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Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Five oak trees at the RHS gardens have been dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the RHS since 1952

Some of these Quercus robur (oak) trees are newly planted, while others are venerably old. This will provide an opportunity for visitors, RHS staff and volunteers to quietly reflect and contemplate the late Queen’s life.

Queen Elizabeth had strong links with the work of the RHS and understood the value of gardening and gardens. She was a regular guest of honour at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and was always keen to talk to exhibitors and designers, revealing a passion for horticulture that she enjoyed applying to her own gardens.

Queen Elizabeth II speaking to designers at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

Her love for trees was celebrated in her Platinum Jubilee year in 2022, with the launch of The Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative led by the former Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. The gardens of the Royal Palaces have a history of beautiful trees that was shown in an ITV broadcast in 2018, The Queen’s Green Planet, presented by Sir David Attenborough. HM The Queen and Sir David discussed ‘The Queens Commonwealth Canopy’, a forest conservation and tree planting scheme in the 53 Commonwealth countries. Sir David spoke of ‘her genuine love of nature and her passion for trees of all shapes and sizes’.

See how we commemorated our Patron at the RHS Gardens:


The RHS marked the anniversary of her passing on Friday 8 September 2023 at RHS Garden Wisley by placing a wreath beneath the dedicated oak tree in the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, made by the curatorial team using sprigs of rosemary from the garden. Rosemary is a herb that traditionally symbolises remembrance and makes a fitting tribute to a wonderful Patron and Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II presented the former Prince of Wales with the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honour at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009

Where to find the oak trees at RHS Gardens

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RHS Garden Wisley have dedicated an oak tree in the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden to the late Queen
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RHS Garden Rosemoor chose one of its largest, most visible oaks to dedicate to the Queen, situated between the picturesque lake and the Devon Heritage orchard
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At RHS Garden Harlow Carr an oak tree was planted next to the Queen Mother’s Lake, which will eventually  replace one that is in decline.
5 / 5
RHS Garden Wisley have dedicated an oak tree in the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden to the late Queen
1 / 5
RHS Garden Rosemoor chose one of its largest, most visible oaks to dedicate to the Queen, situated between the picturesque lake and the Devon Heritage orchard
2 / 5
At RHS Garden Harlow Carr an oak tree was planted next to the Queen Mother’s Lake, which will eventually  replace one that is in decline.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.