Hidden Gardens in Soho: The Phoenix Garden

Above: Charles the Hoover has found a new home

Tucked away in the heart of the vibrant West End is a community garden and charity known as The Phoenix Garden: a haven for wildlife and people.

First opened to the public in 1984, The Phoenix Garden is now the last of the Covent Garden community gardens. This green gem is a testament to the power of nature in the most unexpected places, and it thrives thanks to the team of dedicated volunteers who tend to it throughout the year.

The community building was designed by Gurmeet Sian and completed in 2016. This RIBA award-winning structure provides the space for the garden to host events and workshops. Its eco-conscious design features an air-source heat pump, biodiverse brown roof with rooftop propagation area, and rainwater catchment. The building is available to hire for weddings, meetings, and more.

A tapestry of blooms: what to see in the Phoenix Garden

The garden was planted with the aim to create an ornamental wildlife garden as a retreat for residents and visitors. Walking through the garden at the height of Summer we see Echinops, Salvia, and many bee-friendly flowers; the garden is a haven for wildlife and is visited by over 15 species of bee. There are fragrant herbs such as Rosemary spilling onto the paths and tomato plants bearing fruit.

Above: Plants in the garden

Wildlife is encouraged through sustainable practice such as log piles and bird nest boxes, composting on site and a firm resolve against pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilisers. The open ponds in the garden are home to fish, as well as the West End’s only frogs!

Above: Fish in one of the ponds in The Phoenix Garden 

Due to its location in Central London, the garden benefits from the ‘urban heat island’ (UHI) effect which occurs when densely populated and built-up metropolitan areas become hotter than the rural areas around them. Heat is created by the activities (transport, construction, industry) of inhabitants, and is retained by insulating building materials, tarmac and pavements.

Above: Great Viper's Bugloss towering across the garden's beds

Although the UHI effect is generally negative, for this garden it has created the perfect conditions for half-hardy plants such as Great Viper’s Bugloss (native to La Palma) to thrive. It is sheltered and doesn’t get many days of hard frost in the Winter, so we can also see Mediterranean heat-loving plants like Euphorbias and exotic Cordyline.

The Phoenix Garden's Hidden Stories

The Phoenix Garden is not just a feast for the eyes, it's also steeped in history. Walking through this tranquil space it’s hard to believe that the garden was built on the site of a World War II bombsite!

 Above: There are many hidden signs and statues amongst the plants

The garden has completely transformed the history of its location, and its resilience over the years is shown through its thriving community spirit. Regular events are held throughout the year for local residents and volunteer gardening sessions take place every Saturday from 11am.

The Phoenix Garden has served as a backdrop for many film and television productions including Last Christmas (2019) starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Goulding, who filmed several scenes in the garden.

What’s next for the Phoenix Garden?

The ‘mound’ is being transformed into a new dedicated educational space, where pre-school and after-school events are planned for children. They will be able to go pond dipping, learn in the new story tent, mud kitchen and more – watch this space!

As the Phoenix Garden does not receive any regular funding, the charity relies on the generosity of visitors to help maintain the space for the local community and wildlife (it costs around £70,000 each year for the garden to run.)

Above: At the back of the garden is a mural by street artist stik

The Phoenix Garden is more than just a garden; it's a living testament to the power of community and the resilience of urban gardens. As you explore its many pathways and find the hidden treasures within them, take a moment to appreciate the volunteers and garden caretakers in Soho who look after this green space for the community.

Whether you're a dedicated gardener or simply seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of the West End, The Phoenix Garden is a testament to the beauty that can flourish even in the most unexpected places.

Above: a bench in the garden reads "Oak bench: just you" 

How to get to The Phoenix Garden

The Phoenix Garden
21 Stacey Street
London WC2H 8DG

What 3 Words location: invite.farmer.newly

Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, or Covent Garden.

Entry: Free

Opening hours: Daily from dawn to dusk

Visit the Phoenix Garden website for up to date opening hours