Kensington Palace Gardens - July 2013

My wife, Melissa, and I had the opportunity to make it to London, England, in July, 2013, staying at the Thistle Kensington located just across Bayswater Road from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.  We spent many hours walking the 650 acres of the Park and Garden where the Kings and Queens and their Courts have walked and gather since its aquisition in 1536 by King Henry VIII. 

I was surprised to find the majority of Kensington Garden and Hyde Park consists, not of "gardens" as we would understand the term in the United States, but of open lawns and ancient trees through which ran broad boulevards for strolling, running and biking. These areas are more like NY's Central Park or St. Louis' Forest Park.  The seeming monotony is broken by occasional fountains and formal displays of flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.  When we discovered these, I was ecstatic. 

The formal garden of Kensington Palace, known as the Dutch Sunken Garden, is lush and vibrant in July, boasting extravagant displays of a wide variety of flowering perennials as well as palms and evergreen shrubs and trees.

Kensington Palace Sunken Garden



Kensington Palace Formal Pool surrounded by cut flagstone walks and topiary in planters close trimmed lawns and vibrant floral and foliar displays. 

Notice the contrast as well as repetition of color throughout the garden.  Color is repeated from bed to bed using a variety of flowering plants, creating continuity while still maintaining interest that draws the eye deeper into the garden to discover the uniqueness of each area.

 

 

The Steel Blue of the Globe Thistle seen here in the foreground is repeated by the Lavender, drawing the eye deeper into the landscape.

 A wide swath of wine-red bipinnatus Cosmos creates a stunning complementing backdrop to the Globe Thistle. 

The striking red flower of 'Bishop of Llandaff' Dahlia stands out dramatically against its black leaves and stems which, in turn, are complemented by the open flower heads of the nearly spent pink Purple Loosestrife(?).

Bee Balm and Ligularia 'The Rocket' in the foreground.

Large topiary Arborvitae leading to the Queen's Alcove and arched walk around the Sunken Garden form the backdrop.

 

London - Water Features in Kensington Park, Gardens and Hyde Park

Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a week in London, England.  We spent the time strolling Kensington Park and Hyde Park.  The majority of the Parks' area is dedicated to wide boulevards and expansive lawns.  Several lovely water features including The Fountains of the Italian Garden, Serpentine Lake and the Diane, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fountain, were available for the enjoyment of the Parks' many visitors. 

The Diane, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fountain drew many visitors, especially families with small children.  The parents lounged along the side of the meandering fountain's course or on the green while their children frolicked in the water.  One elderly gentleman also joined in the fun, immersing himself in the flowing stream.  I wasn't certain his attire and position in society lent itself to such escapades, but no one else seemed to give a second glance.  So,....

The Fountains of the Italian Garden were amazing, consisting of a small central fountain and four octagonal cut-stone, oblong pools, each sporting its own fountain, water lilies, and various other water plants, as well as fish and ducklings.

 

Above is the Queen Victoria Statue and pool which stands before the entrance to Kensington Palace along the boulevard in Kensington Park.

 The Kensington Palace formal gardens boast a wide array of meticulously maintained plantings surrounding a long rectangular pool bordered by broad natural stone paths.

Here, in July of 2013, the nearly placid waters of the pool reflect the clear sky and Kensington Palace and the planters and plants along its edge.

 

I look forward to soon sharing some of the stunning gardens and architecture we enjoyed in our too-short time in London.