London is a city of parks and gardens. Of course, there are the famous Royal Parks such as Greenwich, Regent’s, Hyde and St James. But the capital is also famous for its square gardens—exclusive patches of green at the centre of Georgian housing developments.
This weekend, 173 of them are opening their gates to the general public as part of the annual Open Garden Squares event. From verdant enclaves to lofty roof gardens, this is your chance to sip Pimms, discuss herbaceous borders and be thoroughly British.
More than a few of the participating gardens have sciency connections. Here’s a roundup (partly cribbed from last year ).
Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden. Nestling near the south-east corner of regents Park, this series of eight small gardens contains nearly 1000 medicinal plants, plus ‘quincunx parterres containing plants from Pharmacopeia Londiniensis of 1618’. If you want to know what quincunx parterres are, either pop along or ask Henry Gee. I bet he knows.
Park Crescent and Square. Not scientific per se, but these normally off-limits areas are surrounded by important organisations such as the MRC and Institute of Physics.
South London Botanical Institute. Another medicinal garden, this time down in Tulse Hill. A collection of Tudor medicinal plants grows alongside sources of modern pharmaceuticals. And feed introduce the kids to the carnivorous plants.
Brunel Museum Gardens. Fans of engineering should check out this small green space near the Brunel Museum. Benches in the shape of famous bridges, and a tour of the Thames foreshore—what more could you want?
Chelsea Physic Garden. We’ve been here before. London’s premier destination for medical botany.
NHM Wildlife Garden. The Natural History Museum’s ‘living exhibition’ contains over 2000 British plants and animals. See if you can spot them all. Scientists will be on hand to discuss the various fauna and flora.
Camley Street Natural Park. Learn about conservation at this unexpected island of green in the railway lands behind Kings Cross. Talks, pond-dipping and other activities for children. Pop along on a week day lunchtime to see Nature employees eating their sandwiches.
The complete list can be viewed here.
Open Garden Squares, 7th and 8th June. Tickets cost £6 in advance, or £7.50 on the day. Price includes extensive guidebook and wine tasting at participating gardens.