Communities across Islington recognised at Islington in Bloom celebration

Around 150 people attended the historic venue and gardens to celebrate 23 years of the gardening competition, which saw nearly 300 entries this year across a range of categories including Best Balcony, Best Front Garden, and Best Tree Pit Garden.  

The competition celebrates the efforts of local people to create green, biodiverse and attractive areas across the borough. Judges aren't looking for perfection, but for entries that are creative, sustainable, and that provide food and habitat for Islington's wildlife.  

Winners included Thornhill Houses Communal Garden (Best Estate), Friends of Fortune Street Park (Best Edible Garden), and the Quentin Blake Centre of Illustration (Best Blooming Business).  

Categories ranged from best tree pit to best container garden, and best hidden gem to best street, ensuring that all Islington residents can take part in the competition whether they have their own garden or not. 

Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Transport said: ‘Islington residents, community groups and businesses have shown yet again their amazing contribution to making Islington such a great place to live, with a wide range of creative and biodiverse gardening projects in large and small spaces alike.  

"It's fantastic to see so many entries, especially after the very hot weather this year, it is testament to the dedication of local people. It is also a reminder that we need to adapt to the changing climate and make our gardens and green spaces more resilient by managing resources like soil and water, so we can continue growing things despite hotter, drier conditions." 

Dorothy Boswell from Islington Gardeners said: "The drought and hosepipe ban have been a real challenge for gardeners this year. Climate change means we all have to change the way we garden and the plants we choose.  

"Islington in Bloom isn’t about perfection - the competition celebrates the passion that people bring to creating beautiful, biodiverse green spaces that encourage pollinators and wildlife whether it’s in a community garden, a tree pit or the amazing planting being done by children in schools." 

The award ceremony was held in the spectacular Great Chamber at the Charterhouse, created in the 1540's and the room where Elizabeth I met her privy council in the days before her coronation. The event proved a great opportunity for gardeners to come together, exchange ideas and tips, and celebrate the hard work that goes into keeping Islington looking beautiful.