A surprise awaits you when you enter this garden, located on the roof of a former car park in the middle of a high-rise estate. The metal staircase entrance used to look austere, but the garden team now use it as a trellis, and it is delightful to the eye. The initial surprise continues, as the garden is divided into five distinct spaces, or 'garden rooms'.
Thanks to donations from other community gardens, as well as local businesses and other organisations, a wide variety of planting has evolved - edible crops as well as decorative plants, several special specimens, and numerous trees. The garden was the inspiration for a gold-medal winning Chelsea garden, which resulted in the addition of a kitchen garden, with a pergola, pizza oven, raised beds and planting transported from the Chelsea entry. During London Open Gardens, they serve gelato to die for!
There is a large composting area with new beds built by volunteers, and starter compost bins placed around the garden. These encourage the community, both estate residents and visitors, to bring their kitchen scraps.
: Malissa Ritchie
Visitor Information
Open
Saturday 10:30–16:00
Activities
Picnics allowed.
Entrance
Walk into the estate SW11 5HW and towards the right corner of the DRCA building. Metal staircase takes visitors to the rooftop gardens. Nearest postcode: SW11 5HD
Garden presents challenges for visitors with limited mobility.
Entry to the roof garden is via steps; there is a chairlift in an adjacent building, however staff may not be available to assist with chairlift use.
Entry by ballot. Ballot winners can then book entry for two ticketholders, subject to availability. Ballot date TBA.
Distance (in straight line)
0.9 km / 0.5 miles
Open
Saturday 10:00–17:00
Sunday 10:00–17:00
One of London's largest residential rooftop gardens, spanning 29,000 sq ft and planted with 23,000 plants and 55 trees, offering inspiring views of the adjacent Grade II*-listed Power Station and London skyline.
Once a locked and derelict garden, now open for estate residents to enjoy and use. There are two areas - a kitchen garden, where residents grow herbs, berries and vegetables, and a woodland garden with a pond and a rose garden.
Prize-winning early Victorian garden restored in 1997 to its 1867 layout. A small garden with rope-edged tiles and some unique specimens of London plane trees. Former residents include poet Matthew Arnold and author Mary Shelley.
Originally known as the London Botanic Garden, featuring mulberry trees up to 300 years old, a variety of ornamental trees, a wooded walk with spring interest, lawns and well stocked borders.
One of London's premier addresses, with gardens that won a Gold Award in the 2023 London in Bloom competition. Refreshments, music and sculptures by award-winning sculptor David Harber.
