‘500 Years of Covent Garden’ The Sir Simon Milton Foundation Garden in partnership with Capco

From the show

• A hornbeam hedge frames the garden on two sides
• Three 30-year-old apple trees planted in the corners have come from a former orchard
• Granite cobbles leading to the centre are the same as those in Covent Garden today

At the garden

‘500 Years of Covent Garden’ takes the eponymous area’s floral heritage as its inspiration. A historic, much-loved part of London, Covent Garden originated as the orchard garden belonging to Westminster Abbey before becoming a thriving marketplace and home to London’s iconic flower sellers. Those viewing the garden at close range will become immersed in a blend of the rich floral provenance of the area, conveyed by the retired apple trees and planting evoking the colours of apple blossom, while the iron structures hark to the distinctive arches of the Market Building in Covent Garden today. As stewards, owners and curators of the historic neighbourhood, Capco Covent Garden, in partnership with Westminster charity, The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, has sponsored the garden to share the identity and culture of the famous district through the ages with visitors to the show.