At a glance: A clever balance of botanical interest and fun design features to highlight the value and potential of people with Down’s Syndrome
A specimen Scot’s Pine, Pinus sylvestris, inspired the design of this semi-woodland Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden. A Gaelic symbol for durability, the tree suited the sentiment of the charity, and the naturalistic woodland planting is a style the designers both like.
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The garden has two distinctive areas. A shaded semi-woodland of Betula nigra underplanted with calm, green textures envelops a bespoke larch timber building affectionately nicknamed ‘The Hug’.
On the sunnier side, the planting becomes more playful with pockets of colour and conceals a secret water jet. Together, these two halves explore life for people with Down’s syndrome, expressing a sense of sensitivity and compassion alongside fun and mischief.
Iris ‘Tropic Night’ repeats throughout and the pair are hoping for a pink, candy-striped Arisaema candidissimum, which may not flower in time, but Duncan says, ‘it’s worth taking a few risks because even as they emerge, they’re very unusual looking and interesting for people to see.’
Subtle references to three and 21 appear throughout the garden, as a third copy of chromosome 21 causes Down’s syndrome. The hand-crafted bench has 21 slats and three legs, and there are 21 encaustic tiles inlaid in the paving.
But what’s apparent is this is a deeply personal project, and Nick reflects on the rarity of these opportunities within garden design, ‘it really feels like a unique opportunity to do something that’s truly meaningful and worthwhile.’
Designers Duncan Hall and Nick Burton Sponsor Project Giving Back for Down’s Syndrome Scotland Contractor Kate Gould Gardens Plants Deepdale Trees, Kelways Plants Relocating to Watch Us Grow, Palacerigg Country Park, North Lanarkshire