Open Gardens in South West London & Surrey
Take inspiration from these beautiful local gardens
Main image: Marian’s Garden in Tadworth
If you’ve ever wondered how local gardeners turn their outdoor spaces into stunning oases, open garden schemes are your chance to explore what lies behind the gates, see what thrives in these climes and maybe even get some tips from those whose green fingers have created these inspiring plots.
Ham Open Gardens
On 17 May, take a wander between 20 stunning gardens around Ham. Rachel has been involved in the scheme since around 2007. She notes that the area does incredibly well in terms of fruit trees such as fig and apple. Highlights of her garden include an incredible magnolia, salvia and foxgloves as well as a prolific display of roses. Other gardens taking part include Sudbrook Lodge. The garden is arranged in two distinct parts, bisected by the house, in a way that reflects its 1660 origins while still functioning as a relaxed, family-friendly space. With established planting including willow, acacia and wisteria, it balances structure and softness. Meanwhile, another participant, Julia, has a courtyard garden of pleached hornbeams, potted ferns and lime trees to create a soft symmetry between the road and brick wall. The space is enhanced by climbing roses, jasmine, wisteria, a fig tree and a magnolia.
Langham House Estate Open Garden has a simple lawn and minimal borders to show the contrast between two distinct architectural periods: Langham House, built in 1709 in the Queen Anne style, and the Brutalist style of the mid-century flats. Langham House has richer planting with a striking 150 year old wisteria, mimosa, yew, a fernery, acers, alliums, climbing hydrangeas and roses. On the day, St Andrews Church will offer tours of its interiors, host local school choirs and a bbq.
Langham House
Richmond Hill Open Gardens
On Sunday 17 May, 16 gardens will be open to the public along the stunning slopes of Richmond Hill. Tea and homemade cakes will be available at St Matthias Church. This year’s events support local charities and community projects including Holly Lodge Centre, The Real Junk Food Project and Richmond Soup Kitchen.
Barnes Open Gardens
On 31 May, some 20 gardens, from large leafy spaces to hidden courtyards, will open up to the public. FiSH will operate a free bus between the gardens, which vary from Victorian plots to modern gardens as well as some stunning specimen trees to see. Afternoon teas will be served in the Barnes Green Centre.
London Open Gardens
There are over 120 gardens taking part on 6-7 June across the capital. Weekend ticket holders also have access to the Behind the Scenes events such as a head gardener’s tour of Fulham Palace; a walk discovering the fruit trees that thrive in South London, from persimmons to medlars, and the historic Mulberry Garden at Hogarth’s House in Chiswick.
Hogarth House (c) London Borough of Hounslow / Fulham Palace (c) Matthew Bruce
Kingswood, Tadworth and Walton Open Gardens
There are around 10 gardens open to the public on 13-14 June. Marian’s beautiful outdoor space includes wisteria and a tranquil water feature. She says: “My garden is my safe space. Starting off in 1975 with a blank canvas of an overgrown field that the previous owner used to burn every summer to keep the undergrowth down, it has developed into a fine garden as my knowledge improved and understanding of horticulture expanded. I love to be out there as much as I can. It relaxes me and I can lose myself in the garden jobs. In short it is my peace.
Keith has created stunning displays in his borders with bright pops of tulips among several varieties of daffodils. He says: “I have gardened all my life and I couldn’t live without one. It is my sanity where I can relax and unwind, enjoying all the scents.”
Marian’s Garden / Keith’s Garden
Westcott Open Gardens
On Sunday, 28 June the Surrey village of Westcott, set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to Dorking, will invite visitors to view around 10 private gardens. There will be home-made tea and cake served at the Village Hall. All proceeds will go to the Village Hall and Surrey Hills School Garden.
