Planning your visit to the Open Gardens Festival

6 June 

Start your afternoon at Holiday Inn London – Bexley where we’ll be hosting our own Open Day from 12pm–3pm, perfectly timed ahead of the gardens opening from 2pm, making us the ideal first stop where visitors can fuel up, explore and enjoy the atmosphere before moving on. There will be live music, mini golf, garden games and a BBQ (weather permitting!), along with lunch and snacks available from our bar and lounge (charges apply).

Our hotel and function spaces will also be open to showcase everything we offer for accommodation, meetings and events. The hotel and gardens are wheelchair accessible and dogs on leads are welcome in the garden area, refreshments will be available to purchase from our lounge bar. We look forward to welcoming guests for a relaxed and enjoyable start to their Open Gardens experience.

Accessibility: Yes Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Zohreh

A garden crammed with as many different plants as possible. The driveway, filled with shade tolerant potted plants leads to a garden divided by gravel paths (wheelchairs may struggle). The garden includes a small pond, three sitting areas, an abundance of small trees and herbaceous planting. Refreshments and homemade cakes available for sale.

Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Denise & 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.

Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Jannet and Stephen

Small and secluded front and back gardens redesigned three 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

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes 

6 & 7 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.

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes 

6 & 7 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.

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes 

6 & 7 June 

Linda & Jim

We are Jim and Linda at No 2 Heathway. We are the first house on the south side as you enter Heathway from the western Heath end.

Our garden is very small but has a lot of trees (16–20) all planted by me except for the Lime Tree in the front. If you want to hug a tree the best one is our Lime Tree in the front garden. It is difficult to get into the back garden, so our trees (evergreen and deciduous) are best viewed either from Heathway or from the open gardens behind our house. Our trees include a Cedar over 40 feet tall.

Hug a Tree and have a cup of Tea!

Icons: Accessibility: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Diane & neighbours 

(Open both days from 10am to 6pm)

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. Come and experience the true meridian line with our new installation. Teas and cakes served, plants and a small jewellery exhibition will be presented in the studio The garden is right by the river so children should be well supervised. Dogs welcome.

Plant sale: Yes| Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Catherine & volunteers

Step into a hidden oasis and enjoy a leisurely self‑guided walk through the historic almshouse gardens. Each space has its own quiet charm, from the simple elegance of the Quadrangle to the peaceful Club Garden with its herbaceous borders.

Wander among mature trees, pause by gentle water features, and take in the colour and fragrance of the rose garden. Afterwards, relax with refreshments at our on‑site café. Accessible for wheelchair users.

Accessibility: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

7 June

Ginkgo Financial

A little pocket of greenery that locals often tell us brightens their day! Our colourful planters and wall garden bring life to Delacourt Road with pollinator-friendly perennials and grasses including achillea, verbena and stipa tenuissima. We’d love you to stop by for a drink and homemade cake under the gazebo. Rest your feet, say hello to the team, and bring your four-legged friends.

Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

7 June

Jean & 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 homeowners have planted and developed their gardens in individual ways.

Accessibility: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

7 June

Jane 

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.

Plant sale: Yes |Refreshments: Yes

6 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 a donation.

Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

Jazz in the Garden

The entertainment continues into the evening as Amanda and Rob will be hosting an evening of jazz, in aid of the hospice and Trinity Laban. Tickets for this intimate concert are available to buy and you can find out more information by visiting our Jazz in the Garden page.

6 June

Dawn

This sunny, walled garden belongs to a 1770s house facing Blackheath.  Over the past two years, it has been thoughtfully redesigned and replanted by garden designer Silvia Marciante Green.   The layout and planting give fresh life and energy to the garden's heritage. The shaded area under the old oak tree contrasts with the sunny borders. A new metal pergola creates structure, and carefully opened vistas now draw the eye through the space.

The planting scheme is inspired by the New Perennial movement, combining wildlife-friendly, drought-tolerant, and resilient species with classic David Austin roses—beautifully bridging the old and the new. Early summer offers a stunning display of peonies and bearded irises, followed by a long season of roses and rich late-summer interest from the perennials.

Dogs: Yes

6 & 7 June

Steven & Mary-Clare 

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

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 & 7 June

Jane & Brian

This South-facing walled – built in 1734 – garden, was converted some 20 years ago from being a hotel garden, and redesigned to offer a diversity of vistas, with surprises as you walk through. It extends beyond a broad terrace, and pathways lead to a diversity of plants and colours. It is a bit jungle-like in parts – great for children to play hide-and-seek. The mediocre quality of the soil has always presented a challenge – and we welcome ideas from visitors.

Plant sale: Yes| Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

7 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.

Plant sale: Yes |Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

6 June

Pat & John

This is a small terraced house garden where we try to maximise the use of the growing space available. A mix of edible and ornamental planting (with shrubs, herbaceous plants, climbers, fruit, vegetables and herbs) surround a small central lawn and outdoor seating allows us to enjoy the space. We are conscious of the need to incorporate aspects relevant to climate change and to increasing biodiversity where we can, within the space available. Access to the house is via 2 steps, with an additional 2 steps within the house to reach the garden.

Refreshments: Yes

6 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: Yes

6 & 7 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.

Icons: Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 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.

Icons: Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 June

Friends of Westcombe Woodlands

Enjoy these unique woodlands in the heart of Westcombe Park. Paths and steps lead up through the wood to a glade, with fruit trees, beehives and a pond at the centre of this special space. Homemade Cakes, cold drink, teas and coffees for sale.    NOTE: Access via footpath from Maze Hill Station platform 1. or by Restell Close off Vanburgh Hill, nearest postcode SE3 7RD. Woodlands Gate is in the corner of car park of Seren Park Gardens.  What 3 words Fallen, Agree, Slope.

Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

6 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 two years ago. Some other plots will also open. Look for signs directing you from Platform 1 of Maze Hill station or Restell Close.

Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

7 June

Mark & Clare 

This is a walled garden in a late Georgian terrace comprising a formal area with lawn, shrubs and herbaceous borders edged by a beech hedge, reflecting the bay in the rear elevation of the house. There is a woodland area behind the hedge with planting appropriate to shade. The garden is designed to have something of interest throughout the year.

Dogs: Yes

7 June

Richard & Charles

The oval garden in the centre of Gloucester Circus belongs to residents and is managed by a Garden Committee appointed by the residents.  The main features of the garden are over 30 trees, some listed and very old and some quite unusual. The garden has  perimeter beds containing flowering shrubs and ground cover plants. Cold drinks and homemade cake for sale. There is a 6-inch step into the garden.

Accessibility: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

7 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.

Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

Jason and volunteers

20 June

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 secret  garden/stock bed area, a new woodland edge planting in the dappled shade of birch trees (around a Routemaster bus seat bench!) and more.

Free parking is available and there are a limited number of disabled parking bay

Accessibility: Yes  | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 & 21 June

Kevin & Clare

An award winning courtyard garden packed with shrubs and bright perennials, a tinkling fountain and seating nooks for sun and shade. It is reached by a gravel path winding from the front door, between established flowering shrubs, rockery and stumpery and a mini rose garden just before the surprise gateway revealing the courtyard.

Accessibility: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

Ellie 

21 June

Would you like to see a garden that reassures you about your own? Do you like plants that may have been stolen as cuttings from public gardens? Then this is the garden for you! Hear stories behind second hand pots, reclaimed chimney pots and resurrected garden furniture. Hunt out the glitter gnomes, the elephant, and the floating hippo, whilst enjoying a joyful festival of cacti, succulents, bamboos, 40+ year old apple and pear trees, roses, species pelargoniums, evergreens and more. Many plants in the garden are propagations from friends’ gardens - never mind the carefully curated, this garden is an eclectic mix put together with fun, love, and heart at the center.

And if that doesn’t lure you in, you can enjoy homemade cakes made by a Country Market baker, tea, coffee, or an alcoholic drink. Pleasantly surprise yourself in Abbey Wood, escape the tyranny of perfection, and enjoy an evolving collection of foliage, flowers, glitter, and prickles.

Refreshments: Yes

Emily 

21 June

Our garden is a relaxed, wildlife-friendly space designed to be enjoyed by both people and nature. With woodland backing the garden, the space is filled with birdsong and a beautiful natural backdrop of mature trees.

Visitors can wander through colourful borders and a little vegetable garden, alongside wildlife ponds that attract frogs, newts, insects and birds throughout the seasons. The garden celebrates creativity and sustainability, with lots of upcycled and reused projects dotted around, including a living wall and other imaginative garden features.

There is also a gazebo displaying antiques and upcycling projects, showing how everyday items can be given a new life in the garden.

Families are very welcome, and our friendly pets — including our dog, rabbit, guinea pigs and chickens -are also part of the garden’s charm.

It’s a peaceful, informal garden that celebrates nature, creativity and community, and we’re delighted to open it in support of our local hospice.

Plant sale: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

20 & 21 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 raid 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.

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Kathy & Blake 

This extensive, rambling, south-facing garden is created and tended by its owners. Divided into a series of rooms there is large terrace and a more formal garden with pond and original sculptures, a pagoda with old roses and a large wild area with fruit orchard, a wild life pond and a vegetable patch. There will be refreshments for sale on the terrace and plenty of seating areas in sun or shade.

Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Svetlana & Sergey 

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. Refreshments available for a donation of your choice for the hospice. Dogs on leads welcome.

Accessibility: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Susan & 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.

Accessibility: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Tina & 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.

Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Catherine 

A contemporary London garden designed by Hamilton Cody Garden Design. The garden blends clean architectural lines with soft planting, the paved pathway show cease the well established and loved Magnolia tree and the two seated areas are relaxing and shaded. Access is via the side of the house. Dogs on a lead are welcome, and the garden is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, but you will need to navigate a gravel drive at the front entrance.

Accessibility: Yes | Dogs: Yes 

21 June

Shirley & 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, wild bird feeding stations and a small enclosure for Rescue Hens. Solar panels and photovoltaic 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 is built on several levels so is unsuitable for wheelchairs. (Those with limited mobility can view the garden from below, via the conservatory). Refreshments and a small selection of plants will be available for purchase in the conservatory.

Plant sale: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Robbie & Helen

The front garden was designed by Helen in 1987, after attending a John Brookes garden design course. A circular brick structure houses a pond. The planting has leaves of many shapes and green of many shades. The back garden is 20 metres long, and is divided into compartments, creating a formal structure but with informal planting.

Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Evy & 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 thirty trees in the garden, providing a secluded feel. Some of the trees are believed to be over 300year old, including two magnificent copper beeches and one oak, which also is an excellent swing for the little and not so little ones. Removing old overgrowth from ivy and brambles, we are bringing in lots of young plants, 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 perennial vegetables and 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. Vegan cakes and refreshments will be for sale as well as coffee, tea and other drinks. There also will be a selection of indoor plants for sale. Plus, a live band.

Toilet and changing facilities will be provided.

Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 June

Jane & 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.

Dogs: Yes| Refreshments: Yes

20 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.

Plant sale: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20/21 June

Sue 

This 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.

Dogs: Yes

20/21 June

Chris 

Work on my little garden began when I acquired my flat last year. The garden is really pocket sized, but really just perfect for my needs. I live on the first floor, and therefore the garden has been designed to not just be lovely when I am in it, but also be beautiful when seen from above. My best view of it is from the kitchen! Because my grandchildren live locally, the garden has been designed with children in mind, as well as ease of maintenance. There are some fruit bearing shrubs and trees, and things to pick and eat. I am a wildlife enthusiast and love to watch the birds, but also look for insects! All of these things will continue to establish over the years, and bring the neglected patch back to life. I'm so happy to live in Blackheath now and look forward to seeing anyone who comes by to see me. Children and dogs on leads most welcome!

Dogs: Yes

20/21 June

Jane & Brian

This South-facing walled – built in 1734 – garden, was converted some 20 years ago from being a hotel garden, and redesigned to offer a diversity of vistas, with surprises as you walk through. It extends beyond a broad terrace, and pathways lead to a diversity of plants and colours. It is a bit jungle-like in parts – great for children to play hide-and-seek. The mediocre quality of the soil has always presented a challenge – and we welcome ideas from visitors.

Plant sale: Yes| Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 June

Leo & Jack 

Previously a neglected side plot of brambles, this productive garden was transformed over the lockdowns. Giant echiums and bananas provide structure for more informal planting to blend tropical and hardy species. The design, landscaping, planting was carried out by both Leo and husband Jack and now serves as a space to relax.

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 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.

Accessibility: Yes | Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 June

Martha & Christophe 

A country-style garden with mixed planting of mediterranean shrubs, roses, perennials and self-seeded annuals in curving beds. A little greenhouse next to the raised beds in the vegetable garden is new this year.

Plant sale: Yes | Dogs: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

20 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.

20/21 June

Ruth & 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.

Accessibility: Yes | Refreshments: Yes

21 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.

Refreshments: Yes

21 June

Ian & 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.

Dogs: Yes