Gardens to be upgraded thanks to grants

A number of Britains public parks will continue to provide inspiration for garden and greenhouse enthusiasts after being handed millions of pounds in grants.

The £13 million funding comes from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and will help provide upgrades at six green spaces around the country, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reported.

Londons Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets will benefit from the largest chunk of the grants – £4.5 million – and is set to be revamped in time to play a key role in the 2012 Olympic Games.

As well as providing a walking course for athletes from around the world, "Vicky Park" will also have its traditional English Garden, Chinese bridge and pagoda renovated.

A new urban beach and skate park will also provide new facilities for locals to enjoy – something that is in keeping with the parks beginnings.

It was opened in the 1840s after tens of thousands of east London residents petitioned Queen Victoria for more green space in the area.

Meanwhile, the RHS has published the latest edition of its Plant Finder book, which informs garden and greenhouse enthusiasts where they can buy more than 70,000 varieties.