About The Garden
A quiet garden with a global story
"The mission of The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden is to develop and maintain a showplace garden reflecting the long history, shared friendship, common causes and sacrifices of the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the United States of America."
Why the garden exists
A living memorial in Hanover Square
The garden honours the 67 British subjects and Commonwealth citizens who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks. It sits in Hanover Square, in the heart of Lower Manhattan's Financial District — free, open daily, and tended entirely through private support.
More than a monument, it is a place that grows: seasonal planting, ceremonies of remembrance, and a quiet green corner where the city slows down.
The design
Shaped like the British Isles
Landscape designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman laid the garden out in the shape of the British Isles, built from Scottish sandstone quarried in the Highlands and inscribed with the names of the shires. Woven through the planting are the four national flowers of the United Kingdom.
Roses
England
Daffodils
Wales
Thistles
Scotland
Flax
Northern Ireland
History
Key milestones
Center stone dedication
The garden's center stone was dedicated by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Officially opened by Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip officially opened the garden, giving it its name.
Mission expanded
The garden's mission was expanded to include all Commonwealth victims of the September 11th attacks.
Formally incorporated
The organization was formally renamed "The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden, Inc."
20th anniversary ceremony
A ceremony marking twenty years since the attacks was held with Commonwealth representatives in attendance.
Leadership
Who cares for the garden
Rennie McConnochie
Chairman
The former Prince of Wales
Royal Patron
Emma Wade Smith, OBE
Honorary Patron, HM Consul General New York
Support the garden
Help this living tribute keep growing
The garden operates entirely on private donations. Every gift and volunteer hour helps keep it cared for in perpetuity.