Photographer and flower fan Georgianna Lane takes us on a spectacular sightseeing tour of the capital’s floral-fringed landmarks, fragrant flower markets and Insta-worthy hotspots.
Author and photographer Georgianna Lane’s captivating images of flowers, gardens and travel locations have been published worldwide in sumptuous coffee-table books, earning her a loyal fanbase (find her on Instagram @georgiannalane and at georgiannalane.com).
When not travelling on assignments she divides her time between Paris, Seattle and London.
Her stunning images from her new book speak for themselves, but she reveals here what makes our capital her must-photograph city…
London captivated me well before I meandered along its ancient alleyways or marvelled at its historic structures. From the air, circling over Heathrow, one long-ago summer I first discerned the breathtakingly grand expanses of the Royal Parks, then a multitude of terraced houses with their tiny multicoloured gardens, all lush and welcoming.
Perhaps not surprisingly, my most memorable London experiences have been inextricably interwoven with gardens. I’ve always been fascinated by the distinctive details that make up its unique visual language: the blacks of taxis, lampposts and chequered tiles; the reds of buses, telephone boxes, postboxes; the yellows of daffodils and mews cottages.
If England is a garden, London has always been, to me, its floral heart: a demi-paradise for flower gardeners, flower sellers and flower lovers. And that passion for gardening is on glorious display everywhere in the city.
My wish is that you too may be inspired, through these pictures, to discover this beckoning wonderland.
Where to get your floral fix
Feeling inspired? Here’s our pick of London’s blooming hotspots
Tea & wisteria
Go for the afternoon tea, stay for the decorative ceiling of hanging wisteria at Aubaine in Selfridges. 400 Oxford Street, London W1; aubaine.co.uk
The go-to florist
The gorgeous turquoise island of florist and event designer Nikki Tibbles is a must-see for cut-flower lovers. 222 Westbourne Grove, London W11; wildatheart.com
Wonderwall
This café is a haven of ruby lattes, edible flowers and a giant wall of blooms – perfect Instagram fodder. EL&N, 9-10 Market Place, London W1; elnlondon.co.uk
Seasonal scents
This fragrance boutique changes with the seasons, from Christmas baubles to floral installations. Les Senteurs, 71 Elizabeth Street, London SW1; lessenteurs.com
Buy the book with 30 per cent off
This is an edited extract from London in Bloom by Georgianna Lane, which will be published on 17 March by Abrams Image, price £14.99. To order a copy for £10.50 (a 30 per cent discount) until 3 April with free p&p, visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640
