Cadogan Place South Garden

About Cadogan Place South Garden

Henry Holland, architect to the Georgian aristocracy, began the Hans Town development in 1777 on 89 acres of open field and marsh leased from the Cadogan family. At the end of the 18th century this site was called the London Botanic Garden, incorporating a school and library. In the 19th century the garden was renamed Cadogan Place Garden. On the south lawn are a group of Mulberry trees thought to have been planted at the end of the 17th century for the production of silk, though as these are the black variety these would not have been the correct variety. The garden was badly damaged by the effects of the 1987 hurricane, when many mature trees including plane trees were destroyed. In the re-planting process a greater variety of ornamental trees were used which in turn has provided more year round interest and opened the garden to more light with the removal of dense shading the plane trees created. At the South end of the garden is a mature Magnolia soulangiana under-planted with blue-bells and hyacinths. Throughout the garden are displays of plants for spring interest particularly along the walk on the east side which runs the entire length of the garden. The last few years have seen replanting of sunny areas to drought tolerant species to reduce water and extend the flowering season to late summer.

Beautiful 300 yr old black mulberry tree (originally planted to produce silk, but incorrect variety!). Area of drought resistant, pollinator plants. This was once the home of the Royal Botanic Garden. Now featuring a bug hotel, children's playground and four wildlife ponds.