We visited on a grey and overcast January day after landing in the city from a period away in Copenhagen. It was the first week of the year that The Conservatory was open to the public after its closure over the winter months. It’s always a good idea on a cold day to head into a greenhouse of sorts and The Conservatory didn’t disappoint. It houses 2000 plant species including a giant monstera plant climbing up the concrete balconies.
Glass and Steel meets delicate root systems, soil and plant matter. The space was designed by Chamberlain, Powell and Bon and planting began in 1981 and took until 1984 when the gardens opened to the public. The giant monsteras and banana plants spread out between the ponds occupied by carp, roach and terrapins.
If you time it right, you can have a tour by one of the gardeners, if not make your way around in your own time. Even though the garden has been open for only half a century, the plants are so established. A sign of how quick nature takes over when given the chance. A green break in the city, I advise a trip if you’re in London, it’s an impressive combination of the steel of man and the green of nature.
