Open Garden Squares Weekend 2012

Around 200 communal gardens, not normally open to the public, unlock their gates for a weekend at this annual event, which for the first time is in association with the National Trust. Ranging from traditional squares to roof gardens and allotments, spaces taking part include HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Eaton Square, Cable Street Community Gardens, Regent's Park allotment garden, The Royal College of Physicians' medicinal garden and the National Trust's Carlyle's House. You can also see the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden on the Southbank, specially designed for the Diamond Jubilee in partnership with the Eden Project. There will be guided tours (on foot and by bike), podcasts, gardeners on hand to give advice (at Chiswick House and Sutton Court among other venues) and the opportunity to meet beekeepers at some of the venues. On Sunday (2pm) 'Slow London' volunteers will be in attendance at selected gardens to give advice on slowing down and offer mindfulness sessions. One ticket allows entry to all venues over the weekend. Visit the website for details of all participating gardens.