London Parks & Gardens Trust have announced that 212 gardens in 27 London’s Boroughs will be taking part in the annual and extremely popular Open Garden Squares Weekend, which is held throughout London on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10. And for the first time, the event will be in association with the National Trust.

In Hammersmith and Fulham, six gardens will be open to the public. Here are the details:

FULHAM

Fulham Palace   - open Saturday noon –3pm

Fulham Palace was home to the Bishops of London from AD 700 to 1973. The palace itself is an architectural treasure, including elements from the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian periods. It lies in 13 acres of lawn and gardens that still reflect the 18th-century landscape design. There are many interesting and unusual trees and plants.

Activities:Three special guided tours by volunteers for OGSW ticket holders at 12 noon, 1pm and 2 pm. Museum open 1-4pm. Drawing Room Eatery serving light meals and refreshments, open 9am-5pm.

Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments  - open Saturday 11:30am – 3.30pm

Run by dedicated volunteers, FPMAA plays a vital part in local life. With 406 plots, an amazing cross-section of LBHF residents from all walks of life gain a unique and exceptional experience within this inner-city haven.

Activities: Guided tours. Teas and light refreshments. Plant and produce stall. Entrance: From Fulham Palace

HAMMERSMITH

Emery Walker's House - open Sunday 2pm - 5pm

No. 7 Hammersmith Terrace is one of a terrace of 17 Georgian houses overlooking the Thames at the west end of Hammersmith’s Upper Mall. Full of original William Morris wallpapers, textiles and furniture, it is the best-preserved Arts-and-Crafts interior in Britain.

Activities: Shop open

William Morris Society - open :Sunday 10am - 5pm

William Morris lived at Kelmscott House at 26 Upper Mall for the last 18 years of his life. The small, shady lower garden contains a variety of ferns, which thrive well in its microclimate. The upper walled garden was replanted in 2007 and the largest garden contains a variety of roses, wild strawberries and a wonderful magnolia tree.

Activities : Children’s quiz and trail and refreshments available.

SHEPHERD'S BUSH

John Betts House - open 2pm - 5pm

John Betts House is part of the Hammersmith United Charities' Almshouses. The garden features many interesting plants, hanging baskets, a greenhouse, raised vegetable beds, a water feature and balconies with residents' container gardens. The garden is a beautiful safe haven, of which the residents are rightly proud.

Activities: Refreshments and plant sales

H M Prison Wormwood Scrubs (special conditions apply)

Bounded on three sides by cell blocks and on the fourth by a fine Portland stone chapel, the central garden strongly resembles a traditional London square, laid out with paths, lawns, flowerbeds, trees and park benches. Hanging baskets and planters provide a colourful spectacle in summer.

Activities: Pre-booked tours at 10.30am and 2.30pm (Saturday) and 2.30pm (Sunday).

June 7, 2012