A head gardener has been appointed to lead the development of a new garden dedicated to honoring the legacy of Elizabeth II in central London.

Fiona Packe, an experienced horticulturist, has been selected by Royal Parks — the charity tasked with managing eight parks in London — to spearhead the project at Regent’s Park, set to open in spring 2026.

Packe expressed her excitement about directing the creation and upkeep of this new green space, emphasizing that the garden has been designed with a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainability.

She remarked, “It’s a unique opportunity to be involved from the initial plantings all the way through to the garden’s full maturity.”

Packe further stated, “This area will serve as a guiding example for the future of horticulture, showcasing how we can transform former brownfield sites into beautiful, climate-resilient spaces and encouraging visitors to incorporate biodiversity into their gardens.”

Many of the plants chosen will be native to Commonwealth countries, selected for their aesthetic appeal and adaptability to a changing climate.

This garden will complement the national memorial to Elizabeth II being established in St James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace.

The late queen became the patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1952, the same year she ascended to the throne, and was a frequent attendee of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show throughout her 70-year reign.

Nick Biddle, the manager of Regent’s Park, expressed his pleasure in welcoming Fiona as the head gardener.

He noted, “Her extensive experience, inventive vision, and dedication to sustainable gardening make her the perfect candidate to bring this extraordinary project to fruition.”

“This garden will not only pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, but also showcase innovative gardening techniques that address the challenges of our evolving climate.”