July 2009 - City Gardens Walk

On Wednesday, 1st July a few brave women, both City Women's Network members and guests, braved the very hot weather and took part in the City Hidden Gardens Walk organised by CWN.

The City of London is the world's greatest international finance centre, with a history of trade and industry going back to Roman times. Amongst the densely packed office buildings, we found many delightful gardens and 'secret' planted places. Gardens have existed in the City for centuries, but many were created in Victorian times, often from existing churchyards, or alternatively formed after World War II as a result of enemy bombing.

Then, there are those created to complement the high-tech buildings that are springing up throughout the City. Rare and unusual trees and shrubs thrive in the warmth of the City and are complemented by the quarter of a million bedding plants that are changed twice a year.

We started our 2-hour walk from the St Paul's Cathedral Garden, where we had the chance to admire a number of exotic trees, e.g. the Gingko Biloba Tree and Chinese and Japanese Wisteria. We then walked our way through the Grey Friars Gardens to Postman's Park. There we had the chance to admire and learn the history of a wide array of exotic trees and plants, including the “Handkerchief” Tree and the “Chocolate Tree”.

We also had the opportunity to visit and reflect in front of the famous Watts Memorial. We proceeded to St Mary Aldermanbury Garden, the garden on Noble Street, the only wildlife garden of the City, and finished our tour at the very distinctive Goldsmiths Garden, at the northeast corner of Noble and Gresham Street.

Kari Hadjivassiliou