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| Sketch of part of a gaarden carpet showing channels, central pools and trees |
Kings Cross is just down the road from me and now and then I make my way down there to see what's going on in the new development. There is plenty of thoughtful and interesting planting in large pots and containers, in landscaped beds and there are several gardens all of which complement the architectural buildings and spaces really well. It is a much used and enjoyed area.
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| The Jellicoe Garden with informal planting, benches and surrounding trees |
On my way back I make a point of leaving the bustle to visit the paradise garden - it's official title is the Jellicoe Garden - which sits right in front of that white building, the Aga Khan Centre. This garden takes its inspiration from the very earliest Islamic gardens in Persia which were divided into squares, meticulously planted with flowering shrubs and separated by narrow channels of water with a central pool.
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Paradise garden camouflaging the surrounding flats
Islamic rulers would spend much of their time in their gardens and even hold councils of state there. Some Eastern carpet designs are woven in the pattern of a paradise garden.  | | Ebulliant planting in summer |
The Jellicoe garden combines the basic Islamic four-square design with its rills of water and central pool, planted with a more English naturalistic mixture of waving grasses and perennials and is surrounded by a shady necklace of small mop-headed trees.  | | Central pool |
 | | Spring planting 2022 |
The Aga Khan Centre building has several internal Islamic gardens to enjoy but you have to book a tour for those. The Jellicoe garden is free for anyone to walk through and enjoy, it is a truly tranquil spot, well supplied with benches where you can sit and contemplate to your heart's content. |
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