Join us for a conference that will explore how existing urban landscapes can be refurbished to be more efficient, better for the environment and more sustainable for the future. Aimed at those practising and studying in the areas of Landscape Architecture, Garden Design, and Urban Planning.

Urban Greening Symposium | From Pavement to Plants in partnership with the Landscape Institute London

In a world where urban landscapes too often feel disconnected from nature, green retrofitting – or sustainably repurposing existing spaces – offers a powerful way to reimagine our cities. The Garden Museum has joined forces with the Landscape Institute London Branch, set against the inspiring backdrop of Lambeth Green, our own transformative urban greening project to dive into the future green retrofitting our cities.

This conference will explore how we can make green retrofitting more accessible, connect communities with vibrant public spaces, and overcome the real-world challenges of implementing green infrastructure. Lambeth Green itself is breathing new life into five acres around the Museum, transforming streets and forgotten corners into a lush tapestry of gardens, pathways, and communal spaces.

This half-day conference and workshop will showcase pioneering case studies from the UK and Europe. Together, we’ll unpack strategies to make green retrofitting a seamless part of urban design, examine how to spark collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and explore bold, practical solutions to cultivate cities that are both resilient and rooted in nature. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a conversation shaping the green cities of tomorrow.

The conference begins with an early morning coffee meet-up, followed by a site visit to Lambeth Junction to see a green retrofit in action. Back at the Garden Museum, we will hear a series of rapid presentations from UK and international landscape experts followed by mid-morning panel discussions and breakout groups will then tackle core challenges in green retrofitting, with the day concluding in a vibrant feedback session to shape future urban greening initiatives.

Key confirmed speakers listed below, we will  also be joined by a member of Dan Pearson Studio. More speakers TBC.