A GARDEN OF DELIGHTS

Here is a real surprise embedded in a busy urban area. Close to both Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland Overground stations, the hectic Kingsland Road/Dalston Lane traffic intersection, and Ridley Road Market, this (almost) hidden garden is a delight.

The garden was created in 2010 on wasteland that had once been the: "Eastern Curve railway line which once linked Dalston Junction Station to the goods yard and the North London Line" (see: http://dalstongarden.org/about-2/).

You enter the garden from a small square, which is dominated by a huge attractive mural, 'The Dalston Lane Mural', which was created by Ray Walker in 1983. As soon as you enter the garden, you find yourself in a wood covered enclosure that is open to the garden and the elements. Under the canopy, there is a bar/café, that serves hot and cold beverages as well as alcohol. In summer, a wood fired pizza oven is in action producing pizzas on some evenings.

Dalston Curve Garden - pizza oven

Dalston Curve Garden

====The garden is overflowing with plants (tended by local volunteers), an assortment of seats, and quirky folksy artwork. On one visit, I spotted a group of wild rabbits gambolling amongst the vegetation. ====

At the far end of the garden there is a children's play area and also a view of a fantastic mural on a nearby building.

Dalston Curve Garden- children'splay area

Dalston Curve Garden - mural on a nearby building

This garden of delights is well worth a visit. Order a pint of beer, and relax!