Kensington Roof Gardens: Paradise in the City

Created in 1938, this oasis tucked into the center of London is the ultimate secret garden.

By: Felicia Feaster

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Secret Garden

Hard to believe this beautiful garden -- Japanese maples, lawn, flamingos, wood ducks, bridges and all -- exists on the 6th floor of a London building in the midst of a busy high street. Divided into a Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland garden, this magical public garden is a must-see for gardening fans.

Sign of the Times

A sign in the Kensington garden pays homage to its creator.

Fantasy Island

These very real flamingos that live on the Kensington Roof Gardens look uncannily like yard art in this shot.

Drama Queen

This striking deep purple tulip provides an exclamation point of rich color in the garden.

Pure Brit

A happy sight in the Kensington Roof Gardens: English daisies.

Bright Spot

The festive Spanish garden features brightly colored walls and plantings, like these allium.

Spanish Lesson

Based on the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, the Spanish Garden features brightly painted buildings that make you feel not only removed from London's bustle, but transported to some faraway land.

Country in the City

A brick wall separates the city outside from the tranquil garden which four flamingos and a variety of ducks call home.

Up on the Roof

Four flamingos call the Kensington Roof Gardens home. Their names are Bill, Ben, Splosh and Pecks.

Bird Gain

The lucky flamingos and ducks—including this wood duck—that call the Kensington Roof Gardens home have the run of the roost with private ponds, streams and grottos to splash in.

Pop of Color

A single glorious poppy brightens the rooftop.

Growing Up

Kensington's head gardener David Lewis says that within the 1.5 acres of space, there are oaks growing in just 18 inches of soil—illustrating the adaptive properties of nature—among the some 500 varieties of plants and trees.