London Garden Squares
London is often described as the greenest city in the world, as much of the capital is covered in parks, squares, commons and heaths. The more exclusive squares are closed off to the public by traditional black iron railings, accessible only by the few key-holders. When the London Parks and Gardens Trust held an Open Squares weekend, the nosey public (including Mooseys UK Team) turned out in droves!
View from Belgravia Square Garden
The London Parks and Gardens Trust, supported by English Heritage, staged the open weekend to promote the contribution that this historical green spaces London's environment and people.
Eighty private squares opened their railings for the weekend. Eggy & I decided to visit a selection of the old or exclusive squares, as these would surely have the most impressive gardens. And because we're nosey, of course.
The gardens were so absorbing that we only managed to visit six of the 120 gardens involved in the event, but hopefully these articles give you an insight into London's many garden treasures.
London Garden Squares Open Weekend
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Belgravia Gardens...
- Belgravia Square is one of the most exclusive key-holder gardens in London, surrounded by embassies and diplomatic residences. The 4.5 acre square is a luxurious private garden, with a secluded central area to escape the city.
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British Medical Association Garden...
- The British Medical Association garden includes a fascinating collection of physic plants, for the development of medical knowledge. BMA House and its garden are not normally open to the public, which made it even a better treat to visit.
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Bloomsbury Square...
- After Covent Garden, Bloomsbury Square is the oldest square in London. The garden has circle of lime trees at the centre, shaded walks, deciduous planting around the edge and oval planting beds in each corner.
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Mecklenburgh Square...
- Mecklenburgh Square is a two-acre garden, registered Grade II by English Heritage. The square has mature planes, ornamental trees, formal lawns and gravel paths. Two sides of the square's borders are devoted to plants from New Zealand, some quite rare.
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Belgravia Square Outer Gardens...
- The outer gardens of Belgravia Square is an enormous space which surrounds the inner sheltered area, and is over-looked by diplomatic buildings. Around each corner are statues and garden seats.
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London Garden Squares Open Weekend...
- The London Parks & Gardens Trust hosts the annual London-wide open weekend to celebrate the city's squares. The event is run from Bedford Square in the centre of London. There are 600 squares in London, in various states of repair...
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Mecklenburgh Square Roses...
- The southern end of Mecklenburgh Square has masses of roses. The roses were putting on a great display when we visited, and so Eggy had fun with his super-close-up button.