Royal Parks Get a Makeover: Horticulture is Back!

Matthew Pottage, appointed as the first-ever head of horticulture and landscape strategy for the Royal Parks in June 2024, is embarking on a ten-year plan to transform London's celebrated green spaces. This ambitious role encompasses parks such as Hyde Park, St James's Park, and Greenwich Park.

Pottage's strategy involves bringing horticulture back to the forefront, moving away from the previous model of outsourcing maintenance. Since 2022, head gardeners have been reinstated, with a view to extending this in-house approach to further parks to enhance quality and commitment.

Innovations include prioritizing a "wow factor" and embracing diversity in plantings. Examples include a large-scale replanting of 130 cherry trees in Greenwich Park and encouraging wilder, more naturalistic elements in Green Park, contrasting with St James's Park's more ornamental approach.

Enhancements are also planned for Hyde Park's infrastructure, such as restoring water features and diversifying its tree collection to mitigate disease risks. The parks' nurseries, supported by staff and volunteers, will continue to provide seasonal bedding plants.

While concerts and events generate crucial income, estimated at 85% of the £75 million annual maintenance budget, Pottage also champions the visitor experience through engaging natural displays and a focus on delight. This ensures the continued funding and aesthetic appeal of these vital urban oases.