Royal Parks plan 'vibrant' tribute to Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong interest in horticulture

Work is under way in Regent's Park on a new garden to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, which is due to open this time next year.

The Royal Parks said the garden, described as biodiverse and climate-resilient, will be a space in central London for reflection and connection with the natural world.

Some of the plant species will be native to Commonwealth countries, selected for both their beauty and their ability to thrive in a changing climate.

The garden is in addition to the UK National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, which will be in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Parks will turn a disused plant nursery into a new biodiverse garden

The late Queen became the patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1952, the year she acceded to the throne, and attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show regularly during her 70-year reign.

The Regent's Park commemorative garden, due to open in April 2026, the centenary of the late Queen's birth, is designed to transform a redundant brownfield site into a thriving green space rich in wildlife.

This includes 2,000 sq m of wildflower meadows for invertebrates and more than 5,000 sq m of climate-resilient, pollinator-friendly planting.

The two-acre site is four months into the 16-month build, and key features are emerging, which include newly laid paths.

Work has also begun on a circular pond, designed to enhance habitats for local wildlife.

More than 200,000 bulbs and 40 trees have been ordered to create a colourful, nectar-rich garden.

The Queen would regularly visit the Chelsea Flower Show, pictured here in 1973

The garden will reference Queen Elizabeth II's life and service by using plants significant to the late monarch or with royal associations, such as the specially bred Narcissus "Diamond Jubilee" or Tulipa "Royal Celebration".

It will also include her favourite plants like lily of the valley.

The Royal Parks said recruitment was underway for a dedicated team of horticultural staff to look after the garden.

It will join other renowned gardens in Regent's Park, that includes Queen Mary's Gardens, home to London's largest collection of roses.

Matthew Pottage, head of horticulture and landscape strategy at The Royal Parks, said the garden would be "a space for reflection, biodiversity, and connection with the natural world".