In 2007 some volunteers from the local community of Islington, north London, embarked on a garden design adventure by transforming a once-derelict space into an sustainable and organic garden. This Islington garden is hidden away behind a playground. The garden design’s aim is to encourage local residents in Islington, who don’t have gardens of the own, to participate in gardening, or perhaps just a space for residents to relax. To the South of the garden members have grown their own produce upon raised beds split into pods. It is also pleasing to the eye to notice the well-maintained lawns that surround this area together with planted borders that entice wildlife. Children go pond-dipping in the wildlife pond which is shaped as a teardrop. The rest of the garden design consists of a woodland patch, a rainwater-harvesting system, a composting plot, and a communal building and greenhouse. The garden is emboldened by a bespoke gate commissioned by Heather Burrell, the landscaper designer.

The Duchess of Cambridge visited King Henry’s Walk Garden to see how the garden bonds the community by growing food. Kate was making pizza in an open air kitchen with school children when she was asked if the Queen has ever eaten pizza. Kate replied, “I don’t know, maybe next time I see her shall I ask?”. Kate will co-design a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show which she is excited about.