A Tiny Secret Garden in London

September 30, 2018 by

London_secret_garden

You won’t accidentally stumble onto Gibbons Rent, a tiny narrow cut-through between Magdalen and Bermondsey Streets in London SE1. Tucked away in the shadow of the towering spire-like skyscraper known as The Shard and close to the busy London Bridge train station, the garden is so obscure that even my taxi driver could not easily locate it with the GPS.

London_secret_garden

A gate forged of repurposed local waste metal in a decorative undulating pattern marks the entrance to the little garden.

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

As if it were staged for my arrival, a soprano’s high-pitched vibrato resonated in the distance as I entered the garden and grew more pronounced the further I walked, rising in a crescendo to a finale as I reached the end of the garden.

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

As the composer Brian Eno describes it, music is just like gardening; it uses the natural dynamics of a system to create surprising new environments. He likens its creation to “somebody who stood at the bottom of a process, who carefully planted some rather well-selected seeds…and watched them turn into something.”

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

In 2012, award-winning British landscape architect Sarah Eberle and Australian architect Andrew Burns transformed the previously neglected passageway into this lush community garden.

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

Working with The Architecture Foundation, Team London Bridge, and Southwark Council, the team designed Gibbons Rent as a participatory project, soliciting input along the way from public and private sectors, various international designers, and local residents.

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

trellis_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

red_berries_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

The result is an interactive evolving space nurtured by area residents and businesses and maintained by neighbors along with the St Mungo’s Broadway horticultural initiative, Putting Down Roots.

hydrangeas_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

Open to the public–if they can find it–the tiny urban oasis features structural plantings contrasted by smaller-scale potted plants and a ‘Little Library,’ a small telephone booth size open cupboard filled with books–an example of how the space beckons visitors to linger.

little_lending_library_in_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

hydrangeas_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

A series of large concrete planters filled with various exotic plants line the edges of the narrow space along with pots placed by locals at their whim to suit their aesthetics and the seasons. 

patterned_concrete_tiles_London_secret_garden_urbangardensweb

Out of a once barren urban space, a community of gardeners has cultivated a permanent shared green refuge, a growing legacy squeezed innocuously inside a bustling cityscape. 

Gibbon’s Rent won the Society of Garden designers ‘Designing for Community Spaces’ Award 2013. Photos by Robin Plaskoff Horton, Urban Gardens.

Visit a hidden Paris garden.

 

21 Comments »

  1. A Tiny Secret Garden in London | Worm Farm Adviser Pingback said:

    […] Source: http://www.urbangardensweb.com/2018/09/30/london-secret-garden/ […]

    — September 30, 2018 @ 09:00

  2. A Tiny Secret Garden in London – EthanClaxton Pingback said:

    […] You won’t accidentally stumble onto Gibbons Rent, a tiny narrow cut through between Magdalen and Bermondsey Streets in London SE1. Tucked away in the shadow of the towering spire-like skyscraper known as The Shard and close to the busy London … Read More… […]

    — September 30, 2018 @ 12:13

  3. Season's Greenings - Urban Gardens Pingback said:

    […] 17. A Tiny Secret Garden in London […]

    — December 21, 2018 @ 14:02

  4. London secret garden tucked away by London Bridge – My Garden ?deas Blog Pingback said:

    […] Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to Urban Gardens! share | e-mail a friend | comments (3) […]

    — September 3, 2019 @ 11:11

  5. Find out more said:

    Your posts are a testament to the power of genuine storytelling; it keeps me coming back.

    — March 3, 2025 @ 11:54

  6. Margarete said:

    The article is very engaging and well-written. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with your readers.

    — March 8, 2025 @ 08:54

  7. Charles said:

    Your blog provides a wealth of knowledge on these topics. Thank you for offering your knowledge with your readers.

    — March 15, 2025 @ 19:03

  8. Alvaro said:

    I eagerly anticipate your fresh and distinctive perspectives. It keeps me returning for more.

    — March 16, 2025 @ 08:23

  9. Jeromeboymn said:

    789alo: alo789 dang nh?p – alo789in

    — March 21, 2025 @ 14:46

  10. JonahGulge said:

    ????? ??? ??????????? ???? ???????? ??????? ??????? ??????. ????? ???????? ????? ????????????? ? ????????????? ??????? ?????????. ?????? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????????? ????????????? ????? ?? ???????. 1win ????? ??????? ??? ??? ???????? ??? ? ??????? ???????. ???? ??????????? ??????????????? ????-??????? ? ????? ???????? ????? ???? ?? ???????? ??????. ?????????? ???? ???? ? ????????? ? ????????????? ??? ??????.

    — April 7, 2025 @ 07:25

  11. finasteride side effects testosterone said:

    So he has always had the upper hand ask propecia

    — April 10, 2025 @ 17:53

  12. Edwardmella said:

    olympe casino avis: olympe casino en ligne – olympe casino en ligne

    — April 23, 2025 @ 14:41

  13. Davidorach said:

    Acheter Kamagra site fiable: acheter kamagra site fiable – Kamagra pharmacie en ligne

    — April 24, 2025 @ 00:19

  14. how to become a hacker said:

    The platform offers practical guidance about ways of becoming a security expert. The materials are presented in a straightforward and coherent manner. You may acquire a range of skills for entering systems. Plus there are actual illustrations that reveal how to execute these proficiencies. how to become a hacker Whole material is periodically modified to align with the recent advancements in information security. Particular focus is centered around real-world use of the mastered abilities. Take into account that all operations should be utilized ethically and within legal boundaries only.

    — May 8, 2025 @ 04:29

  15. lesbian said:

    Here find a variety of videos for adults. Every video is carefully curated providing the best experience for visitors. In need of specific genres or checking out options the platform provides material for everyone. trans photo Fresh content constantly refreshed so that the collection current. Access to every piece of content protected for members of legal age ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Stay tuned to explore additions because the resource adds more content daily.

    — May 11, 2025 @ 08:59

  16. casino said:

    Within this platform you can discover an extensive selection virtual gambling platforms. Interested in traditional options latest releases there’s something for any taste. All featured casinos checked thoroughly for trustworthiness allowing users to gamble securely. gambling Additionally this resource offers exclusive bonuses plus incentives targeted at first-timers and loyal customers. With easy navigation discovering a suitable site happens in no time enhancing your experience. Stay updated about the latest additions with frequent visits as fresh options are added regularly.

    — May 13, 2025 @ 02:09

  17. no depost said:

    Here you can access a wide selection of online slots from famous studios. Visitors can try out traditional machines as well as modern video slots with stunning graphics and interactive gameplay. If youre just starting out or a seasoned gamer there’s something for everyone. casino All slot machines are ready to play anytime and compatible with desktop computers and smartphones alike. You don’t need to install anything so you can get started without hassle. Site navigation is intuitive making it convenient to find your favorite slot. Join the fun and enjoy the world of online slots

    — May 14, 2025 @ 04:12

  18. binance said:

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

    — May 15, 2025 @ 17:59

  19. A? said:

    ???? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ? ??? ????? ???? ? ?????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ? ????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ??????? ????? ??????? ???? ? ?????

    — May 19, 2025 @ 03:59

  20. Jamesrhync said:

    achat kamagra: achat kamagra – kamagra oral jelly

    — May 31, 2025 @ 15:30

  21. ???? said:

    Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article. Very cool. Thanks.

    — June 15, 2025 @ 06:22

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

The freshest innovative and eco-friendly designs, trends, and ideas for urban gardens and stylish small places.

Visit Robin Horton @UrbanGardens's profile on Pinterest.

Discover more from Urban Gardens

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading