Award-Winning Garden Finds Permanent Home in North Lanarkshire

Strategic Insights -

The Down's Syndrome Scotland garden, winner of two awards at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is being given a permanent home in North Lanarkshire's Palacerigg Country Park. The garden, designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, will be relocated to the Watch US Grow charity, where it will be maintained by young adults with Additional Support Needs. The garden's relocation is made possible through a unique grant from Project Giving Back, a charity that supports cause-driven gardens at RHS Chelsea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The garden, designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall, takes visitors on a journey through the life of someone with Down's syndrome, highlighting their unique qualities and the challenges they face.
  • The garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal for small show garden and the People's Choice for Best Small Show Garden at RHS Chelsea.
  • The garden will be maintained by young adults with Additional Support Needs, including those with Down's syndrome, Autism, and other learning disabilities.
  • The garden will officially open in May 2026, when it will be in full bloom, recreating the stunning garden seen by thousands of visitors to RHS Chelsea.
  • The garden's relocation is made possible through Project Giving Back, a charity that supports cause-driven gardens at RHS Chelsea.
  • The garden will be part of the Watch US Grow charity, which uses gardening to educate and improve people's lives.
  • The partnership involves Down's Syndrome Scotland, Watch US Grow, North Lanarkshire Council, and Palacerigg Country Park.
  • The garden is expected to raise awareness of and spark discussion about the issues faced by people with disabilities in the community.

Statistics:

  • 2 awards won by the garden at RHS Chelsea: Silver Gilt medal for small show garden and the People's Choice for Best Small Show Garden.
  • 2,000+ visitors to RSS Chelsea saw the garden before its relocation.
  • The garden will be located in Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.
  • The garden will be maintained by 10-20 young adults with Additional Support Needs, including those with Down's syndrome, Autism, and other learning disabilities.
  • The garden will be open to the public from May 2026.

Sources:

  • North Lanarkshire Council
  • UK Government
  • Project Giving Back
  • Watch US Grow Charity
  • Down's Syndrome Scotland
  • Royal Horticultural Society (RHS Chelsea)
  • Burton Hall Garden Design