The burial grounds surrounding them were transformed into a public garden in 1894, with costs being met by London County Council and the local vestry.

[1] The garden extends to 1.82 hectares (4 acres) and includes notable specimens of ash, lime and London plane trees, with one specimen of plane potentially dating from the 18th century.

The garden was refurbished in 2010, with the addition of new lighting, signage, seating, plantings and nestboxes.

[1] Although belonging to the church, the gardens are maintained by the Islington Greenspace and Leisure Team, which manages the borough's parks and open spaces.

[2] Friends of St Mary Magdalene Gardens was set up in 2005 by different parties, including the council, local residents and members of the church to discuss the future use and development of the park.