500 Free Plant Cuttings Given Away

The Barbican's conservatory, known as the 'green lung of the city', is closing its doors for a three-year refurbishment due to a precarious situation with the ceiling. However, before closing, the conservatory handed out 500 plant cuttings to the public, with two more adoption events to follow, each giving away 500 cuttings.

The first adoption event was a huge success, with 500 people turning up to pick up a cutting from the Barbican's plant collection. The event ran out of free online tickets almost immediately, demonstrating the high level of interest in the conservatory's plants. Visitors were asked to fill out an 'adoption form' as if they were taking home a pet, adding to the excitement of the event.

The conservatory's head gardener, Marta Lowcewicz, will play a key role in choosing new plants for the collection during the refurbishment. She will prioritize plants with big, bold leaves to fit the Barbican's striking architecture. Lowcewicz was thrilled with the response to the adoption event, saying that there had been a 'social media storm' and that it was 'amazing' to see so much interest in the plants.

## What happens next The refurbishment of the conservatory will include updates to the climate control and irrigation systems, ensuring that the plants are well cared for when the conservatory reopens. The Barbican was built in the 1960s, and since then, London has experienced significant changes in its climate, including five heatwaves. These changes have affected the plants in the conservatory, and the refurbishment will take into account the need for more resilient and adaptable plants.

## Why it matters The closure of the Barbican's conservatory may seem like a loss for the community, but the adoption events and refurbishment plans have turned it into an opportunity for engagement and renewal. The conservatory's plants have brought people together, and the adoption events have created a sense of community among those who have taken home a piece of the conservatory. The refurbishment will ensure that the conservatory remains a thriving and vibrant space, and the new plants chosen by Lowcewicz will add to its beauty and charm.