Temple Gardens

A project to enhance the beauty of a centuries-old city garden

The vision

At three acres, Inner Temple – the tranquil gardens of London’s historic Inns of Court – is one of the largest gardens in the city of London, providing a much-loved sanctuary of peace in the city’s bustling legal district.

Inner Temple’s Head Gardener, Andrea Brusendorf had ambitious plans for the space and approached us for help realising her vision.  It was a huge privilege to be invited to work alongside Andrea and we were well aware of the garden’s impressive history, with archives showing the first Gardener of the Inn was appointed in 1307.

The most significant milestone for the garden – which still defines its layout today – was the construction of the Victoria Embankment in 1870.  The wall, railings and carriage gates which still mark the southern edge of the garden were designed to give continuity of design between it and the new Embankment.

The transformation

A key part of our brief was to carry out all hardscaping in a manner sympathetic to the special architectural and historic characteristics of the garden. We did so as harmoniously as modern working practices and building materials allowed, often utilising the original methods of construction.

The planting in the garden, which is all undertaken under the direction of the Head Gardener and their team, is a horticulturalist’s delight. The garden’s microclimate provides the conditions for layered plantings containing a multitude of unusual and special plants designed for all seasons. The main borders provide an amazing tapestry of colour and texture from late spring until the end of the year.

They sit alongside more natural areas of spring bulb meadow and expansive lawns. The Peony Garden provides a more intimate haven for rest and relaxation, while the borders to the east and west contain a lovely woodland edge mix of perennials, choice Hydrangeas and some unusual specimens.

The garden is open to the public most days for a few hours and well worth a visit.

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