The daffodils and tulips are in bloom, and grape hyacinths have started to flower as the new memorial garden to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth 11 takes shape.
Hello! has been given an exclusive preview of the two-acre space in London’s Regents Park, which will officially open in late April to coincide with the late monarch’s 100th birthday.
Filled with trees, shrubs, perennials and some of Elizabeth’s favourite flowers, the garden will be a tranquil city oasis where visitors can find peace and calm.
© Alex IngramThe new space is taking shape
“I always admired the Queen; she had such a resilience, and I loved her sense of colour and fashion, which we have tried to replicate with the bold colours of the flowers,” head gardener Fiona Packe tells us as she shows us around the space, which will reference Elizabeth’s life and service through plants.
Special flowers
These include lily of the valley, which featured in her wedding bouquet, as well as rosemary and myrtle, which were in her funeral wreath.
Specially bred plants, such as the Narcissus ‘Diamond Jubilee’ or Tulipa ‘Royal Celebration’, reference Elizabeth’s life and service, while a central straight promenade symbolises her unwavering duty and service.
© Alex IngramFiona Packe, head gardener for the new memorial garden
In the centre is a roundel with a magnolia tree – a favourite in royal gardens – surrounded by benches made from eco-friendly coir wood, which is manufactured from coconut husks. At the base of the tree, where the official opening will take place, an inscription from Her late Majesty’s 2013 Christmas broadcast reads: “We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”
Some 200,000 spring bulbs have been planted to bloom in time for the opening, while other species like lavender, sunflowers and Red Hot Pokers will bring different colours and scents throughout the year.
© Alex IngramFiona prepares for the grand opening
“We really thought about the succession of bulbs, so it looks interesting throughout the whole year and we’ve got some nice references to the late Queen,” Fiona says.
The 56 countries of the Commonwealth are represented by the 56 steel supports on a pagoda, which will eventually be covered with wisteria, while the wrought iron design on the water tower lookout is inspired by the embroidery on Elizabeth’s coronation gown.
© Alex IngramThe wrought iron is inspired by Ellizabeth’s coronation gown
The vision of London landscaping company HTA Designs, the garden is built on the site of a demolished plant nursery, and Fiona, who specialises in dry gardens, has used the crushed concrete as a sustainable growing medium which will require little water.
Crowdfund
“The plants will have deeper roots and be stockier and more robust,” says Fiona, who trained as a gardener 10 years ago after a career in fashion.
Meanwhile Royal Parks, the charity funding the £5 million project, is offering the public a chance to fund a patch of a £20,000 wildflower meadow, which will attract bees, butterflies and other wildlife. A square metre costs £22.
© HTA DesignAn artist’s impression of the completed garden
“You will be able to see it grow and come alive with insects and know that you have contributed,” Fiona says. “It will attract all sorts of wildlife – definitely bats and hopefully hedgehogs. Ponds are brilliant for wildlife too – the Egyptian geese have already moved in.
“We’ve got such a great mix of people around Regents Park – tourists, locals and people from all sorts of different backgrounds. It’s such a calm and relaxing space and I’m looking forward to seeing how people use it.”