The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace 🌸🏰
The Sunken Garden was designed primarily to provide a bird's-eye view of intricate floral patterns—originally featuring elaborate geometric designs that look best from above. Built in 1908 during King Edward VII's reign, the garden's layout remains largely unchanged. This rectangular, highly symmetrical garden features a long reflecting pool at its center, surrounded by terraced lawns, flower beds, hedges, and arched walkways that step upward in layers. Located on the southeast side of the palace, it sits about 3 meters below ground level, though clever landscaping softens the drop. Ornate wrought-iron gates enclose the garden on all sides (though usually closed—no word on if they ever open!). Visitors can stroll along the covered walkway, peeking through pruned archways for glimpses of the garden. The green corridor is made of linden trees (woven into a framework), ivy (covering brick walls and climbing trellises), and laurel (filling gaps)—creating both a cool retreat and a peaceful green barrier. A Royal Sanctuary: Princess Diana’s Beloved Garden 👑💐 Princess Diana lived at Kensington Palace for 15 years (1981-1997), and the Sunken Garden was one of her favorite places to unwind. She often walked, reflected, and chatted with gardeners here. After her tragic passing, the garden naturally became a place of public tribute. In 2017, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death, Princes William and Harry commissioned a major redesign—transforming it into the "White Garden", featuring over 4,000 white, cream, and silver blooms (including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, roses, and forget-me-nots), many of which were her favorites. Though the garden now follows seasonal planting rotations, it maintains exceptional design quality and a deep connection to Diana. Each year brings new themes and color schemes—spring, summer, and autumn each offer fresh floral displays. In 2021, a statue of Princess Diana with three children was unveiled on July 1st (her 60th birthday), commissioned by her sons and revealed in an emotional ceremony. Why You Should Visit: ✅ A masterpiece of garden design—history and beauty intertwined. ✅ A living tribute to Princess Diana—peaceful and poignant. ✅ Ever-changing floral displays—no two visits are the same! 🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in late spring or summer for peak blooms, or in autumn for golden foliage. Early mornings offer the most serene experience. #KensingtonPalace #SunkenGarden #PrincessDiana #RoyalGardens #LondonHistory #HiddenGems #GardenLovers #TravelUK #FloralBeauty #Memorial
