Barbican gives away plant cuttings as citys green lung closes

The Barbican conservatory, a popular indoor garden, is temporarily closing its doors for a major renovation. Safety concerns, such as falling glass panes from the ceiling, have led to the decision to shut down the greenhouse on the third and fourth floors for three years. This closure, however, has created a special opportunity for plant lovers.

To ensure the plants find good homes, the Barbican organised an event where people could adopt cuttings from the conservatory’s collection. Hundreds of people attended, filling out an ‘adoption form’ similar to what one would use when taking home a pet. This initiative allowed the public to take a piece of the well-loved conservatory home with them.

Lydia Goldberg, a local resident, expressed her sadness about the closure but was happy to see the conservatory being restored. She was among the first to choose a Swedish ivy plant. For her, having a piece of the conservatory in her flat is wonderful, and she sees the event as a positive community gathering, noting that many of her neighbours were also present.

The head gardener, Marta Lowcewicz, was excited by the overwhelming public interest, describing it as a social media storm. Three such adoption events are planned, with each event giving away 500 plant cuttings. The first event’s online tickets were claimed almost immediately, highlighting the high demand.

Lowcewicz is also responsible for deciding which plants will remain indoors and which can be moved outdoors after the renovation. Changes in climate since the Barbican was built mean that some plants previously kept inside are now better suited for outdoor conditions. The conservatory’s climate control systems have struggled to keep up with recent extreme weather, including heatwaves, but new systems are expected to improve plant health.

While selecting new plants, Lowcewicz aims to keep as many of the existing collection as possible, choosing specimens with ‘big, bold leaves’ that complement the Barbican’s striking concrete architecture. This approach aims to soften the building’s appearance with lush greenery, creating a harmonious blend of nature and structure.

Visitors, like spatial designer Geoffrey, chose plants that reminded them of places they love, such as Mexico. Others, like Savannah and Maria, expressed their delight in taking home unique plants such as a peperomia or a purple heart plant. Many visitors mentioned their love for the Barbican building and the special feeling of taking a part of it home.

The event was a mix of celebration and sadness, as visitors acknowledged the long closure ahead. Dr Philippa Simpson, the Barbican’s chief operating officer, stressed the importance of the restoration, calling the conservatory a ‘green lung of the city’. She explained that the urgent repairs are necessary due to issues like leaking roofs and falling glass, which compromise the building’s integrity and the safety of its visitors.