About this Event
Islington Gardeners' Winter 2026 Event
Come join us on Wednesday 14th January, 6-7.30pm at St Mary's Church on Upper Street (downstairs in the crypt) in the heart of Islington for an illustrated talk with John Little, seed giveaway and AGM. There will also be wine and nibbles. All are welcome!
Seed giveaway and refreshments:
We will kick off our Winter 2026 event with a seed giveaway. Feel free to bring seeds to donate to other attendees. There will be a good selection of seeds (annuals, perennials, edibles etc) for a variety of situations (sun, shade and everything in between). And refreshments.
An evening with John Little
We will then settle in for the illustrated talk ...
Join John Little as he shares his expertise, thoughts and ideas on sustainable gardening, insect habitats and the future of gardening in public spaces. Learn practical tips on how to promote biodiversity, reuse waste materials and engage people in your community space. This is a great opportunity to be inspired by a hands on gardening pioneer. Take away some great practical suggestions you can use in your own gardening projects.
About John
John argues against long standing protocol within public space and horticulture.
He suggests structural complexity and topography is overlooked in landscape design and is more important than plant choice for driving biodiversity.
Since 1998, John's Grass Roof Company has built over 400 bio diverse green roof buildings, incorporating breeding and hibernation space for insects.
He argues that we must invest in gardeners rather than more infrastructure. After 18 years caring for the greenspace on a social housing estate (Clapton Park aka The Poppy Estate) in Hackney he has written a sustainable grounds maintenance contract that does just that.
He questions the obsession with specifying topsoil in all new projects, especially on highways and new developments. Habitat trials at his home include a garden designed with spoil from the local road widening scheme, industrial and construction waste.
In 2008 he launched a range of small green roof shelters based on shipping containers and designed portable structures including bike and bin storage - greenroofshelters.co.uk
John has also set up a CIC - Care not Capital - to provide training in almost everything but horticulture, to equip the 'modern gardener' to create sustainable green spaces for a changing world - carenotcapital.org
See some of John's work on Instagram @grassroofco and his website grassroofcompany.co.uk
Directions to St Mary's Church on Upper Street in Islington
The number 4, 19, 30 and 43 buses stop outside the church, and it's a short walk from Angel or Highbury & Islington tubes. This event takes place downstairs in the South Crypt.
There will be wine and nibbles.
All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St Mary's Church, Islington, Upper Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
