The goal of this project was to get communities involved in greening their local spaces and contribute to a more biodiverse borough. The Islington Greener Together programme encourages residents to take initiative and pride in caring for their area. By getting local residents involved with installation, the aim was to form a sense of ownership over the rain gardens and an understanding of the importance of creating greener streets.

The project was made up of two rain gardens that each measured 14.52m2 and sat on opposite sides of Marriot Road leading to the Tollington Park junction. The rain gardens were planted up with members of the community and the designs accounted for two existing trees in the space. Over 200 plants were planted and consisted of low maintenance and drought tolerant species that were selected based on their sun exposure including:

• South East – facing plants: Rudbeckia fulgida and Erigeron karvinskianus
• Sunny aspect: Rosemary and Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’
• North East – facing: Deschampsia cespitosa and Vinca minor
• Partial sun aspect: Sesleria autumnalis and Macedonia scabious 

A collaborative partnership between Meristem, the council and local residents was formed to deliver an impactful rain garden project that benefits the environment and local community. The design of the scheme from plant selection through to hosting a community planting days intended to build a strong and meaningful residential green space.

The Marriott Road rain gardens project has brought greenery to a previously overlooked roadside space and created opportunities for community involvement and biodiversity.