The new garden has taken two years to create and features a wildlife-supporting circular pond plus a central flower garden planted with species significant to Queen Elizabeth II
Monty Don gives Gardeners’ World viewers a first look at the new The Queen Elizabeth II Garden which is opening in The Regent’s Park(Image: The Royal Parks)
A special one-hour episode of BBC Gardeners’ World tonight (Friday, April 17) will go behind the scenes of the new The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in The Regent’s Park which will open to the public before the end of the month. Presented by Monty Don, the episode will show how over two years a former disused plant nursery in one of London’s Royal Parks has been transformed into a two-acre garden in honour of the late Queen.
The design for the new garden draws inspiration from Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for gardens, from the woodland walk at Buckingham Palace to the meadows at Frogmore. The Regent’s Park garden includes Lily of the valley, the late Queen’s favourite flower, which was part of her coronation bouquet.
A specially selected magnolia has also been planted that typically flowers in April, around the time of the late Queen’s birthday. Agapanthus varieties – plants known for their large, blue drumstick-headed flowers – will feature after being gifted from the Royal Collection at Windsor Great Park.
Trees such as oak and elm have been picked to symbolise the strength of the monarchy. Visitors will also seen plants with royal associations, including cultivars such as Narcissus ‘Diamond Jubilee’, Tulipa ‘Royal Celebration’, Acer campestre ‘Queen Elizabeth’, and Magnolia ‘Windsor Beauty’.
From the demolition of the nursery to planting, the episode of Gardeners’ World explores every stage of the project, including an appearance from the team at the Hyde Park Nursery, where some of the plants were sourced.
Fiona Packe, Head Gardener for The Queen Elizabeth II Garden, The Royal Parks, said: “Being part of this project has been an extraordinary privilege. Having the Gardeners’ World team with us over two years, from the very first days on site to the final planting, has been incredibly special.
“We hope the episode gives viewers a real sense of the care, craft and passion that have gone into every corner of this garden, and that it inspires them to come and visit when we open.”
Where The Queen Elizabeth II Garden is located and when it opens to the public
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden will be found adjacent to the Broad Walk in The Regent’s Park and behind the Espresso Bar on Chester Road. It sits between St. John’s Lodge Garden and the Longbridge Sanctuary.
It features a wildlife-supporting circular pond and a central flower garden planted with species significant to Queen Elizabeth II.
The garden opens to the public on Monday, April 27 to coincide with the late Queen’s centenary year.
The special episode of BBC Gardeners’ World is on BBC Two and iPlayer from Friday, April 17 at 8pm.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
Comments are closed.