Year of the English Garden includes great view

Children enjoy a romp through a classic English garden. [Photos/Visit Britain]

The View from The Shard, the skydeck atop one of London's biggest tourist attractions has launched what it calls the city's highest garden as part of the celebration of the Year of the English Garden.

Events organized by Visit Britain this year include tours of iconic English gardens for individuals and groups, and a national festival to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot "Capability" Brown, known for designing gardens and landscapes at some of the country's most prestigious stately homes. Brown's landscape gardens are synonymous with England’s green and pleasant land with their seemingly natural rolling hills, curving lakes, flowing rivers and majestic trees. Some 150 of Brown's gardens can be see during the year, including Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth, Highclere Castle, Burghley, Weston Park and Compton Verney. Some not usually open to visitors.

Carefully groomed shrubs become sculptures along this pathway at Kew Gardens. [Photos/Visit Britain]

Some 800 feet above them all is The Shard's garden, where visitors can see some of Britain's most captivating plants, enjoy the panoramic view of London, and enjoy cocktails from a "green-fingered" inspired menu at the pop-up bar on the 72nd floor. Through Sept 18, guests can experience the summer garden feature with the standard entry ticket of 29.95 pounds ($39.37) per adult or 19.95 pounds per child.

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