Community groups, residents and gardeners, came together at Whittington Park Community Centre on Sunday 7 September for the second annual Islington Grow Show, a vibrant celebration of food growing, gardening and sustainability.
Over 800 gardeners from across the borough, from seasoned cultivators to passionate beginners, exhibited an impressive range of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs – many grown on balconies, windowsills, or in shared community gardens. From tomatoes to peppers, delicate herbs to inventive produce from around the globe, residents showcased how creativity and determination can flourish even in small spaces.
Alongside the colourful displays of homegrown produce, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of activities, from guided tree walks and bee hotel building, to soil science, regenerative farming and horticulture workshops. There were also hands-on sessions in composting and pickle-making, a shared community lunch, and a show-stopping performance by the London Vegetable Orchestra, who perform popular songs with instruments made out of vegetables.
The Barefoot Planter, Chauntelle Lewis said:
“Growing, cooking and sharing food brings people together; The Islington Grow show is an incredible celebration of community growing, right in the heart of London.
“One thing I learned from the community estate gardens in Archway is that the people really make the space – a lot of them start by the estates being empty, having a bit of land that’s unused. Residents then come together and share resources and ideas. It’s amazing to see people grow things related to their culture, experimenting and diversifying community crop.”
Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Transport, said:
“The Islington Grow Show is a fantastic opportunity for residents, community groups and businesses to come together, sharing their passion for growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The variety of foods at the show celebrate the diversity in our borough, and the passion and dedication of gardeners who grow not only in their gardens, but on balconies, windowsills, and in community spaces.
“Growing not is not only good for the environment and our purses but is a huge benefit to our physical and mental health too. It was a joy to hear people’s growing stories and share some produce in the community lunch.”
The Grow Show aligns with Islington Council’s vision to support healthy, sustainable living by inspiring residents to grow food, reduce waste, embrace nature, and enrich their neighbourhoods.