It's the end of the year [well, I posted on December 31st, somehow the date shows up wrongly - thanks Webhost Weebly!] and a good time to look back as well as forth. I will do both with this post, but lets start by looking back. One of the gardens I most enjoyed visiting in 2015 was Cleveland Square Gardens in London, not too far from Paddington Station. Most people can't just "go" there, as only residents of said square have the key to access. Once a year though, under the London Open Garden Squares Weekend in June, the gates are flung open. I was among those who went this summer and loved it.
Apparently, garden squares are the most unique London - or even the most unique English - contribution to the history of town planning. However, all too often a "garden square" is little more than a stretch of grass surrounded by that icon of a tree, the London plane (Platanus x acerifolia). It is still loved of course, as all green space in an urban environment is, lapped up gratefully by the nature-starved city-dweller. But it does not seem to merit the title of garden.
Apparently, garden squares are the most unique London - or even the most unique English - contribution to the history of town planning. However, all too often a "garden square" is little more than a stretch of grass surrounded by that icon of a tree, the London plane (Platanus x acerifolia). It is still loved of course, as all green space in an urban environment is, lapped up gratefully by the nature-starved city-dweller. But it does not seem to merit the title of garden.
Key holders to London's residential garden squares tend to dwell in rather shabby lodgings ;-)
Not so Cleveland Square Gardens. This is a true oasis in the city, with flowers galore in both jewel and pastel coloured borders, a lawn to have picnics on and even a tiny playground for children. There are majestic old trees, many smaller but rarer specimen, an enchanted pavilion hidden under rambling roses, a woodland area and shrubs around three of the square's boundaries. On the forth, one of the surrounding blocks of flats backs directly onto the gardens (as opposed to across the road and pavement), with little private patios or terraces as "interface". Oh yes, I could well imagine living in one of those flats!
A flat's private access to Cleveland Square Gardens
So here are a few pictures of Cleveland Square Gardens from that summery June weekend. Be sure to scroll down and continue reading though! (And for more information on garden squares see here or here. Apart from the book reviewed in the last link, I'd also recommend London's Pride, The Glorious History of the Capital's Gardens, ed. by Mireille Galinou of The Museum of London, 1990 - although this latter is about so much more than square gardens.)
And now for the look ahead, as promised at the start of this post.
As you may have noticed, there is a new section to this website called Portraits. It has been a long time in the making, but I intend to publish there every now and then - as time allows - interviews, portraits etc. in a more journalistic style. The first is about Suzanne Etherton, resident and garden manager of Cleveland Square Gardens. So there you are - I hope you will enjoy the read.
A Very Happy New Year to you all - may it be a peaceful one!
As you may have noticed, there is a new section to this website called Portraits. It has been a long time in the making, but I intend to publish there every now and then - as time allows - interviews, portraits etc. in a more journalistic style. The first is about Suzanne Etherton, resident and garden manager of Cleveland Square Gardens. So there you are - I hope you will enjoy the read.
A Very Happy New Year to you all - may it be a peaceful one!
RSS Feed