431 Commemorative Garden

Date: December 2020
Designed by: The Edible Bus Stop , Davies White , Rosetta Arts , National Trust
Credit: Dezeen / Tom Wheatley via Unsplash.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has announced plans for a public commemorative garden in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to honour victims and key workers from the pandemic.

“Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our city and our country, and while we continue to battle the virus we are creating a lasting, living memorial to commemorate those who have lost their lives, pay tribute to the amazing work of our key workers and create a space for all Londoners to reflect on the experience of the pandemic,” said Khan.

“This public garden of blossom trees will be a permanent reminder of the lives that have been lost, a tribute to every single key worker, and a symbol of how Londoners have stood together to help one another.”

Blossoming trees are to be used for the garden's centrepiece because this year's blossom season coincided with the start of the UK's first national lockdown.

Eight different species of trees will be used, planted together in three rings. The largest circle will have 17 trees, while the others will have nine and seven.