London is a city of luscious plants and shady trees. London gardens and parks proffer the city a refreshing angle. One can always take a refuge in the lush gardens to shun chaotic motion of the city. Stocky trees, breathtaking waterfalls and frolicking wildlife are arresting features for any one visiting these gardens. Some prominent London gardens and parks are managed under the supervision of Royal Parks.



London had its most beautiful in summer. Rhododendrons, roses and horse chestnuts all were blooming at the same time. Window boxes were overflowing their boundaries, and not an umbrella was to be seen.

Gardens were lush, Camellias were robust, large-leaved Gunneras were left out near their ponds all winter, and potted azaleas, marguerites and lemon trees were left on their own outdoors. Scented geraniums spend the winter exposed to the damp cold, as do fuschias, only to spring into action at the first hint of spring. Hellebores bloom in February. London is a city of row house neighborhoods. Streets are lined with attached houses with gardens in the back, and entryways planted as decoratively as possible.

Open space accounts for nearly a third of London - the city has 143 parks and gardens. Walking paths and nature trails can be found in Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park. South of the River Thames is Battersea Park, featuring a Japanese Pagoda that was a gift to the nation. Further out is Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew where there are four acres of plants from rainforest to desert.

Kensington Gardens is an extension of Hyde Park and covers an area of 275 acres. One of the main attractions of the garden is the Boating Pond where locals try out there model boats. Kensington Gardens is an ideal place to escape from it all as it is relatively quiet and you can watch the thriving wildlife on a summers evening.

Chelsea Physic were founded in 1673 were set up to research apothecary and the medical values of plants. This garden is well worth a visit just for the rock garden which was the first ever constructed in England. Green Park is a haven from all the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly and covers over 53 acres. Green Park leads on to St. James Park, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace so it is often quiet, as people choose to visit one of the larger parks or the Palace.

Primrose Hill is a garden based on a large hill, with over 61 acres it offers some of the best views of London. Greenwich Park is London's oldest royal park. The park covers 183 acres and has something for all the family including red and fallow deer in the deer park, a flower garden and a children’s play ground. Hampstead Heath has some of the best views of London, it is worth a visit just for these alone. The park also has a 17th century stately home - Kenwood House. The Museum of Garden History provides an insight into the history and development of gardens and gardening in the UK, an important facet in our social history.