Bethnal Green Open Gardens Treasure Trail

Are you curious about what is growing in the gardens of Bethnal Green? Join LADA’s Garrett Centre Commission recipients Earthlings (Hari Byles and Katherine McMahon) on Sunday 25th August from 11 – 6, for a rare opportunity to explore an amazing network of community run gardens, from The Garrett Centre to Bethnal Green Nature Reserve, Rocky Park Garden, Keddleston community centre and beyond.

Pick up a free map from LADA, made by the artist Soofiya – and follow the trail through the gardens to find and collect stories, poems, and written treasures by local residents, artists and growers hidden along the way. There will also be opportunities to share your own stories, make a found poem or sow some seeds.

Each garden will host different activities, workshops and skill shares suitable for all ages. These include: a creative nature connection workshop with local environmental educator Shaira, a billboard making workshop with Saif Osmani from the Bengali East End Heritage Society, Henna by Hafiza, free herb harvests, a tea and wellbeing space by the Mobile Apothecary, Ayurvedic mini-consultations, music making, food by Bethnal Greens and Middleton Meals, face painting and much more! Pick up a programme on the day for more details.

After the trail, from 6:30 – 9pm, join the artists at Bethnal Green Nature Reserve for a feast and open mic. Bring a story, instrument – or tell us about what you found on the trail.

The Open Gardens Treasure trail has been co-curated by Earthlings, a partnership between poet Katherine McMahon and community gardener, Hari Byles – in collaboration with Teesdale and Hollybush TRA, Phytology/ Bethnal Green Nature Reserve and the Bengali East End Heritage Society.

Commissioned for the Garrett Centre Commission and supported by the Live Art Development Agency (LADA). Supported by Mayor of London: Culture Seeds

For more information or to get involved please email the artists.

Accessibility Information: Most gardens have step free access and accessible toilets are available at the Garrett Centre and at Bethnal Green Nature Reserve.

Stories are presented mostly in written form, with some audio/ oral pieces. Written text throughout the trail is in Bengali and English, with BSL interpretation available for the open mic event.

If you have any access needs you would like us to accommodate on the day please get in touch.