Record number of entries for Islington in Bloom 2024 demonstrates Islington’s love of green spaces

With 270 entries being received in 2024, Islington residents have again shown their commitment to creating a greener, healthier borough. This year, there was also a big rise in tree pit entries, where people create beautiful biodiverse spaces around street trees, as well as container gardens. 

The competition, which is run jointly by Islington Council and Islington Gardeners, is now in its 21st year, and has had more entries than ever.  

Taking part in Islington in Bloom provides an opportunity for local people to support the council’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency and create a more environmentally friendly, attractive and equal borough. 

Billy Styles, Senior Community Gardener at Octopus Communities said that this year, judges were looking for entries that weren’t ‘perfect’ looking, but entries that were using their space in an innovative way, including using recycled and sustainable materials that promote biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife.   

“Being part of the judging process has been really exciting. I feel there is a change of direction, away from the traditional ways of growing and gardening, to a more inclusive and caring way of growing, one that promotes biodiversity as well as community.  

“The winners have been innovative and resourceful, and have demonstrated that its often not just the about the end result but the process of getting there; the shared stories of growing, and caring for nature and shared spaces. It’s been inspiring to see all the tree pits that are all about community; shared spaces that people and wildlife in the community can enjoy”. 

Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality & Transport, said:  “We know that being involved in gardening or growing can be very beneficial to peoples mental and physical health, bring communities together, as well as providing more biodiverse spaces for different types of wildlife to thrive.  

“The competition proves that you don’t need to have a garden to take part; creating a greener window sill, balcony or shared space on an estate can be transformative. Plus there are lots of opportunities to get involved in your local park or green space, through Friends groups, volunteering with community rangers, or by adopting a tree pit. 

“Congratulations to all of the winners, and everyone who took part this year, as well as the sponsors who support us with their generous prizes. We are looking forward to seeing even more entries for the 2025 competition!” 

The full list of award winners in each category are:  

Best Children’s Planting: Pooles Park Primary School  

Best Window Box: David Heath  

Best Tree Pit: Annita Clinton  

Best Edible Garden: Jasmine Simhalan  

Best Blooming Business: Shelter from the Storm  

Best Front Garden: Anne Monaghan  

Best Hidden Gem: 7 St. Pauls Place  

Best Container Garden: Louise Souter  

Best Park: Thornhill Square Association  

Best Estate: Seaforth Crescent Community Garden  

Best Street: Mitford Road  

Best Community Garden: Little Angel Theatre Community Garden  

Nancy Pattenden Wildlife Award: Highbury Quadrant Estate Nature Gardens   

Best Newcomer: St John’s Garden   

Further information on the volunteering opportunities and activities at Islington’s parks and green spaces are available on the council’s website.   

It is now easier than ever to register to adopt a tree pit garden, find out more about how you can adopt and create a tree pit garden. 

The winners in each category were announced during a special event on Wednesday (18 September) evening at Resource for London, Holloway Road. 

Winners, runners-up and third-placed entries in each category received a garden centre gift voucher, and all entrants have been given a compost voucher for the Camden Garden Centre to encourage them to continue to garden.     

Thanks to the sponsors of the competition: The Islington Society, Active Landscapes, Islington Housing Service, Angel Central, Blakedown Landscapes, Partners for Islington, Camden Garden Centre, Thor's Trees, N1 Garden Centre, The Angel Association, Islington Gardeners, Warwick Landscaping, Marlborough Highways and Holloway Park, and NSL.