Plans for London’s Garden Bridge are being unveiled. Image: Garden Bridge Trust

Detailed plans for an ‘idyllic space hovering above the Thames’ have been unveiled by designer Dan Pearson.

Construction of the bridge is due to begin next year, and it should open to the public in 2018.

The 366 metre-long footbridge will cross the Thames from the South Bank, taking pedestrians to the top of Temple underground station on the opposite side of the river.

Footpaths across the bridge will weave through the gardens, which will be lush with plants and trees.

The plants have been chosen for their biodiversity, and the landscaping has been planned to ‘frame and enhance views of the iconic landmarks of London’, according to the Garden Bridge Trust.

Dan Pearson is responsible for the planting plans.

He is a landscape gardener who trained at the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley and Kew.

The bridge itself has been designed by Thomas Heatherwick, whose famous projects include the 2012 Olympic cauldron and the New Routemaster bus.

The Garden Bridge Trust is the charity that’s responsible for creating and maintaining the bridge. Their website paints a picture of how the future bridge could transform the city:

Imagine crossing the river surrounded by wildlife. Imagine gazing out at the city with your view framed by greenery. Imagine a morning commute through a peaceful garden.