Private gardens to open to the public in June

Hotels, shops, restaurants and other London businesses are being invited to open the gates of their gardens to the public for the first time.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the London Parks and Gardens Trust is looking for entrants to its Open Garden Squares weekend on June 11th and 12th 2011.

It will accept applications until the end of February and hopes to have a number of allotments, communal gardens and squares open to the public for the first time.

With private gardens already covered under the National Gardens Scheme, it gives the capital’s businesses a chance to showcase what they have done with their land.

"Open Garden Squares Weekend allows access on one weekend each year to the private green spaces in London," explained coordinator Val Burton.

"Their amazing variety reflects the diversity of the capital’s population, culture, history and environment."

Meanwhile, the RHS recently gave away a £2,500 diamond to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its Garden Harlow Carr site.