardener to help them keep their plots looking perfect, according to a survey carried out to promote the opening of the private weekend.
Organised by the London Parks and Gardens Trust, the weekend aims to raise awareness of the significant social, cultural, environmental and economic contribution that garden squares make to the capital and its residents.
Horticulturalist Pippa Greenwood said people treated their gardens as an extra room in the summer and liked to impress friends with their work outdoors.
“A garden is a place where everyone wants to be and people want that place to look as good as possible,” she said.
“The garden has become the outdoor reception room for entertaining friends and research shows that nearly half of homeowners invest in their gardens not just for personal pleasure, but also to try to turn their friends and neighbours green
with envy.”
A spokesman for Open Garden Squares — which is sponsored by Loire Valley Wines — said: “The London garden square is one of the capital's most popular and valuable features, with a rich history stretching back to 1631, when the Covent
Garden piazza was completed.
"The weekend will give everyone a chance to discover many of the city's hidden treasures, ranging from stately set-pieces and formal landscapes to some more eccentric and unusual open spaces.”
The gardens open for the weekend include private, institutional, commercial and communal spaces across the capital, ranging from the traditional to the experimental.
One of the more unusual gardens is at Wormwood Scrubs prison, where inmates have recreated a traditional London square, laid out with paths, lawns, flower beds, trees and park benches.
Ten to visit this weekend
Bloomsbury Square, WC1
After the piazza in Covent Garden, this is the oldest square in London. Laid out in the early 17th century as Southampton Square, it was
renamed in 1669. It has a central circle of lime trees with shaded walks, oval corner beds and deciduous planting.
The Phoenix Garden, WC2
Located behind the Phoenix Theatre, it was created in 1986 by the local community on a car park and is managed by a voluntary committee.
The planting is a mix of ornamental and native
species to encourage wildlife, including frogs.
Manchester Square Gardens, W1
A beautiful Georgian square with a large collection of trees, shrubs and plants. Laid out from 1776 to 1788, it is named after the Duke of
Manchester, who built a house on the northern side.
The Hill Garden and Pergola, NW3
One of London's secret gardens at the rear of
Inverforth House, once Lord Leverhulme's residence. The 800ft Grade II-listed Pergola
has been refurbished. Fine views of Hampstead Heath.
Canonbury Square, N1
Received a makeover last year to include a vineyard and rose bed. The square was built in 1807 and was later home to Evelyn Waugh
and George Orwell before it fell into disrepair. It was rediscovered in 1955.
Centre for Wildlife Gardening, SE15
Mini-habitats demonstrating how you can help wildlife in any space.
Kensington Gardens Square, W2
Surrounded by five-storey stucco-fronted houses built in 1858 by Henry de Bruno Austin for members of the professional classes and now
flats and hotels. The gardens were upgraded recently.
Eaton Square, SW1
Premier address built from 1826 to 1855 by Thomas
Cubitt for the landowner, the Duke of Westminster. Residents have included Neville Chamberlain and Vivien Leigh. The square is divided into six gardens, one of which will be open.
Thurloe Square, SW7
Typical Victorian garden, developed in the 1840s and named after John Thurloe, Oliver Cromwell's Secretary of State.
Hereford Square, SW7
Built by the architect Thomas Holmes between 1845 and 1850. JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan, lived on the east side of the square.
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