Ham Open Gardens 2026

Having praised the poster for Ham Open Gardens 2024 for its simplicity, things have taken something of a backwards step this year with the main text relegated to one side and the rest of the poster littered with unnecessary text. It looks like a poster designed by a committee.

Neat gate

Continuing the (short) neat and tidy sequence, this is a gate to a car park in Parkleys which has been well looked after in distinct contrast to the nearby fence and wall.

The keypad is something of a conundrum though. There is an open access for cars just a few metres away so there is no security on the site anyway.

Neat and tidy

This property at the bottom end of Ham Street has always looked neat due to its simplicity and regularity and it looks even better after a recent tidy-up. The fresh paint is the most obvious improvement but the little things matter too, like tidying up the cable that used to come out of the front of the bottom right corner.

31 Ham Farm Road revealed

I have been watching progress on the refurbishment of 31 Ham Farm Road for several years so I was very pleased when the hoardings were removed to reveal the house for the first time. As the front garden is still being worked on it is not possible to make final conclusions but first impressions are not great.

The view from this angle is not disastrous though the grey rendering on the upper level is not very pretty and cheapens the look.

 

The view from this angle is disastrous. The black box has no redeeming features and sits poorly with the rest of the house which it dominates.

A stunning garden

Only a few weeks ago I was praising this new garden in Ham Farm Road and since then it has only got better. Some things have shot up taller and more flowers have bloomed. It is absolutely stunning and perfect for wildlife too.

79 Woodville Road

Nothing particularly remarkable here, just another informative, clear to read and aesthetically pleasing house sign.

Fairlawn extends

Fairlawn is hidden away at the far end of Petersham Close. The building on the left is original (as are the shutters) but its neighbour on the right and their roofs are new,

Ham Close landscaping

With most of the work on the buildings finished, attention has moved on to the landscaping. This is very early days but the shape of the border is a good sign.

Nature recovers

Just a year ago, a few sections of land around the paths to Teddington Lock Footbridge were fenced off after being damaged by the construction site for some bridge repairs. This was to allow nature to recover the scarred areas and it has done so spectacularly.