Walk through Islington’s Georgian streets to these contrasting gardens, 2-6pm 19 May. £6 for all gardens or £2 each, proceeds to charity.

The use of sun and shade are maximised at the 35ft x 17ft plantsman’s garden at 1 Battlebridge Court with its peat block terracing. Look out for the naturalised terrapins living between the nearby houseboats, a peaceful oasis only 2 mins from Kings Cross.

At Barnsbury Wood flower borders lead to Islington’s hidden secret: a place of peace and relaxation, the Borough’s only site of mature woodland and one of London’s smallest nature reserves.

44 Hemingford Road is a surprisingly lush, country-style garden with interesting trees, shrubs, perennials, lawns and pond in a very small space.

36 Thornhill Square’s 120ft long garden has old roses, hardy geraniums and clematis in curved beds giving a country garden atmosphere; also a small bonsai collection and many unusual perennials for sale.

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