The Auricula Quarter, Hampton Court Palace

The Auricula Quarter in the Pond Gardens, planted with spring flowers including hyacinths. The Auricula Quarter is one of a series of walled sunken gardens lying to the south of the palace, known collectively as the Pond Gardens. They were originally used for holding freshwater fish until they were needed in the palace kitchens. Later, this garden was used to display Queen Mary II's (1689-94) collection of Auriculas (Primulas).