November 2026 ~ London via Surrey

A Garden for a Queen

Despite the dry summer following its April 2026 opening, the new Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park has maintained an impressive succession of color and interest.

Tucked behind the Espresso Bar on the Broad Walk, the two-acre garden occupies a former plant nursery. The garden reflects Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong love of gardening and nature.

The Queen was born nearby in Mayfair and had a close connection with the Royal Parks, from childhood outings in Hyde Park to important ceremonies throughout her reign. The garden’s layout and style are inspired by aspects of her life. The central linear path stands for her steadfast duty, while the routes through the garden suggest her long and well-travelled life as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch (1952 to 2022).

The nursery, which once grew plants for London’s eight Royal Parks, was decommissioned in 2018 following the opening of the Hyde Park Nursery. Its transformation into the garden incorporated a range of recycled materials:

The pergola was constructed from salvaged steel from the former greenhouses.

Crushed concrete was reused in the soil mix, while other usable materials from the site were incorporated into the paths.

The former water tower was transformed into a viewing platform and serves as a refuge for bats, bees and birds.

For a relatively compact space, the thoughtful design creates a surprising sense of intimacy, with meandering paths, informal seating areas, a circular pond and a central focal feature.

The garden also pays tribute to William Robinson (1838–1935), the celebrated gardener and writer who pioneered a more informal style of gardening and once worked at the Royal Botanic Society’s gardens, which were based in Regent’s Park. The garden’s meadow reflects Robinson’s approach with sweeping displays of bulbs and British wildflowers that will reach their peak in spring.

Drought-resistant and low-maintenance plants were selected throughout. Among the 40 new trees are both native species and varieties from Commonwealth countries. Several flowers have particularly strong royal associations: