Ever After

Over the festive season each year, thousands of white roses illuminate Grosvenor Square in Central London. 

The garden of illuminated white roses in the heart of Mayfair is a reflective tranquil haven where everyone everywhere can remember treasured friends and family they have lost. You are invited to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one, whilst making a donation in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Last year, Mum had visited the garden with Darcy.

This year, I visited the Ever After Garden with Mum.

We dedicated one of the roses in memory of Darcy.

In the darkness of winter, the field of illuminated white roses bring comfort.

May’s comment: Every year since 2019, Grosvenor Square in London lights up with thousands of white illuminated roses. Beautifully curated by Anya Hindmarch and Camilla Morton, this garden is open daily from 3pm-9pm from the 23rd November – 20th December.

Anya Hindmarch says: The Ever After Garden was born out of the need to pay tribute to those we have lost during the year. It was an idea originally conceived with Camilla Morton in memory of Michael Howells and is named after the film for which he designed the sets. However this garden should be personal to everyone. For me, it is also in memory of my Aunt Elizabeth Hindmarch. My wish is for this to be a place to reflect at Christmas in amongst all the festive cheer, and in doing so raise money for the incredible institution that is The Royal Marsden.

Last year when I visited the garden with Darcy, we had just come off the Belmond Train – a very special day. I couldn’t think of anyone to dedicate a rose. This year, George and I went with the purpose of dedicating a rose for Darcy.

Darcy did pass away from hemangiasarcoma, the most common type of cancer in dogs. It is basically untreatable and when symptoms show up, it is usually too late. Dear Darcy, she lived a whole month longer than the vets thought she would. She lived to give us a last Christmas and New Year’s together.

For £10 you can dedicate a rose with a personal message in memory of a loved one. It’s a place to reflect at Christmas amongst all the festive cheer, and in doing so raise money for the incredible institution that is Royal Marsden – a world leading care and developing life-saving cancer treatment hospital. (Dedicate a rose in the Ever After Garden)