Queen Elizabeth II garden opens to the public

A new two-acre garden dedicated to Elizabeth II has opened to the public in central London following more than two years of development.

The Queen Elizabeth II Garden, in Regent's Park, has been created on the site of a former disused plant nursery.

The garden is a commemorative space reflecting aspects of the late monarch's life and public service.

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

Landscape designer Katharine Erme said every element of the space "is imbued with meaning".

She highlighted a strong central axis running through the site towards a rondel, describing it as reflecting the late queen's "unwavering service and duty", while other areas of the garden are intended to represent her roles as "a mother, a wife, a woman".

The project, overseen by the Royal Parks team, also draws on the queen's well-known passion for horticulture and gardens.

Matthew Pottage, head of horticulture at the Royal Parks, said plant choices were inspired by her personal favourites and associations with royal residences.

He said: "There's some of her favourite flowers, such as lily of the valley. We have some different agapanthus varieties that are known for royal residences. And we also know that magnolias are one of her favourite flowering trees."

The design also includes a woodland walk inspired by the Queen's reported enjoyment of a secluded path in the gardens of Buckingham Palace Gardens.

Visitors will be able to find a hidden corgi inside a water tower - a nod to her well-known affection for the breed.

The garden also reflects the late Queen's long association with the Chelsea Flower Show, which she visited many times during her reign.

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