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London's Kensington Roof Gardens

By Alice, on May 25th, 2010

Kensington Roof Gardens Wisteria

In the very heart of London, the 1.5-acre Kensington Roof Gardens opens to the public when a private event is not taking place. Gardens are located on the 7th floor, 99 Kensington High Street at Derry Street. Note: Do check the web site, and be sure to phone before planning a visit. Update 2018 ~ the Roof Gardens are permanently closed.
What an enticement! To savor lunch, dinner or cocktails at Babylon Restaurant, while taking advantage of the opportunity to stroll through the 1.5 acre landscape of the Roof Gardens.

While dodging raindrops, I serendipitously encountered head gardener, David Lewis, meeting with the project’s current landscape architect, Thea Thompson, and arboricultural consultant, Amelia Williams. They kindly answered questions and provided insight into the gardens. I was amazed to learn of the gardens’ 70-year history, originally designed by Ralph Hancock, creator of New York’s Rockefeller Center roof gardens – circa 1940.

Kensington Roof Gardens Woodland Bridge Photo © Alice Joyce

Over the past 2 years, an ongoing process of restoration has brought new life to the gardens, rejuvenating the plantings and hardscape of three distinctive areas:

A Tudor Garden boasts a predominately black and white scheme: dark tulips and white peonies; new cultivars with dramatic foliage like Sambucus ‘Black Lace’, Cotinus varieties, and Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing. My timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as I luxuriated in the spring display of a Wisteria draped archway, pictured above.

In the English Woodland Garden, brilliant fresh foliage and flowers enlivened the setting; home to wildlife  that includes ducks, and flamingos. Not sure if the pictured guy is Bill, Ben, Splosh or Pecks!  A colored glass and steel abstract form adorns the shady woodland, along with the stark yet sparkling metal tree with its rusted patina.

Meandering Stream Photo © Alice Joyce

Kensington Roof Gardens- Spring Photo © Alice Joyce

Kensington Roof Gardens: Rill

The Spanish Garden showcases the Moorish elements of the Alhambra. During my visit, the fine light played off the colorful Spanish-influenced landscape; Trompe  l’eoil murals, decorative ironwork, and patterned tiles setting off the design.

Kensington Roof Garden Vignette

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2 comments to Kensington Roof Gardens London

  • Karen Sloan
    May 25, 2010 at 5:37 PM

    Alice, these photos are nothing short of stunning. Wisteria is one of my favourites. It looks so beautiful with it’s lucious blooms draping all over that wall.
    The tree sculpture is fabulous. Would love it in my garden, despite the fact that I back onto a forest!
    And of course, I have a soft spot for Spanish architecture and gardens. Another excellent post!

  • Heidi (GippyGardener)
    May 26, 2010 at 5:55 AM

    What an amazing place. I can’t quite get my head around the idea that this is all on a rooftop above London!

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