One of London’s most touching sights is set to return in a matter of weeks. This winter, Chelsea’s Duke of York Square will be taken over by 30,000 illuminated white roses – transforming it into the Ever After Garden. The sea of roses is a way to remember lost loved ones and raise money for charity.
The Ever After Garden will open in Chelsea on November 5, and will remain in place, glowing gently through the evenings, until December 21. The garden will be open daily between 3pm and 9pm.
Entrance to the garden is free, but visitors can make a suggested donation of £15 to dedicate a rose to a loved one they have lost. The money raised helps The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Dedications can be done in person or online, in which case stewards handwrite them to keep the personal touch.
The Ever After Garden
The rose-filled space has become a much-loved winter destination for people and families to gather in remembrance. Since it launched in 2019, the garden has raised over £1.7 million for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This helps to fund “life-saving research at The Royal Marsden, which saves the lives of cancer patients across the UK and around the world.”
The garden was designed by Anya Hindmarch, Designer and Trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and fashion writer Camilla Morton. They created the space in memory of their friend, Production Designer Michael Howells. The garden itself is named after a film that Howells worked on: Ever After.
Said Dame Anya Hindmarch, designer, Trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Co-Founder of the Ever After Garden:
“The Ever After Garden is a treasured place for people to come together and remember their loved ones over the festive period, while supporting the vital work of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help save the lives of people affected by cancer.
“It will be wonderful to see Duke of York Square shining brightly with thousands of dedicated roses again. Every year we are thrilled with the support from those who come with family and friends to leave a dedication and take time to reflect.”
Find out more about the garden and how you can dedicate a rose to a lost loved one here.
🤍 The Ever After Garden will be open daily from November 5 – December 21.
📍 Duke of York Square, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4LY.
🚇 The nearest station is Sloane Square.
