Learning Garden Event
In the autumnal garden with...
This autumn, join us for an afternoon in the museum's garden to discover more about the relationship between pollinators and flowers with Eliza Collin, 'cybergardening' with Kalpana Arias, get your hands in the soil to plant spring bulbs with Mandy Lee, and try botanical-inspired weaving with Sara Kelly.
What to expect
Our garden events are seasonal gatherings where visitors enjoy inspiring talks and activities led by experts in horticulture, nature and design.
In this green space, you'll meet the garden volunteers, who share stewardship of the museum's Dame Sylvia Crowe Garden. Try your hand at creative horticultural activities, swap gardening tips and tricks, and listen to inspiring speakers.
The autumn programme will include:
Short Talk: 'What on Earth is Cybergardening?' with gardener and activist Kalpana Arias
Workshop: 'Annual Bulb Planting' with gardener Mandy Lee
Short Talk: 'Adapting Aromas: The Evolution of Scent, Climate Change and the Future of Pollination' with design researcher Eliza Collins
Workshop: 'Botanical-Inspired Weaving' with artist Sarah Kelly
Please note that our garden currently does not have wheelchair access. We apologise for the limitations this may cause.
Previous events at the Design Museum Garden
Speakers
Eliza Collin
Eliza is a design researcher, artist, and organiser working at the intersection of ecology, science, and collective action. She explores how climate change alters landscapes and plant scent, creating community-rooted interventions for ecological resilience and education. She co-leads Where Grass Roots in Sicily and leads Hybridising Scentscapes with the Design Museum. Elisa also collaborates with scientists and farmers on interdisciplinary, site-specific work bridging science, activism and design. @elizalicollin
Kalpana Arias
Kalpana is a guerrilla gardener, technologist, urban greening activist and food grower, and the founder of Nowadays, a social enterprise fighting for urban nature. She campaigns for nature rights through urban gardening projects and tech policy reforms, and has been researching technological ecologies for over 7 years. Kalpana delivered a TED talk, spoken at the United Nations, featured on Evening Standard's 30 under 30 list of Climate Activists On A Mission To Save London and Vogue, and is a trustee for GROW charity. @ariasaleja
Sara Kelly
Sara is a Textile Artist and Educator based in South-East London. Her work explores craft, community, and storytelling through colour, texture, and traditional techniques. She creates woven and quilted pieces that translate life into tactile narratives. Alongside her practice, she leads workshops and community projects that connect people through making. Her work has been exhibited internationally, and she collaborates with institutions, artists, and groups to celebrate the rich history of textiles while pushing its boundaries. @studiosarakelly
Book Online
Booking information
Adult:£12
Student/Concession: £11
Member: £10
• Pre-booking is required as places are limited
• Individuals can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets. If you require a carer companion, please add a Carer ticket to your order (free)
• Suitable Age: 12 +. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult
• Assistance dogs are welcome but must be on a lead
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for further information.
Read more about the Design Museum Garden
Initiated in partnership with the Design Age Institute in 2021, Growing Together explores design and horticulture as catalysts for positive social change and nurtures community connections in response to the planetary emergency.
'Growing Together' engages local residents to share stewardship of the Dame Sylvia Crowe garden at the Design Museum. The garden was named in memory of the pioneering landscape architect who designed the landscaping for the Commonwealth Institute in 1962.
What's On