The final two blossom trees are planted at the new London Blossom Garden to mark one year since the nation’s first lockdown.
Keyworkers from TFL and the NHS were present along with the Mayor of London, as the final two trees in memory of those who have died in the pandemic were planted.
More than 18,000 Londoners have died from COVID-19, and the London Blossom Garden is being created at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London as a lasting, living memorial and to be a place for Londoners to contemplate and reflect on the impact of the pandemic.
In partnership with the National Trust and other partners, a total of 33 blossoming trees will represent all London boroughs and the City of London. Eight species of spring blossoming trees have been chosen as the blossom season coincided with the first national lockdown last year.
The new public garden is due to open to the public later this spring and will be the first and flagship site in a series of National Trust blossom plantings in towns and cities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The pandemic has devastated our city and our country, and as we mark one year since the first national lockdown it’s important that we remember all those who have tragically lost their lives.
“By planting the final trees today in the new London Blossom Garden, we pay tribute to those who have died, honour the efforts of our key workers and reflect on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our capital.”
Nicola Briggs, from the National Trust, said: “Today we are all taking some time to reflect on the past 12 months and what many families and communities have been through since the first lockdown.
“We hope this garden will give the local communities in particular the space to contemplate the last year, and as it grows and establishes itself, become somewhere that is a symbol of hope.”
