Londoners are to get a new ‘pocket park’ this spring

Londoners are to get a new ‘pocket park’ this spring – and it’ll be floating over water.

London Garden

The park at Merchant Square in Paddington is suspended over the Grand Union Canal in one of the busiest areas of central London. The 730 sq m space was designed by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Young Garden Designer of the Year, Tony Woods, and features lawns, nectar-rich raised borders, and communal seating. The mixed planting of perennials and grasses provides colour from stems in autumn, scented winter flowers, spring bulbs and an abundance of summer flowers. Further planting is designed to encourage wildlife, with a separate pontoon designed to attract ground-nesting birds. Visitors will reach it across a series of decked platforms and walkways across the water.

Inspiration for your own 'pocket park'

Most people can’t quite manage a floating park in the back garden – but water is always a great opportunity to bring in wildlife and create a calm, relaxing space in the garden for dreamy days spent dipping your toes in the pool and watching the dragonflies. Building a pond in your garden isn’t difficult and will add a whole new dimension to your outdoor space. Pop into the garden centre here at Pickering and ask our knowledgeable staff for advice - we’ll be delighted to help.