Gardens in St. James's Park

The many flower beds of St. James’s Park

From mulberries and medlars to tree ferns and 70,000 daffodils, St. James’s Park is a garden paradise in the heart of the city. 

St. James’s Park – gardens for all seasons

Some of St. James’s Park’s historic 17th century landscaping by John Nash and formal ornamental beds and borders are clearly visible. The long, seasonal flower borders flanking the Storeyard and Leafyard are in the Nash style, but with more naturalistic touches to suit today’s tastes. Some of the later Stuart landscape can also be seen in the linear walks of Birdcage Walk, The Mall and of course Horse Guards Parade.

The Memorial Gardens – the jewel in the crown

The formal Buckingham Palace flower beds are possibly the most televised and photographed flowers in all the Royal Parks; a memorable backdrop to countless royal occasions. The beds are renowned for the 12,000 scarlet geraniums in summer, traditionally chosen to match the scarlet uniform of the Palace Guards. And even in winter, the beds are alive with colour – an astonishing 50,000 wallflowers, grown sustainably at our super nursery in Hyde Park.

The meticulous planning ensures a seamless transition of colors and textures, making the Buckingham Palace flower beds a year-round spectacle admired by visitors from around the world.

Crossing continents – the Jungle Border

Ever wondered what a pineapple plant looks like? Exotic jungle borders were the height of horticultural fashion in Victorian and Edwardian gardens – we have one here at St. James’s Park, near the St. James’s Café and another in The Regent’s Park. 

Explore these borders at St. James’s Park to encounter a diverse collection of tropical plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into the global botanical diversity cherished during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Duck Island Cottage Garden – a garden to give you ideas

Duck Island Cottage Garden is a delightful contrast to St. James’s Park’s grander flower beds. This is gardening on the domestic scale – we grow heritage varieties of fruit, flowers and vegetables, and experiment with new ones each year. We use organic seeds and companion planting to encourage biodiversity and lure as many pollinators as possible. If you’re a keen gardener, the Cottage Garden is a lovely place to take away some practical tips and inspirational ideas, whether you're interested in creating a sustainable urban garden or simply appreciate the charm of traditional horticulture.

The trees in St. James’s Park

From the picture perfect cherry trees overlooking St. James’s Park Lake, to the black and white mulberries and medlars, St. James’s Park has an extraordinary collection of must-see trees, many of them rare. Linger in the lakeside meadow, down by the water, beneath the fig trees and mulberries, to experience the serene beauty and rich biodiversity of this historic park.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome in St. James’s Park, but you’ll need to keep your dog on the footpath around the lake.