The Harley Street BID has been working closely with Ward Councillors, Westminster City Council (WCC), and local partners to support the replanting of rain gardens across key locations in Marylebone, including Marylebone High Street, Paddington Street, and New Cavendish Street.
Rain gardens play a vital role in managing surface water, improving drainage, and enhancing local biodiversity. Following a recent review, it was identified that some of the gardens required replanting and the addition of new species more suited to the surrounding landscape and conditions. Harley Street BID was pleased to contribute to the cost of these improvements alongside the Ward Councillors, working in partnership with local stakeholders to refresh and revitalise the beds.
As part of the project, Krinkels UK completed the naturalisation of approximately 1,000 Crocosmia Lucifer bulbs across all the rain gardens. These striking plants will take time to fully establish, but visitors can already begin to see the improvements taking shape.
It’s important to note the distinction between SuDS planters and rain gardens. SuDS planters are designed for easy installation into a variety of settings and are particularly useful in areas with limited space. Rain gardens, on the other hand, require specific conditions for integration and are most effective in locations where the ground can naturally absorb water. In this case, the installations across Marylebone are rain gardens, rather than SuDS planters.
“We’re proud to have supported this project to enhance the rain gardens and bring new life to the area,” said Nicki Palmer, BID Director at the Harley Street BID. “The improvements will not only support sustainability but also improve the experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits Marylebone.”
The Harley Street BID encourages everyone to visit the area and see the positive impact of these improvements. More information about SuDS and their benefits can be found here.
