Charity's show garden will be relocated to Cumbernauld park following appearance at Chelsea Flower Show
A charity's show garden will be relocated to a park in Cumbernauld following its appearance at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.
After the event, which takes place on May 20-24, the display by Down's Syndrome Scotland will be moved to Palacerigg Country Park with the assistance of local charity Watch Us Grow, which works with adults who have additional support needs.
The new site for the show garden will be adjacent to the existing Watch Us Grow house and garden and was previously used for goat grazing.
Designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design. the garden takes visitors on a journey through the life of someone with Down's syndrome and highlights their many unique qualities and barriers they face.
Features of the garden will include a building created by Old School Fabrications in East Lothian. This was commissioned to feel comforting and reflect the compassion, kindness and joy that come naturally to many people with Down's syndrome.
A ground-level water pools with submerged bridge will represent the difficulties often faced by people with Down's syndrome, expressing their resilience and determination. Durability will be symobolised by a Scots pine on the other side of the pool.
The cause of Down's Syndrome is a third copy of chromosome 21. The design of the garden representes these numbers, with three water features and three seating areas, while bespoke benches by traditional craftsman Laurence McIntosh have three feet and 21 slats.
Ceramic artist Frances Priest has provided 21 tiles and the garden will also feature a bunting display of 21 'odd, knitted socks', which resemble chromosomes, will be hung inside the garden building.
North Lanarkshire Council will support the relocation project. The restorative justice team has begun preparing the site, and it will also work with the two charities to support its long-term maintenance and training of volunteers.
The council will also use its communications resources to increase public awareness of the relocated garden and its launch event, in order to attract visitors.
The show garden will also benefit from various recent improvements to the park itself, such as improved pathways, additional play areas and updated signage.
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