Cocktails and Milkshakes

We are sure you are all with us on enjoying the recent warm weather. The Open Garden Squares Weekend team is very lucky to have the use of Duck Island Cottage as their office and delight in seeing spring transform St James's Park. This year there have been three newpelicans brought to the lake, and we often see the odd one strolling by our window! But, as of May, the tranquillity of the cottage is replaced by hustle and bustle, as our volunteers start work preparing the materials for gardens and posting out tickets and guidebooks to our wonderful visitors. If you want to ensure you get your ticket and guide prior to the weekend, make sure you buy them before 31 May.

Here at Open Garden Squares Weekend we are rather fond of the odd tipple and think gardens and cocktails are a great combination! Luckily we are not alone and many of our gardens offer refreshments throughout the weekend. This year the Brunel Museum is open until 10.30pm and serving cocktails in their Roof Garden. Our ticket holders will receive a discount on their drinks. And we are delighted that The Gin Garden will be popping up in Arlington Square, serving gin-based cocktails complemented by herbs and flowers grown in the Square.

In Cadogan Place Gardens, Cadogan Estates are proud to announce the return of The Milkshakers, who will perform authentic 1950s songs for visitors and garden enthusiasts alike from 11:30am onwards. Chill out to mellow prom-style ballads or rock'n’roll around the shrubbery!

Of course these are not the only activities and events you can enjoy during Open Garden Squares Weekend: see individual garden listings for more details. You can also see lists of gardens offering the following activities:

There is still time to enter the ballot for a place on the tours of the garden at Number 10 Downing Street. We have had over 35,000 entries so far and, if you are one of the lucky winners, we will contact you after 29 May. Please see full details and terms & conditions.

Open Garden Squares Weekend is organised by the London Parks and Gardens Trustand we are again delighted to be working in association with the National Trust. We would also like to welcome our new supporters for 2013 including London Square, Time Out London, North One and West Six Garden Centres and Hamptons International.

Thanks are also due to our long-term supporters Transport for London, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and Hunting plc.

Read on for details of forthcoming events by the London Parks & Gardens Trust and don't forget to keep in touch. If you are tweeting during the Weekend please use #OpenSquares.

Looking forward to the Weekend!

The Open Garden Squares Weekend organising team.