Bill Owen’s Secret London Gardens ride took us from Walworth to Vauxhall via St Giles, Islington, Barbican, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, Holland Park & Chelsea
The individual gardens stunned us with their luxurious variety of colour and planting – we could have happily spent an hour in each of them. Most it seems were loving cared for by local community groups and it would be probably true to say that these, with their anarchic charm, were more inviting than the fewer municipally-run plots. One exception could have been the large and leafy conservatory at the Barbican but, despite an earlier promise that they would be open that day, this turned out not to be the case. Riot-style entry was mooted but thought inappropriate.
The probable highlight was our last port of call at Bonnington Square. Two community gardens within 100 yards plus a beautifully tendered street corner. Worth a visit on its own. The Phoenix Garden at St Giles would also repay a special visit on 3rd September when they’ll also have farm animals, Morris dancers, Punch & Judy, bell ringing and more.
An international group of 17 (1 each of OZ, Ukranian, US, & German plus 13 Brits) started and were blessed with good weather throughout the day. (25 miles, one slow puncture)
Bill said that he’d repeat the ride in two or three year’s time when everyone would have forgotten about it – I don’t think they will. So perhaps he might just consider running it again next year. Dr Johnson’s dictum “..tired of London, tired of life.” proved to be as true as ever and it was, I think, Barry Mason’s observation that the city’s like an onion – no matter how much you peel off there’s always more to discover underneath.
John