A slice of world-class horticulture is coming home. After capturing hearts at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s award-winning garden is being relocated to Watch US Grow at Palacerigg Country Park.
Designed by Chelsea newcomers Nick Burton and Duncan Hall from Burton Hall Garden Design, the garden was a standout success in London, securing both the Silver Gilt Award and the People’s Choice for Best Small Show Garden. On 6 June, it will officially open its gates at the Watch US Grow garden, transitioning from a prestigious exhibit to a permanent sanctuary for the Scottish community.
It’s a garden inspired by connection: The garden’s soul stems from Duncan’s nephew, Liam, who has Down’s syndrome. The space is a living tribute to the care, compassion, and mischievous joy he brings to his family. As Liam’s mother, Laura, beautifully captures it: “Instead of looking at the things Liam’s not yet able to do, [you see that] the road, even though windy and slow, is a scenic route with a lot to see.”
Visitors are invited to explore a landscape filled with hidden meaning and “scenic” surprises:
It was a community effort: This relocation was made possible by Project Giving Back, a charity dedicated to “gardens for good causes,” alongside dedicated corporate volunteers who spent months preparing the soil at Watch US Grow. The result is more than just a landscape: it is a platform for conversation and a celebration of diversity.
The garden at Palacerigg is no longer just a showpiece – it is a living, breathing invitation to slow down and see the world through a different lens. Whether you come for a quiet moment of reflection or a playful walk through the wildflowers, our gates are open – come and find your own ‘scenic route’.
Emma Soanes, CEO of Down’s Syndrome Scotland said: “Showcasing our community’s story at Chelsea Flower Show was a monumental milestone, but the garden’s true legacy begins back home in Scotland, here at Watch US Grow at Palacerigg Country Park. Nick and Duncan have woven beautiful, profound symbolism into this landscape, and we are thrilled to entrust its future to Watch US Grow, whose dedication to equality matches our own. This relocation simply wouldn’t have been possible without the vital backing of Project Giving Back, North Lanarkshire Council, and our fantastic corporate partners who literally got their hands dirty by rolling up their sleeves to prepare the soil. This is no longer just an award-winning exhibit – it is a permanent home for Down’s Syndrome Scotland members to gather, connect, and thrive alongside the local community.” North Lanarkshire Provost Councillor Kenneth Duffy said: “We are proud to welcome the Down’s Syndrome Scotland and this beautiful, inspirational garden to Palacerigg Country Park. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their vision and hard work in creating not one but two versions of a very special garden, first at the Chelsea Flower Show and then adapting that award-winning design to its permanent home here in Cumbernauld. “It is a wonderful addition to the country park, providing a tranquil and thought-provoking space for visitors to enjoy.” Duncan Hall, Director of Burton Hall Garden Design said: “The garden embarking on its second life in its permanent home means a huge amount to us. Chelsea was always just the beginning, relocating the garden gives the project a lasting legacy beyond the Chelsea Flower Show itself. Working with Down’s Syndrome Scotland has been a great experience and for the garden to become a focal point for the charity will be incredibly rewarding. Having now spent some time at Watch US Grow over the past two years, we can see the positive impact they have on the lives of people with Down’s syndrome amongst others. Seeing how the DSS Garden will continue to contribute to the lives of so many people gives the project a really meaningful legacy, which is also one of the primary aims of our amazing sponsor Project Giving Back. The garden will continue to provide a platform for celebrating Down’s syndrome and breaking down barriers which we are delighted about.” Tom Harten, General Manager of Watch Us Grow said: “Gardening is at the heart of Watch Us Grow, using it to support adults with additional support needs such as Downs Syndrome, Autism, fragile X and other conditions. Gardening allows us to teach practical skills, build confidence, increase independence, provide a structured routine and be part of a community that treats everyone equally. Our journey with two Scottish garden designers and Down Syndrome Scotland started in September 2023 when WUG was asked, “Do you think you would be interested in receiving a Chelsea garden?” Of course it was a resounding YES. Becoming the custodian of a Chelsea flower show garden is a rare and an amazing opportunity. It’s even more special that a garden which explores a human condition, still largely misunderstood throughout society has found its final home with WUG and will be looked after by the very people it was designed for. The Down Syndrome Garden is a real symbol of joy for all marginalised communities, many of whom go unnoticed and unappreciated. Our hope is the wider public get to see how brilliant WUG students are and what they are capable of. We want to attract people to visit WUG, to enjoy our gardens, appreciate the plants, the design but mostly we want this garden to open up conversations that lead to reducing stigmas, better understanding and in some instances completely change minds.”
Emma Soanes, CEO of Down’s Syndrome Scotland said:
“Showcasing our community’s story at Chelsea Flower Show was a monumental milestone, but the garden’s true legacy begins back home in Scotland, here at Watch US Grow at Palacerigg Country Park. Nick and Duncan have woven beautiful, profound symbolism into this landscape, and we are thrilled to entrust its future to Watch US Grow, whose dedication to equality matches our own. This relocation simply wouldn’t have been possible without the vital backing of Project Giving Back, North Lanarkshire Council, and our fantastic corporate partners who literally got their hands dirty by rolling up their sleeves to prepare the soil. This is no longer just an award-winning exhibit – it is a permanent home for Down’s Syndrome Scotland members to gather, connect, and thrive alongside the local community.”
North Lanarkshire Provost Councillor Kenneth Duffy said:
“We are proud to welcome the Down’s Syndrome Scotland and this beautiful, inspirational garden to Palacerigg Country Park. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their vision and hard work in creating not one but two versions of a very special garden, first at the Chelsea Flower Show and then adapting that award-winning design to its permanent home here in Cumbernauld.
“It is a wonderful addition to the country park, providing a tranquil and thought-provoking space for visitors to enjoy.”
Duncan Hall, Director of Burton Hall Garden Design said:
“The garden embarking on its second life in its permanent home means a huge amount to us. Chelsea was always just the beginning, relocating the garden gives the project a lasting legacy beyond the Chelsea Flower Show itself. Working with Down’s Syndrome Scotland has been a great experience and for the garden to become a focal point for the charity will be incredibly rewarding. Having now spent some time at Watch US Grow over the past two years, we can see the positive impact they have on the lives of people with Down’s syndrome amongst others. Seeing how the DSS Garden will continue to contribute to the lives of so many people gives the project a really meaningful legacy, which is also one of the primary aims of our amazing sponsor Project Giving Back. The garden will continue to provide a platform for celebrating Down’s syndrome and breaking down barriers which we are delighted about.”
Tom Harten, General Manager of Watch Us Grow said:
“Gardening is at the heart of Watch Us Grow, using it to support adults with additional support needs such as Downs Syndrome, Autism, fragile X and other conditions. Gardening allows us to teach practical skills, build confidence, increase independence, provide a structured routine and be part of a community that treats everyone equally.
Our journey with two Scottish garden designers and Down Syndrome Scotland started in September 2023 when WUG was asked, “Do you think you would be interested in receiving a Chelsea garden?” Of course it was a resounding YES.
Becoming the custodian of a Chelsea flower show garden is a rare and an amazing opportunity. It’s even more special that a garden which explores a human condition, still largely misunderstood throughout society has found its final home with WUG and will be looked after by the very people it was designed for.
The Down Syndrome Garden is a real symbol of joy for all marginalised communities, many of whom go unnoticed and unappreciated. Our hope is the wider public get to see how brilliant WUG students are and what they are capable of. We want to attract people to visit WUG, to enjoy our gardens, appreciate the plants, the design but mostly we want this garden to open up conversations that lead to reducing stigmas, better understanding and in some instances completely change minds.”
All photos: Julie Skelton