The archive photographs illustrate a scheme which in its original form was planted primarily with annual bedding, a design solution which was clearly unsustainable in the current economic climate and continuing cuts in local government budgets. There were no historic planting plans, just the term ‘Old English Garden’ which was originally used on the layout plans. LUC prepared a number of planting concepts for the garden which were all designed to be low maintenance whilst offering colour and interest at all times of year, with the peak period being May to October when park usage is at its greatest. The final scheme consists primarily of herbaceous perennials, many thousands of plants designed to provide a long and varied flowering period, on the basis that a ‘flower garden’ should offer an extended flower season. Shrub planting is used selectively for example white hydrangeas provide bulk at the back of shady borders, whilst the evergreen domes of Hebes are interspersed with grasses and ferns amongst the more herbaceous material. A line of new ornamental hawthorn trees and a number of flowering dogwoods provide height. Aquatic irises and water-lilies bring life to the small restored pond, and a variety of scented roses, climbing and shrub, and clematis add vertical interest. A new holly hedge provides boundary definition, replacing an ugly close-boarded and metal fences abutted the attractive pavilion. The planting concentrates on the use of species and cultivars of herbaceous plants that are excellent pollinators, therefore generally plants with double or multi-petalled flowers are excluded. This design decision was made to facilitate the presence of BeeUrban within yards of the Flower Garden. BeeUrban is a honeybee-centric social enterprise which aims to positively influence the urban environment through supporting local people and promoting positive, ecologically sound practice around urban greening, building, farming and particularly bee-keeping. They operate eight bee hives in Kennington Park and have built a training centre – named the Bee Barn – out of recycled materials which is a hub for beekeeping activities and other community environmental projects.