In preparation for the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II in 2026, a new garden is set to be created in Regent’s Park, London. On August 6, the Royal Parks charity announced that they have received approval to build this special memorial.
The new garden will replace the old plant nursery, which is currently closed. It’s scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature a circular wildlife pond, a central walkway with a ramp leading to a viewing platform over the pond, and a flower garden with plants that were meaningful to the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth, who passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, was the longest-serving British monarch and would have celebrated her 100th birthday in April 2026.
Matthew Halsall, Senior Landscape Project Manager, shared in a recent video that the garden’s construction is underway, transforming the old growing area from “gray to green.” Designed by HTA Design LLP with input from horticulturist Dr. Noel Kingsbury and Tate + Co architects, the garden aims to blend with Regent’s Park’s historic gardens while incorporating sustainable features.
One unique aspect of the garden will be turning an old water tower into a wheelchair-accessible platform with a view of the garden. The tower will also provide shelter for birds, bats, and other wildlife. The garden will enhance the park’s biodiversity with nectar-rich plants, meadows, wooded areas, and hedges.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project, including plans to reuse steel from the old greenhouse for new structures like a pergola, and to recycle demolished concrete as growing media.
According to The Telegraph, the garden will be dedicated to Queen Elizabeth’s memory and will feature lily-of-the-valley, her favorite flower. This flower was part of her coronation bouquet in 1953, along with orchids from England, stephanotis from Scotland, orchids from Wales, and carnations from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Andrew Scattergood, Chief Executive of the Royal Parks, expressed his excitement about the garden’s development. He emphasized that the garden will offer a peaceful retreat from the city and be accessible to everyone. The two-acre garden will provide a new space for people to enjoy and reconnect with nature.
Originally, the memorial garden plans included public engagement sessions set for January. Regent’s Park, about 4.3 km from Buckingham Palace, is managed by The Royal Parks charity, which also oversees other famous London parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
King Charles, who has been a patron of The Royal Parks since 2017, has continued his commitment to conservation since becoming king about two and a half years ago. The garden is a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth, who was a patron of the Royal Horticultural Society for 70 years and visited the Chelsea Flower Show over 50 times during her reign, including her final visit in May 2022.
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