For a green oasis amid the glittering skyscrapers of London’s Canary Wharf financial district, visit the Crossrail Place Roof Garden. It occupies the upper floor of a futuristic ship-shaped landmark, which forms an artificial island in the historical West India Docks. Discover flora from around the world at the indoor garden and enjoy live music and dance shows.
The garden features plant and tree species native to the countries that once traded with the West India Dock Company. Owing to the building’s location almost exactly on the Prime Meridian line, exhibits are arranged according to their hemisphere of origin. Follow the meandering pathways that link the displays and relax on a bench beneath billowing trees. Educate yourself about the exhibits by reading the accompanying information signs.
In the western hemisphere section of the garden you’ll find species from the Caribbean, Americas, Australia and New Zealand. Bananas, coffee and sugar were among the most popular commodities brought back from these regions. Learn about the work of famous botanists such as David Douglas and Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. Spot several varieties of Dicksonia ferns in addition to strawberry and sweet gum trees.
Cross to the eastern hemisphere section to discover species collected by explorers traveling to China, India and Japan. See silk, spice and tea plants plus Japanese bamboo and maple trees. Learn about the work of botanists Charles Maries and Robert Fortune, the latter famous for transporting tea from China to India.
Within the garden is an 80-seat amphitheater, which hosts free events that arouse the creative minds of all ages. In June, the Bloom festival features family-friendly concerts, contemporary dance and theater. There’s also a piano available for public use.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open daily and admission is free. Travel here by underground to Canary Wharf station or catch a bus to Cabot Square. Bars, cafes and fast food joints are on the lower floors of the Crossrail Place building.
