Hampton Court Palace, one of England’s most iconic royal landmarks, is stepping into the future with a groundbreaking project—a new climate-resilient garden designed to thrive as the world’s weather patterns change. The charity responsible for the palace, Historic Royal Palaces, has revealed detailed plans for a garden that promises not just beauty, but also sustainability, biodiversity, and inspiration for gardeners everywhere—including those in Nigeria.
The new garden will transform the famous Great Fountain Garden, a space first created between 1689 and 1696 by King William III and Queen Mary II.
Over the centuries, this garden has seen many changes, from Queen Anne’s simplifications to Queen Victoria’s colourful annual bedding and borders. Now, it’s time for another transformation—one that responds to the urgent challenges of climate change.
The plan is ambitious: almost 300 species will be planted across 32 beds and borders. Each plant is carefully chosen for its ability to withstand drought, support local wildlife, and provide long-lasting colour and interest.
Accoding to Historic Royal Palaces, “Once fully established, this garden will require minimal irrigation,” making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Designed for the Future—And for Everyone
Leading the project is Ann-Marie Powell, an award-winning garden designer known for her innovative and sustainable work. She describes the new garden as “a kaleidoscopic border that is dynamic and ever-changing,” promising visitors a living, breathing landscape that looks different every season.
Powell explains, “Our design is about reimagining beauty through the lens of sustainability, resilience, and biodiversity.
We’re not just planting for visual impact—we’re planting for pollinators, for changing weather, for longevity. Every plant has a purpose and a place.”
This approach is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting birds, and making sure the garden can handle both dry spells and heavy rains—challenges that are becoming more common worldwide.
The Great Fountain Garden is steeped in history, but the new project shows that even the oldest gardens must adapt.
Alex Wigley, head of parks and gardens at Historic Royal Palaces, says, “This garden honours centuries of Royal horticulture while setting a bold new benchmark for sustainability.
With low-water requiring species and smarter layouts, it’s designed not just to endure, but to thrive—supporting biodiversity, inspiring visitors, and helping us reach our goal of being nature-positive and carbon net zero by 2050.”
The garden’s design will also help preserve the palace’s rich heritage while protecting it from the effects of climate change. This is no small feat, as the palace grounds are home to ancient trees, historic features, and even archaeological treasures that must be respected and protected.
One of the most exciting parts of the project is the creation of a National Collection of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
More than 60 varieties of this vibrant, pollinator-friendly flower will be grown throughout the palace grounds. These flowers are not just beautiful—they play a crucial role in supporting bees and butterflies, which are essential for healthy ecosystems.
A Model for Gardens Everywhere
The unveiling of this garden comes as the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival kicks off, showcasing the very best in sustainable garden design.
Visitors to the festival can see some of the new plants and ideas in action, offering inspiration for anyone who wants to make their own garden more climate-resilient.
Helena Pettit, RHS director of gardens & shows, notes, “Climatic extremes are becoming increasingly common in the UK and our green spaces will need to adapt to weather them.
The gardens at RHS Hampton Court provide plenty of inspiration for visitors to try at home to help make their own gardens more resilient.”
Quote of the Day
“We’re not just planting for visual impact—we’re planting for pollinators, for changing weather, for longevity. Every plant has a purpose and a place.”
— Ann-Marie Powell, Garden Designer
Hampton Court Palace’s new climate-resilient garden is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a powerful example of how tradition and innovation can come together to tackle the climate crisis. By embracing sustainability and biodiversity, the palace is showing the world that even the most historic places can lead the way to a greener future. As Ann-Marie Powell reminds us, “Every plant has a purpose and a place.” This vision can inspire gardeners everywhere, from the royal grounds of England to the vibrant cities
