About

The Queen's Orchard is an enclosed area of Greenwich Park, little gem of English gardening heritage and home to a historic variety of plants. 

The aims of this blog are recording the gardening activity all along the year and sharing with you nice pictures, stories, and events from this lovely garden.

The Orchard is tended to by volunteers and The Royal Parks staff who cultivate the beds and grow vegetables and flowers for every season.

History of the Queen's Orchard.

The earliest records of this area as a formal garden called "Queen's Orchard" can be found on documents and maps dating back to 1693. The orchard remained part of the Greenwich Park until 1976 when the Greenwich Hospital Estate sold it to Greenwich Council.

Also known as "Dwarf Orchard" in the local community, the garden was for a long time closed to the public and managed as a wildlife area until it was returned to the Royal Park in 2007.

In 2011-2012 major works were carried out inside the Queen's Orchard.

The overall layout of the restored garden is based on the early 18th century designs of this area according to historical maps. A "formal" circular pond and "wildlife" pond have been built at the two sides of an artificial hill and a series of heritage fruit trees - particularly varieties dating back to earlier centuries - have been planted. Alongside are seasonal vegetables and flowers, many in raised beds. There are fruit and fig trees growing against the south facing wall, with lavender beds underneath.

In 2013 thanks to the help of local volunteers, schools and members of the Greenwich Park Friends, the Queen's Orchard restoration projected was completed and garden opened to the public.

Visit the Queen’s Orchard.

The Queen's Orchard is open to the public from Easter to October.
Wednesday 11:15am - 4:45pm
Saturday and Sunday 9:15am - 4:45pm Closed for lunch 12:30am -1:30pm