Hill Garden and Pergola
(Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)With nearly as many trees as Londoners and some 15 per cent occupied by a park or public garden, the capital is one of the greenest cities in the world. As a result, it is the world’s first National Park City.
London’s commons and royal parks are world famous but the city also has some amazing hidden gems. Here are some of my favourites where you can find some garden inspiration this weekend.
Hill Garden and Pergola West Heath, Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is hardly a secret but navigating through the woodlands at its northern fringe to find the pergola will make you feel like Indiana Jones. Overlooking West Heath, the Hill Garden was created by industrialist Lord Leverhulme as the grounds of his mansion. The house was demolished but the gardens survive. Make sure to explore it all as they are more expansive than they appear. Open from 8:30am until one hour before dusk or 8pm, whichever is earlier.
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
The Isabella Plantation is a favourite among those who know about it. At this time of year you’ll find swathes of dazzling pink, purple and mauve rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells in mature woodland. Located in the south-western quarter of Richmond Park.
Eden Nature Garden, Clapham
Easily missed, up Matrimony Place — a short walk from Wandsworth Road Overground station — is London’s Garden of Eden, a green refuge full of nectar-rich flowers and blossom, masses of cow parsley and a pollinator corridor connecting it to the neighbouring St Paul’s Church and local allotments. If you can time it right, tisabhe garden glows in the evening sun. Open from dawn to dusk.
Postman’s Park, City of London
Tucked away a couple of streets behind St Paul’s Cathedral is a green pause in the stone, steel and glass of the financial district. Surrounded by charmingly crooked trees growing towards the light, the peaceful garden is full of cool corners to take in the greenery of the lawns, seasonal bedding and banana plants.
Phoenix Garden, Soho
On the site of a former car park behind the Phoenix Theatre is a magical garden. Plants spill out over walls made of recycled concrete and winding brick paths that lead to spaces for quiet contemplation. It’s easy to forget you’re seconds away from Oxford Street. Open from dawn to dusk.
