Open Gardens Weekend

Holiday of opening normally inaccessible gardens to the public

The Open Garden & Squares Weekend was established in 1998 in the United Kingdom and takes place every year during the second weekend of June. The aim of the event was to provide the public with the opportunity to visit otherwise closed gardens and courtyards in London at least once a year. The idea was met with enthusiasm, and after several years organized in Britain, it slowly began to spread to other cities and gradually became a tradition across Europe. However, the course of the event varies slightly in each country. In neighboring countries – Austria and Germany – a large number of private gardens participate in the Weekend. Similarly, this occurs in Amsterdam, where private gardens along the canals are opened. In Ireland and Slovakia, on the other hand, there is more emphasis on publicly accessible parks, which, however, offer interesting accompanying programs. A list of open gardens in Prague can be found HERE. In the Czech Republic, three gardens were opened for the first time in 2010 under the auspices of the National Heritage Institute, and their number gradually increased. We also involve regularly visited places in the project, but with an additional program designed for this unique event. We would like to present to the public the significance of vegetation during this weekend and strengthen its position in society. The usual format is a guided tour about the history, current state, and future plans for the garden or park, supplemented with additional programming. We want to increase awareness and understanding of garden art, landscape architecture, parks, gardens, and public spaces, and present the field to the public. We aim to introduce individual sites with their stories and secrets and provide people with an experience of discovery. On this occasion, the public can familiarize themselves with the approach of experts on green issues and gain a new perspective on its function and significance. All gardens and parks in the Czech Republic that can offer something interesting, such as historical significance, ecological approach, unusual design, dendrological collections, or intriguing stories, are welcome to participate in the event. Other interesting and significant green spaces – orchards, squares, historic cemeteries, monasteries, arboreta, or botanical gardens – can also join the event. The Open Garden Weekend is intended for both public and private gardens and parks. Open Garden Weekend and ENTRANCE FEE For many people, the entire name of the event can be misleading, and they may assume that entry to the garden is free. The idea was borrowed from England, as was its name. In England, otherwise inaccessible gardens are opened, meaning those that are not typically accessible throughout the year, which is where the "openness" lies. However, this does not mean that entry to the gardens is free. People in London buy a pass that allows them to enter these gardens. In the Czech Republic, we do not have as many such gardens, so we strive to provide people with an above-standard program during the Weekend in the form of guided tours, concerts, theater, and similar events. The goal of the event is to increase awareness and understanding of garden art and landscape architecture. The entrance fee is determined by the garden owners. Often, the entrance fee covers the accompanying program, guided tours, musical and theatrical performances, etc., which enhance the atmosphere of the garden during this "celebration." Therefore, please do not be upset if an entrance fee is collected in some gardens during the Weekend.