CONTACTThe idea for the garden started across the river in Battersea. Hidden away between high-rise blocks on the top of a former car park on the Doddington & Rollo estate is a half-acre secret garden created by volunteers, built almost entirely with donated plants from Kew Gardens and nearby Battersea Park. London Square discovered the garden after sponsoring the Open Gardens Weekend across the capital last year, run by the London Gardens Trust. The Doddington garden took part, with local people and visitors enjoying a barbecue sponsored by London Square, with summer flowers in full bloom, edible crops, butterfly friendly plants, fig, cherry and apple trees, and produce grown and shared by local residents.
For the London Square Community Garden, designer James Smith created two distinct areas. Under a pergola, there was a welcoming place to meet up with an outdoor kitchen, a large bespoke terrazzo table, inset with bespoke chess and draught boards, and stylish upcycled chairs by TV presenter and furniture restorer Jay Blades, with raised beds containing edible produce for cooking. Stepping stones lead to a peaceful spot with a large swing seat, which Queen Camilla enjoyed during her visit. and garden bookcase set in a tranquil planted area, with a shady spot under the canopy of a tree.
Planting was a mix of lush green textures with blue, purple, white, and pink flowers, with aromatic and scented plants, herbs and shrubs, with trees providing dappled shade. The pergola is covered with fragrant white jasmine. The produce section of the garden has a mixture of vegetables and herbs, with scented thyme planted around the edge of the seating area.
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