Did you know?

Some of our most precious parks and gardens were shaped by Kings and Queens through the ages with St James's and Green Parks originally forming royal hunting grounds before being landscaped into the glorious green spaces we enjoy today. Beyond the Canada Gate into Green Park are glossy London Plane Trees probably planted some two hundred years ago under the Prince Regent (who became George IV) and his architect John Nash.These so-called "Lungs of london" absorb air pollution in their bark which then peels off; they are also able to cope with dry conditions and poor soil quality. Overlooking Green park are Spencer House (London home of Princess Diana's family) and Lancaster House which doubled up for Buckingham Palace in the Netflix series "The Crown".