Top Ten Open Spaces To Be Honoured With Plaques

If you were asked to name some of Britain’s top iconic green spaces, then the usual suspects such as Sherwood Forest and the Hoe at Plymouth would be likely to feature.  However in a delightful twist several more unexpected candidates have appeared in a poll carried out with the help of Homebase.

Those appearing in the top ten will be the beneficiaries of an English Heritage style Mossy Memories plaque.

Flatford Mill takes pride of place in the Top Ten

As expected Sherwood Forest and The Hoe appear in the top ten at No. 1 and No. 7 respectively, but the list contains some surprising entrants, including the original Blue Peter garden at No. 2 and the Good Life garden at Surbiton near London, which clinches the No.3 slot.

Flatford Mill, scene of John Constable’s Hay Wain finds itself at No.4, while two locations with connections with famous children’s stories find themselves at No. 5 and No. 6.

Regents Park in London which inspired the Mary Poppin’s garden themes takes No. 5, while Kensington Gardens where Peter Pan flies from his nursery takes No. 6

The list is completed with numbers 8, 9 and 10. No. 8 is The Lake District land originally owned by Beatrix Potter that is now in the ownership of the National Trust,  No. 9 is Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham where Sir Isaac Newton was inspired by and apple to discover gravity, and Alnwick Castle at No. 10 which is the location for Hogwarts  in the first two Harry Potter films.

Adam Frost, designer of Homebase’s 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, said: “The garden is a space that is enjoyed by different generations. Whether it’s planting some flowers, exploring nature or playing games, it’s the perfect backdrop to reflect upon and create our own memories.

“This year’s Homebase Chelsea Garden celebrates the importance of memories and creates a place where we can reflect and reminisce about the moments in time that make us who we are.

“This is true of all the spaces being awarded a green plaque, and although castles and rivers may not feature in everyone’s back garden, these UK landmarks can influence small elements such as water features, pathways and flower beds.”