New Garden in Regent's Park to Honor Queen Elizabeth II's Legacy - Opens in April 2026
A vibrant new garden commemorating Queen Elizabeth II is taking shape in London's Regent's Park, with the project now approaching its halfway point. Set to open in April 2026 to coincide with the centenary of the late monarch's birth, this two-acre horticultural tribute is transforming a previously unused brownfield site into what promises to become one of London's most biodiverse green spaces.
Located just a mile and a half from Queen Elizabeth II's birthplace, the garden represents a significant addition to The Royal Parks' portfolio and stands separate from the planned UK National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James's Park near Buckingham Palace.
"As we mark one year until the garden's opening, our gardeners are busy behind the scenes, planning the creation of a space filled with colour, texture, and fragrance," explains Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks. "The garden will be a lasting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II – a space for reflection, biodiversity, and connection with the natural world."
The design includes thoughtful references to the late Queen's life and personal preferences. Her favorite flower, lily of the valley, will feature prominently alongside specially bred varieties with royal connections such as Narcissus "Diamond Jubilee" and Tulipa "Royal Celebration." The garden will also incorporate plants native to Commonwealth countries, carefully selected for both their aesthetic appeal and ability to withstand changing climate conditions.
Four months into the sixteen-month construction timeline, significant elements are already emerging. Newly laid paths crisscross the site, and work has begun on a central circular pond designed to enhance habitats for local wildlife. The garden will include a central promenade with an accessible platform overlooking the water, extensive wildflower meadows, and dedicated flower gardens.
The ambitious project aims to deliver a remarkable 184% net biodiversity gain, with more than 200,000 bulbs and 40 trees already ordered. The space will feature 2,000 square meters of wildflower meadows for invertebrates and over 5,000 square meters of climate-resilient, pollinator-friendly planting.
This horticultural endeavor honors the Queen's lifelong interest in gardening and plants. She served as patron of the Royal Horticultural Society from her accession in 1952 and was a regular visitor to the Chelsea Flower Show throughout her 70-year reign.
Upon completion, the Queen Elizabeth II commemorative garden will join other distinguished horticultural spaces in Regent's Park, including the rose-filled Queen Mary's Gardens and the ornamental Avenue Gardens, further enriching London's green landscape and providing visitors with a peaceful retreat that celebrates both nature and the legacy of Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
