Put the 13th of June in your diary now. On that day between 2-5.30pm, you will have access to three fantastic gardens, all backing on to Dulwich Park and all within five minutes walking distance.
These gardens are opening in support of the Mark Evison Foundation, a very special charity that offers awards to sixth formers at London state schools. It was set up in honour of Lt. Mark Evison who died in Afghanistan in 2009. So strong was the admiration for this remarkable young soldier that his comrades suggested to his mother Margaret Evison that a Foundation should be established in his memory to help young people. Over one thousand mourners attending his funeral at London’s Guards’ Chapel provided the seed money. Since then, the Foundation has provided over a thousand individual or group awards to students from different London state schools. The six-formers have to present their applications and this and the projects themselves provide the students with a range of important skills.
“We want young people to get out from their comfort zone and create a challenge, which will build their confidence and independence at a crucial age, around 17. The Foundation is different because it invites them to do anything they want, physical, creative or technical. So, when they succeed it will be a significant event in their lives, often affecting their futures in order to build up their confidence,” says Margaret Evison. “We want them to find something they feel passionate about,” she adds.
Margaret’s garden at 118 Court Lane was one Mark helped her to design and since his death she has transformed the garden. “It’s been a form of therapy,” she admits. It now has a cornucopia of different plants. The terrace leads down to the lawn Mark laid and on to a shady rose garden, which in turn opens up to a pond bordered by a wildflower area. This was given a Special Award by the London Gardens Society.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is 142 Court Lane with its jaw-dropping garden, 120 feet wide. Jeremy and Jackie Prescott have lived here for 25 years and during that time turned a rather unloved spot into a true country garden. “The house used to belong to Anne Shelton, the famous Forces’ Favourite. She was a lovely singer but I don’t think she was that keen on gardening, “ says Jeremy Prescott, dressed in his gardening garb. “We have developed a circular theme for the three areas of the garden. The first is of a traditional lay-out with roses and mixed borders, the second is a wildflower area and the third is our vegetable plot.” This is no ordinary vegetable garden, it is almost sculptural in its circular design, with brick laid paths separating the different patches. “We grow everything from asparagus to parsnips”, says Jeremy.
When asked why the Prescotts support the Mark Evison Foundation Jeremy’s answer is quick. “Mark was hugely impressive young man and Margaret does astonishing work for the Foundation.”
A further few minutes down Court Lane is 1 Court Lane Gardens. This is the first chance to see this great garden, which has never been opened to the public before. It is a fine wild-life garden designed by Chelsea Medal winner Jane Brockbank. It has a wildflower area and a natural swimming pool. The garden features native plants and reflects the style of an English meadow. Last year it attracted twenty species of birds and dozens of different butterflies. From this Dulwich street you will take a magic step into pure country.
The three gardens, all different, will inspire any gardener and create moments of awe and stillness for anyone. Afternoon tea will be served at 142 Court Lane to give visitors a chance to relax and specially selected plants will be for sale at 118 Court Lane. All proceeds will benefit the Mark Evison Foundation with a 10% share going to St Christopher’s Hospice.
Sunday 13 June 2021 2-5.30pm
£8 ticket gives access to all three gardens, start at any garden.
1 Court Lane Gardens SE21 7DZ, 118 Court Lane SE21 7EA, 142 Court Lane SE21 7EB
Afternoon tea served at 142 Court Lane
Plant sale at 118 Court Lane
