Arlington Square Garden has won an award for the third year running.
The square accepted the London Gardens Society’s prize for best small public garden last Thursday 17 October.
Gordon McArthur, chair of the volunteer group who runs the garden, said: “We’re very happy to get the recognition. The other finalists were public squares in Westminster, who tend to have quite a bit of money to spend.”
“That’s what makes us a little bit more special, because this public square is community-run.”
One volunteer at the group, Amelia, 29, said: “It’s just priceless… it’s so nice to know your neighbour in London.”
This is not the only award won by the garden this year. The Royal Horticultural Society rated it outstanding, praising the “attention to detail” and “continuous riot of colour” in the garden, while Keep Britain Tidy gave Arlington its “Green Flag”.
The future of the garden is uncertain though. Increasing costs mean it is becoming harder to maintain such a high standard, with the square’s grant from Islington Council frozen at £4,500 since 2014.
Mr McArthur said the work of the Arlington Association is vital: “the council doesn’t have the resources to do it, so the community steps in.”
Clare Walsh is the beat reporter for St Mary's and St James'. She is passionate about keeping locals up to date on important stories. She is a freelance journalist, and has written for publications including Varsity and Cambridge Creatives.