Open Garden Squares a Great Escape

At HMP Wandsworth, the largest prison in London, there’s a riot going on – but not the kind you might expect. A new craze has gripped officers and inmates alike: gardening. Visitors to the category-B, high-security prison in southwest London are greeted by jewel-bright pansies and geraniums, artfully planted in towers of modern-looking black pots that flank the main gate and front courtyard.

Next weekend, the jail – which has 1,475 inmates and about 400 officers, and whose most famous past residents include the train robber Ronnie Biggs and troubled rocker Pete Doherty – will open its gates to the public. As part of the Open Gardens Squares weekend 9 -10 June 2007 Ticket Hotline 020 8347 3230 or Open Garden Squares Weekend

HMP Wandsworth will let in 60 members of the public to view the results of the hard work.