Monstera magic: Barbican hands out cuttings as ‘green lung of the city’ closes
The Barbican Conservatory in London is closing for a three-year, £231 million renovation project to address structural safety concerns. To mark the closure, the estate hosted a community event where 500 residents adopted plant cuttings from the collection.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of urban infrastructure maintenance and community engagement in preserving public green spaces.
‘It’s very special to have something from here,’ said Savannah, left. ‘Everyone seems very excited,’ said Maria, right. ‘It’s very special to have something from here,’ said Savannah, left. ‘Everyone seems very excited,’ said Maria, right. Barbican Monstera magic: Barbican hands out cuttings as ‘green lung of the city’ closes Five hundred people turn up to adopt plants from conservatory that will reopen in 2030 after renovation project
Helena Horton Thu 20 Aug 2026 01.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google A bove the waxy monstera leaves and bright pink hibiscus flowers in the Barbican conservatory hangs a giant net to catch the panes of glass that are at risk of falling from the ceiling on the unwitting plant lovers below.
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