RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

The Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden was designed to challenge prejudice and celebrate Down’s syndrome through some of the characteristics of people with Down’s syndrome. This was achieved through the creation of several design features and also some key themes being weaved throughout the whole garden. Various garden features showcased fun, playfulness & mischief while others highlighted empathy, compassion and sensitivity, all characteristics that people with Down’s syndrome have in abundance. The goal was to make a garden that was beautiful and celebratory whilst also sparking conversation about Down’s syndrome and making people think about how they view the Down’s syndrome community.

We worked closely with the charity Down’s Syndrome Scotland (DSS) throughout the process of designing, building and showcasing this garden which was both a joy and incredible fulfilling and humbling. DSS carry out vital work supporting people with Down’s syndrome and their families whilst also supporting professionals in health, social care and education to better understand working with Down’s syndrome.

People with Down’s syndrome were integral to the creation of this garden. They grew plants, helped with planting & construction and were also involved in engaging the public and showcasing the garden at Chelsea.

Here is an overview of the key features in the garden:

• 21 & 3: Down’s syndrome is caused by a third copy of the 21st chromosome, so the numbers 21 and 3 were subtly referenced throughout the garden.

• planting: The garden was split into two planting styles – a greener, calmer zone adjacent to the garden building representing a sensitivity and compassion and a more colourful zone that was playful and fun.

• the hug: The building, created by Old School Fabrications, was an organically-shaped garden building made from locally sourced sustainable timber. The shape and material of the garden structure were designed to feel like a comforting ‘hug’ and reflect the compassion, empathy and sensitivity that come naturally to so many people with Down’s syndrome.

• water pool: A water pool was located on the main path through the garden to look like a barrier to progress and symbolise the daily challenges faced by people with Down’s syndrome who - despite huge progress in recent years - still experience stigma, often resulting in reduced opportunities and life expectancy. The water was very shallow however and a submerged bridge allowed progress to continue. This was designed to show that with support, and a change in how society views Down’s syndrome, barriers can be overcome.

• Scot’s Pine: A Scot’s Pine, a Gaelic symbol of durability, sat on the other side of the pool, representing fulfilled potential having overcome the barriers and misconceptions that are faced by those with Down’s syndrome.

• colourful tiles: 21 playful tiles by ceramic artist Frances Priest were inlaid into the paving, contributing to the garden’s sense of joy as visitors enjoy the artful playfulness beneath their feet.

• benches: There were three seating areas within the garden. One within the building while the other two were handcrafted benches created by Laurence McIntosh. Each bench was designed to have 21 radial slats with 3 sets of legs.

• water features: There were three water features including two above-ground copper water containers, made by Bronzino, which are based on a Scottish Highland cauldron design. One of these had a secret water spray activated by standing on a nearby tile to add an element of mischief.

We are incredibly grateful to have worked with so many amazing collaborators including:

• Down’s Syndrome Scotland is an amazing charity supporting people with Down’s syndrome.

• Funded by Project Giving Back, the grant-giving charity that supports gardens for good causes at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

• Kate Gould Gardens was our contractor at Chelsea. Keith Chapman, project manager, has vast experience of Chelsea.

• Old School Fabrications designed the garden building.

• Frances Priest is a ceramic artist who made some playful, colourful tiles that were inlaid into the paving.

• Laurence McIntosh is a specialist joinery and cabinet maker who designed and crafted the benches in the garden.

• Kelways is the nursery who grew the majority of our plants.

• Deepdale Trees provided the trees and shrubs for our garden.

• Kevock Garden Plants is a nursery in Scotland that provided a small number of specialist plants.

• Bronzino created the cauldrons that we used as water features