London’s Secret Gardens

Rudyard Kipling had the measure of what it takes to create a green space that can be many things to many people, but joyful to all. “Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade,” said the great British author. They take hard work to create, but the payoff is worth it – these verdant patches offer so much to so many.

Gardens in Britain have a rich history, which can essentially be traced back to the Romans. We have a lot to thank them for. They brought with them countless herbs and vegetables, including rosemary and onions, as well as many flowers. The term ‘English rose’ is something of a misnomer – roses were actually a Roman import.

In London, a sprawling metropolis which is packed with Georgian houses, towering skyscrapers, vast shopping centres and cobbled streets, there is still room