Stretched along one of the walls of Covent Garden’s London Transport Museum, is George Cargill Leighton’s 1849 ‘Grand Grand Architectural Panorama of London’.
The fold-out panorama runs nearly seven metres in length from Westminster to Regent Street, and about a metre into the etching there is a man dressed head-to-toe in leaves whilst people stand watching.
This man is Jack-in-the-Green, a human embodiment of spring that dates back to the mid 1700s, but has all but disappeared in recent years as our urban connection with nature has dwindled for many years.
But not this year.
London seems to have a spring in its step, all across the capital there are gardening events taking place to wave in the green.
School of Garden Inspiration Workshops
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
A series of workshops for urban gardeners including learning how to make elegant floral arrangements from spring blossom.
Workshops begin March 10, tickets start at £95; petershamnurseries.com
National Park City Pop-Up
109 Fleet Street
National Park City London’s pop-up shop is open to raise awareness about how you can enjoy nature on your doorstep this spring.
Sounds of Blossom
Kew Gardens and the Royal College of Music deliver specially composed melodies alongside the spring blossoms.
Entry is included in the price of a normal £12 ticket. March 23 to April 14; kew.org
A Dash of Lavender
London’s oldest physic garden is celebrating LGBTQ+ History month with its third iteration of A Dash Of Lavender with workshops, a trail and exhibition throughout February.
Guided tours included in £10 admission; chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Branch Out programme
Garden Museum
Each Thursday the Garden Museum holds a free workshop. This month, discover items not normally on display or learn how to weave with nature, and preserve a part of spring for your home with artist Jane Bevan.
Bamboo as Method, Zheng Bo
Somerset House Courtyard
Artist Zheng Bo is transforming the courtyard into a bamboo garden for quiet contemplation, with visitors encouraged to sketch the plants.
February 22 to April 28, free entry; somersethouse.org.uk
Luna Loves Gardening
As part of the Imagine Children’s Festival, Joseph Coelho brings to life his book Luna Loves Gardening through storytelling, performance and drawing with illustrator Fiona Lumbers.
February 17, tickets £10.50 for adults; southbankcentre.co.uk
RHS Orchid Show
Lindley Hall
It has been a few years since the Royal Horticultural Society has held a specialist show in Lindley Hall. But this year the Orchid Show is back, promising displays of some of the most fascinating flowers in the plant world, expert talks and advice from exhibitors.
