Kennington Garden

SUMMER OPEN GARDEN WEEKEND

 in aid of the National Gardens Scheme

 Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, 11am – 4pm

ROOTS & SHOOTS, FITZALAN STREET, LONDON SE11 6DN

The acclaimed half-acre wildlife garden at south London charity Roots and Shoots opens in aid of the National Gardens Scheme on 7 and 8 June.  Its wild meadow, passionflowers, gloriously scented sprawling roses, soaring echiums, fruit trees, grasses and wild herbs will be at their early summer best. Visitors can also look out for the many butterflies, birds, bees, toads, newts and other wonderful and surprising creatures which find their way to this quiet corner of south London

There will be garden tours, beekeeping demonstrations and refreshments on both days and, on the Sunday, many children’s activities including a falconry display by Countrywide Falconry, microscope workshops in the splendid new wildlife study centre, storytelling in the Lambeth Dragon’s den deep in the wild garden, juggling workshops, children's art and solar energy workshops with Solar Century.

The informal and friendly atmosphere at Roots and Shoots’ events makes people want to join in and everyone is made to feel welcome. For the past 26 years the charity has been working with young people from Lambeth and Southwark whose school days have been difficult and often unhappy. They are trained in horticulture or retail and, at the same time, all kinds of other life skills, giving them the confidence to equip them for the world of work – with great success. 

Last summer, the new eco-training centre complete with photovoltaic panels, bird and insect boxes, green and brown roofs and rainwater catchment system, was officially opened by The Prince of Wales.  It is now the focus of Lambeth life, being available for community activities, while more than 2000 schoolchildren visit the wildlife garden every year. Roots and Shoots is also the base of the London Beekeepers Association, and the venue for its beekeeping courses.

ADMISSION: Adults £2, children free. Proceeds to the National Gardens Scheme. Refreshments available.

For information telephone 0207 587 1131 or visit www.rootsandshoots.org.uk