Planning your visit to the Open Gardens Festival

21 June

Jason and volunteers

Backing onto Bostall Woods, this tranquil garden is a welcome retreat for patients and their family members, visitors, volunteers and staff at the hospice.

Visitors can enjoy a gravel garden, a woodland garden of white flowers, a peace garden with calm, but ethereal colours and contrasting forms, zig-zagging paths through native wildflowers. Plus our cottage garden/stock bed area, a new woodland edge planting in the dappled shade of birch trees (around a Routemaster bus seat bench!) and more. A small plant sale will be available.

Free parking is available and there are a limited number of disabled parking bays on site.

Wheelchair accessible

Ramp access to the garden

Refreshments available

7 and 8 June

Take a stroll down this private road. Three gardens are open towards the eastern end.

7 and 8 June

Keren

Two ‘garden rooms’ - the first has a casual formality and is a personal take on a dry shade garden, featuring ferns, grasses and herbaceous planting. A thriving pond encourages wildlife into the garden.

Through a narrow gateway is the second garden. This has a ‘jungly’ feel with dense planting and narrow paths weaving through it.

7 and 8 June

Jannet and Stephen

Small and secluded front and back gardens redesigned two years ago with flower beds and pebbled paths, and an emphasis on encouraging wildlife. Jannet tends the front garden with minimal intervention and Stephen the back, which includes a tiny wildlife 'meadow' and hedge as well as some unusual plants.

Plants, prosecco, other refreshments and cakes for sale. Please note there is no visitor parking in Heathway.

8 June

Svetlana and friends

A coniferous border contrasts with roses, an arbour and a bench covered with fragrant climbers, mixed flower beds, trained fruit trees, a herb garden and a vine pergola.

Children are welcome to play in the tree house and outdoor fitness area. Dogs on leads welcome.

Refreshments

Available for a donation of your choice for the hospice.

8 June

Hilary

Designed by Joanna Herald and planted in 2022, this garden is still a work in progress but it is starting to show off some beautiful shapes and colours. The mature trees and park-like feel remain. We are hoping for frogs in the pond this summer.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available

8 June

Susan and Roger

A formal garden frontage with box, olives, yew and hydrangeas leads to a rear garden surrounded by mature trees. There are colourful planted containers on the terrace, two small deep ponds with waterlilies, acers, ferns, hostas and lavender, a number of sculptures and shady seating areas.

Wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair access to the terrace with a good view of the garden.

Refreshments available

Wine and soft drinks for a suggested donation.

8 June

Tina and Stephen

A mature garden laid out in the 1930s with a bridge over a small pond and waterfall, to walk over or under. The front garden boasts a witch hazel and the rear a dominant Spanish oak providing shade for the lawn and flower beds. Less usual shrubs include a Portuguese laurel, holm oak, Cordyline Torbay red and maple.

Refreshments available

8 June

Shirley and David

A small, wildlife-friendly garden on a sloping site, focusing on long flowering pollinator-friendly, easy to grow perennials.

The garden includes a pond, wildbird feeding stations and a small enclosure for Rescue Hens. Solar panels and photvoltaic panels, plus an air-source heat pump have been installed on the house/greenhouse and can be viewed from the garden. Access is via a side gate and the garden in built on several levels so is unsuitable for wheelchairs. (Those with limited mobility can view the garden from below, via the conservatory).

Refreshments available
Refreshments and a small selection of plants will be available for purchase.

8 June

Evy and Pieter

This half walled garden on the corner between Westcombe Park Road and Beaconsfield Road is a young garden with two new owners keen to put their mark. There are over 30 trees in the garden, providing a secluded feel. Some of the trees are believed to be over 300 year old, including two magnificent copper beeches and one oak, which also is an excellent swing for the little and not so little ones.

There are lots of young plants, generated from cuttings, to admire and encourage in their growth. Tailoring to the taste of three young children, the garden boasts a selection of berries and a vegetable patch with a pumpkin arch.

There will be plenty to do for the little ones, including a playhouse with slide, circus tent, sensory play, crafts and a bike track. Toilet and changing facilities will be provided.

Refreshments available

Vegan cakes and refreshments will be for sale as well as coffee, tea and other drinks.

8 June

Margaret and John

Designed by Joanna Herald and planted in 2021, this is a walled garden with mixed borders, roses, fruit trees and mature shrubs around two rectangular lawns. There is also a lion water feature and climbing rose and clematis trained over an arch.

8 June

Jane and Colin

Explore and unwind in a generous acre of secluded garden.

From formal hedging and beds, lawns, ponds, a rose garden, a woodland walk, a vegetable garden, to grasses, acers, bananas, palms, and home-grown plants for sale.

Grab a refreshment, take the 22 bench tour and enjoy a horticultural afternoon. There will also be a plant sale on the day.

Refreshments

Tea and cake will be available

21 and 22 June

Helma

This garden is on three levels, sloping upwards. It was designed when the house was built in 1986 and in 2023 the garden was redesigned by Joanna Herald. It has a meadow with wild flowers and three terraces.

There is a WWII state of the art air read shelter, now fully covered up. A set of stairs (with a handrail) leads up to the meadow and the main part of the garden. Further stairs lead up to a small terrace at the top. Dogs are welcome, as the owner has a dog herself.

Refreshments available

Refreshments and home-made cakes for sale.

22 June

Stephen

The garden at Angerstein Lane has been reclaimed from what was once an abandoned mews. It has been planted informally with cottage garden favourites, old-fashioned roses and espaliered fruit trees. Self-seeding helps to create a naturalistic look. The garden was featured in The Guardian some years ago.

Wheelchair accessible
Access is via a level gravel path.

Refreshments available
Tea, coffee and cake for sale.

22 June

Denise and David

The front garden is wonderfully flowery, the back a compromise between footballers, dog and toddler, croquet and tennis. The fig and Catalpa are family friends and can be climbed. There is shelter in case of rain. Rory hopes there are canine visitors. There are three steps up to the back garden.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available
Refreshments will include Alice's cakes.

22 June

Jean and neighbours

This block of 20 maisonettes was designed by the well-known brutalist architect Arthur Rubinstein in the late 1960s. Each garden measures around 2.5 by 6 metres. Come and see how home owners have planted and developed their gardens in individual ways.

Refreshments available

Prosecco, Pimms, tea and cakes for sale.

7 June

Amanda and Rob

This tranquil walled garden of a Georgian heathside property has mixed herbaceous borders of hydrangeas, roses, geums, salvias and much more. All set out round a well-maintained lawn. There is a pretty traditional greenhouse.

A native wildflower area on the surrounding verges for the pleasure of both local wildlife and passers-by welcome you into the garden. Refreshments and home-made cakes for sale.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available
Refreshments and home-made cakes for sale.

7 and 8 June

Steven and Mary-Clare

Surrounded by trees, with a "hidden away" feel, this gently sloping south-facing garden is set on three levels. Two livo patio areas provide seating in sun or shade. Broad herbaceous borders, a stepped lawn, a small pond and some fruit trees create a peaceful haven.

Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair access to upper level only.

Refreshments available
Pimms, tea and cake for sale.

7 and 8 June

Sue

hThis informal artist's garden with views over the heath has been evolving over many years.

With trees, large shrubs, border planting, vegetables and a small pond, the owner prioritises an interesting visual experience.

Entrance on the corner of The Orchard and Mounts Pond Road.

8 June

Joanna

A 90' garden divided into four different areas, each with a distinct character but all dominated by plants. Joanna is a garden designer so always looking for new interesting plants which she trials in her garden, hence lots of potting and a slight air of plants running wild. Nevertheless, the garden is carefully curated and balance is maintained.

21 June
Jane and Steve

A 100ft west facing garden newly reshaped with wildlife at its heart by Joanna Herald.

Be inspired by a wildflower meadow, pond and shed with a living, green roof alongside traditional roses and perennials. Plus a pretty front garden.

Refreshments

Refreshments available, including a selection of homemade cakes.

22 June

Amanda with other residents

Visit the large and well-planted grounds of the former home of the Earl of Dartmouth (from 1750) and more recently the College of Greyladies. Now flats, the garden has a diversity of planting including plane, magnolia and cherry trees and a small herb patch.

A long high hedge provides a fantastic habitat for birds, including a woodpecker. Access is via the car park by the Church of Ascension. Service dogs welcome only.

Refreshments
Tea, cake and cold drinks for sale.

7 June

Helen and Ben

A relaxed family garden with lawn, mature trees and herbaceous borders - a highlight is a magnificent magnolia tree which provides a lovely spot to sit under.

8 June

Alex

A Japanese-style tea garden designed by Simon Riley has a curving stone path past ornamental and culinary cherry trees, magnolia, hydrangeas, bamboos and summer annuals including pink and red poppies, leading to a border of acid-loving shrubs Pieris, camellia, rhododendron and azaleas and small conifers.

Simon died of cancer in 2016 after being cared for by the hospice and the garden is a place of contemplation and meditation.

Refreshments available

Prosecco, wine and soft drinks for sale.

Alex will also be selling Personal Training sessions in her home garden gym for half price (£20) with all proceeds going to the hospice.

21 June

Blanca

With Repository Woods as the backdrop, Blanca is trying to create in her garden a bank of memories of the bicycle travels. Each plant has a meaning, each one tells a story.

The viburnum globosum is a reminder of the African weaver birds' nests; the ferns bring back memories of lush jungles; the colours of the acer mimic those of the Romanian forests in autumn and closer to home whilst the olive tree reminds her of the wild black bulls she saw in the olive groves of Andalusia and the ivy and raspberries feel very at home in her London garden."

21 June

James

St Thomas Garden of Reflection was started in 2020 in an area of the graveyard overgrown with saplings, weeds and briars. Volunteers cleared it, uncovering many hidden graves before designing and creating a beautiful tranquil space for visitors to enjoy.

Local potter John Dawson has installed a beautiful ceramic bird feeder. Tea and cake available. Volunteers on hand to help with any access needs.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available

7 June

Helen and Ben

A relaxed family garden with lawn, mature trees and herbaceous borders - a highlight is a magnificent magnolia tree which provides a lovely spot to sit under.

Refreshments available

21 and 22 June

John

The garden comprises mostly shrubs and trees, so don't expect Kew or Chelsea. Visitors are welcome to see the inside of the Cottage (1695), although please note that there are steep steps to the first floor. Access is through the rear double gate in Couthurst Road;

Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair access is possible, with care, along a gravel path and onto the lawn.

Refreshments available

21 and 22 June

Ruth and Matthew

This large walled garden adjacent to Eltham Palace is planted for midsummer colour and scent. With wonderful mature trees and shrubs, there are shady areas for peaceful enjoyment as well as a rose garden. No dogs allowed.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available
Teas, coffees, cakes and soft drinks for sale.

7 and 8 June

Diane and neighbours

The combination of the river and verdant planting make this a place for quiet relaxation and meditation, the garden is run by and for the neighbours of Ballast Quay. Teas and cakes served, plants and bird boxes for sale and a small art exhibition will be presented in the studio The garden is right by the river so children should be well supervised. Dogs welcome.

Wheelchair accessible

Wheel chair access but uneven pavements

Refreshments available

Teas and cakes

8 June

Volunteers of Christchurch School Community Garden

A beautiful green space featuring raised beds for food crops, a community orchard, ornamental borders, a wildlife pond, Forest School and a covered outdoor hub. Compost lavatory available. Donations accepted for plants, cakes and other refreshments.

Entrance on Blackwell Lane

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available

8 June
Open between 1pm and 2pm.

Friends of Westcombe Woodlands

Unique and magical 3.5 acres of wild woodland are accessed from Seren Park at Maze Hill Station. Paths lead through the trees to the glade and pond at the centre. There are beehives and woodland crafts and activities for children.

Refreshments available
Cold drinks and cake for sale.

8 June

Andy

A derelict allotment has been transformed into a thriving community gathering and event space. Featuring a walk-in 12-sided living sculpture, surrounded by plants and covered by an ex-army parachute.

Many unusual features around the garden made from salvaged and foraged materials. A compost loo was added last year. Some other plots will also open. Look for signs directing you from Platform 1 of Maze Hill station or Restell Close.

Refreshments available

7, 8 and 22 June

Jane

This garden with its own strong atmosphere is enclosed by a high wall built in 1734. The garden slopes up from the house, has two large trees and poor dry soil. Planting has always been a worthwhile challenge.

Wheelchair accessible
Please ask for assistance at the front door.

Refreshments available

8 June

Mary and David

This small sunny garden bounded by historic walls and the canopied façade of the 1832 house features a thyme/chamomile lawn with 'human' sundial, summerhouse, climbers, espalier fruit and other small trees, mature Magnolia grandiflora and water features.

The focus is predominantly on foliage, fruit and aromatic herbs, developing the tapestry lawn, and low maintenance planting. Two steps up from the street. Dogs on leads welcome.

8 June

Mark and Clare

A walled garden in a late Georgian terrace comprises a formal area with lawn, herbaceous borders and a beech hedge with a woodland area behind.

8 June

Tim and Trish

A family garden around the home of a former Astronomer Royal with flower beds and a good-sized lawn creating a cottage garden feel and many climbers up old brick walls.

Wheelchair accessible

21 and 22 June

Ian and Susan

A secret garden off the hidden recesses of a rural lane where a bamboo curtain conceals a double lawn giving views across the river to the stark towers of Canary Wharf. Quiet and tranquil the garden offers a smattering of roses, a couple of ponds and glimpses of next door.

21 and 22 June

Jonathan and Teresa

An almost-rural garden atop Crooms Hill beautifully framed by the church spire and a huge sycamore. It includes a box parterre in the sunken garden, an open lawn with a fine old mulberry and a constantly evolving variety of shrubs, perennials, and climbers with plenty of quiet spots to sit and relax. Dogs on leads are very welcome.

Wheelchair accessible
Level access to most of the garden (1 step).

21 and 22 June

Clare

Richard and Charles (gardeners)

The oval garden in the centre of Gloucester Circus belongs to residents. The main features of the garden are over 30 trees, some very old and some quite unusual, and perimeter beds around containing flowering shrubs and ground cover plants. There is a 6-inch step into the garden.

Wheelchair accessible

Refreshments available
Cold drinks and homemade cake for sale.

22 June

Prior Street Gardens Association

Hidden behind a brick wall on Prior Street are 19 urban allotments with vegetables, flowers and fruit. Allotment holders will be on hand to answer questions.

Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair access is limited to the main path as most of the paths are narrow and grassy.

Refreshments available

Homemade cakes and drinks available in the sunny picnic area.

21 June

Barbara and Marek

This large established garden has a formal layout with wide mixed herbaceous borders, sunny lawns, a box parterre and Indian gazebo, surrounded by mature trees and climbing roses. Many spots to sit and relax include a small classical garden building with interior wall paintings.

Wheelchair accessible
Side access suitable for standard wheelchairs.

Refreshments available
Tea and cakes for sale.