Rooftop Garden High Street Kensington: Europe's Largest

Located on the High Street in Kensington, this rooftop garden is a marvel of urban greenery. It's Europe's largest, covering an impressive 10,000 square meters.

The garden's sheer size allows for a wide variety of plant species, with over 100 different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees on display. This diversity is a testament to the garden's designers, who carefully curated the selection to create a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

Visitors to the garden can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cityscape while strolling through the lush greenery. The garden's unique vantage point makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Visiting Kensington is a breeze, and I'm excited to share the details with you. The Roof Gardens is located at 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA.

Accessing the building is easy, just head down Derry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.

The nearest Tube Station is High Street Kensington, making it a convenient destination for tourists and locals alike.

To ensure you don't get turned away, always call first to check if the Roof Gardens is open to the public: 020 7937 7994.

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The roof garden on top of Derry & Toms in Kensington is still largely intact, and 80 years after its inception it is still Europe's largest single site roof garden with its 6,070m².

It's a remarkable feat of engineering and design that has stood the test of time. The garden features 1.17 million different plants, which is a staggering number that's hard to wrap your head around.

The garden has undergone some changes over the years, but most of it remains the same as it was laid out in 1938. The original tea pavilion, for example, still has strong Art Deco lines, although it's been modified since its original design.

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The Kensington Roof Gardens have a rich history that's fascinating to explore.

The gardens cover a massive 1.5 acres on top of the former Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street, making them the largest roof garden in Europe.

Commissioned by Trevor Bowen in the 1930s, the gardens were designed by Ralph Hancock, a leading landscape gardener, between 1936 and 1938 at a cost of £25,000.

The department store building was Derry and Toms until 1973, and some people still refer to the gardens as 'Derry and Toms Gardens'.

The gardens were declared a Grade II listed site by English Heritage in 1978.

The gardens were pretty much abandoned until Virgin took over in 1981, and they use The Roof Gardens for private luxury entertaining.

Kensington Roof Gardens may reopen later this year, which is a welcome news for those who miss this iconic garden.

The garden has been sold to a private members club, which plans to refurbish the 1.5 acre rooftop garden.

It's worth noting that the garden has been closed for business and leisure since 2018, when it closed its doors after nearly 40 years.

The Grade-II listed gardens were designed in 1936 by landscape architect Ralph Hancock, as part of the Derry & Toms department store.

Kensington Roof Gardens played host to weddings and concerts, but it also gained notoriety as one of London's most famous party venues, often featuring the rich and famous.

Kate Moss, The Duchess of Cambridge, and Madonna are just some of the names who've graced the heights above Kensington High Street.

The garden was also home to four party-ready flamingos who charmed guests for years.

It featured a running stream, over 70 mature trees, and buildings modelled on the Alhambra palace, making it one of the most Instagrammable gardens in London.

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Creating a suitable plant environment is crucial for a thriving garden.

Light is the most important factor in plant growth, with most plants requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

The type of soil is also vital, with most plants preferring well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

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Plants need water, but overwatering can be detrimental, so it's essential to check the soil moisture before watering.

Temperature fluctuations can also impact plant growth, with most plants tolerating temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.

Air circulation is also necessary for healthy plant growth, preventing fungal diseases and promoting strong stem development.

Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, reducing the need for frequent watering and weeding.

By understanding the specific needs of your plants, you can create a tailored plant environment that fosters optimal growth and development.

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The Garden on top of Derry & Toms in Kensington is still Europe's largest single site roof garden, an impressive 80 years after its inception. It covers an area of 6,070m².

This distinction is quite remarkable, especially when compared to other notable roof gardens around the world. The world's largest roof garden is now found in Sejong, South Korea, covering a staggering 79,194m².

The Garden's longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and well-designed layout. Most of the original gardens from 1938 remain intact, with the Tudor Garden and the English Woodland Garden still recognizable today.

The Garden has been a popular spot for both locals and visitors over the years, with notable guests including the exiled King Haakon VII of Norway, who visited in 1943.