If you haven’t checked out my blog from last year’s event, have a look! https://www.lexiecarducci.co.uk/open-garden-squares-london-14th-and-15th-june/
Well we enjoyed it so much last year that we went back this year and luckily some new gardens had been added so we got a whole different selection to view which was great!
We began with breakfast at the Muffin Man on Wights Lane, just off Kensington High Street. It’s one of the very few traditional, old school English cafes left, with quaint wooden tables and home made cakes – just remember they only take cash and for that reason it is very pocket friendly!
The first garden we headed to was Lexham Gardens – a very small just 1 acre garden square but packed full of beauty and interesting sights. From the little bridge over the pond to the giant horse sculpture in the centre. Winner of the all London Garden Square Best Garden award 3 times and the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Square 9 times!!!!!
We then headed into SW5 to Earls Court Square, another square we didn’t get to visit last year – a larger more open square surrounded by the most gorgeous stucco fronted terraces. There was a live jazz band here today, a trio of gypsy guitarist, double bass player and saxophone player, very entertaining! The garden was fully restored in the mid 1970s after being used in the war for storing 5 large emergency water tanks. A diamond jubilee rose was added in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – embarrassingly I do have to admit we asked the lovely garden committee to help us spot it!
Next we ventured to Gledhow Gardens – another pretty little garden surrounded by large detached what would have once been houses, now probably converted to flats, some which even had direct access to the gardens, stunning! The graveled pathways were surrounded by exotic plants and trees and freshly manicured lawns, there is also a super children’s play area in the middle and a swing. The garden was developed by James Gunter who formed the Gunter Estate after securing his property empire in the area.
Finally we headed back to 2 of our favourite gardens from last year: Bina Gardens East (the secret garden) tucked behind Dove Mews which is one of the smallest but most beautiful of garden squares, we were warmly welcomed with a selection of fresh snacks and beverages.
Our other favourite from last year was the extremely large Cadogan Place Gardens which is fully equipped with tennis courts, pond and children’s play ground. It is a great spot to stop for some lunch and refreshments prepared by The Rib Room (jumeirah carlton tower) to include Pimms (of course!), prosecco and many other soft drinks, tarts and the best beef baps! Yummy! The @oompahbrass band was also back to play some upbeat oompah music!
Check out my instagram for some videos and pictures from the event: @lexiecarducci https://instagram.com/lexiecarducci/
If you didn’t go last year or this year, you know where to go next year! http://www.opensquares.org/ Get ready!
Happy gardening!
Lexie
xxx