Hackney Central Library Entrance, 1 Reading Ln, London, E8 1GQ
Join a guided walk through the former site of Loddiges Nursery to learn how their tropical plant trading transformed English gardens during the 1800’s. While visiting the now buried Palm House, we will hear of the migration stories of the plants themselves - how their ancestors were captured from wilderness homes across the world and transported by ship to this infamous nursery in East London.
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Our meeting point is situated near Hackney Central Overground. The walk's distance is short, and the end point is nearby the starting point.
The walk is along public pavement / walkways on level ground - so the walk is wheelchair accessible.
The route will be described at the outset. We will then walk a short distance along the busy Mare Street before passing into quieter roads.
Walking tour
14:00–15:30
This short walk takes place outdoors through public gardens once inhabited by Loddiges Nursery, world renowned during the 1700 / 1800's.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
The tour guide’s commentary, along with maps and visual imagery distributed to each, will enhance participants’ ability to imagine Loddiges Nursery in its former times, including the spectacular Palm House with its innovative features. The walk's route takes place through public gardens that feature as a “living museum”, with their array of flowers, shrubs and trees that were originally imported into the UK during the 1700 / 1800's. Stories about plants and their plant hunters, worldwide expeditions for plants during the colonial era, the role of exotic plant collecting will offer insight into the historical context that facilitated the creation of this large Nursery that specialised in tropical plants.
