Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden

Designed by Duncan Hall and Nick Burton of Burton Hall Garden Design, the project went on to win two awards at the Chelsea Garden Show – the Silver Gilt Awards and People’s Choice Awards for Small Show Garden. The garden was inspired by Duncans nephew Liam who has Down syndrome – Down syndrome is caused by a third copy of chromosome 21 and these numbers are subtly reflected within the garden. For example, 21 tiles by ceramic artist Frances Priest and a playful water feature evoke a sense of fun and mischief, whilst a bunting display of 21 ‘odd, knitted socks’, chosen because they look like chromosomes, will be hung inside the garden building to celebrate difference and provide a sense of fun.

What you can expect from the day:

• A deeper understanding of Down’s Syndrome Scotland – hear from Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland about the work they do and their vision
• An insight into the design process of the garden from Duncan Hall and Nick Burton, how they came up with the concept of the garden, to the challenges they faced
• A tour of the garden and the opportunity to ask any questions

Schedule

11:00am – Arrival & refreshments
11.30am Talk from Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland about the background of the charity, its vision and mission
12.15pm – 1.15pm – Lunch & Networking
1.15pm – 2.00pm – Hear from Duncan Hall and Nick Burton on their journey of designing the Garden and the challenges they faced
2.00pm – 3.00pm – Tour of the Garden with Nick and Duncan
3.00pm – Networking and event end
 

Down’s Syndrome Scotland

Down’s Syndrome Scotland (DSS) was established in 1982 by a small group of determined parents and today has around 1,500 members across Scotland. It is the only charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting people with Down’s syndrome (and their families and carers) throughout their entire lifetime. It is estimated that there are 47,000 people with Down’s syndrome living in the UK, and every year, between 60 and 70 new babies are born with Down’ syndrome in Scotland. Their charity mission is to help every individual with Down’s syndrome reach their fullest potential through a range of services and support, to celebrate that potential, and to influence public policy by calling out inequality and campaigning for change. DSS advocates for policy change to address inequality, promote inclusion and shift perceptions about people with Down’s syndrome, working to break down barriers and promote inclusive practices, enabling people with Down’s syndrome to live fulfilling lives and fully participate in society.

Burton Hall Garden Design

Burton Hall Garden Design was founded by gardening designers, Duncan Hall and Nick Burton in 2024. They had met in 2019 whilst working together on a project in the Scottish Highlands and bonded over a shared love of naturalistic planting and have been working together since. Both Nick and Duncan have spent time as head gardeners and are plant lovers, which is reflected in their work as they love to create gardens with plants at their heart.

Nick Burton studied Amenity Horticulture at Writtle College in Essex, after completing college, Nick secured his first Head Gardener role at Painshill Park, Cobham and became an active part of the team restoring this 18th-century landscape park. In 1995 he took up the position of Head Gardener to Rosemary Verey in her garden at Barnsley House. Nick worked alongside Rosemary Verey maintaining the House’s much-visited gardens and assisting her on many of her personal garden design projects. After leaving Barnsley House, Nick became Head Gardener at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire. This 18th-century house had early 20th-century gardens that had been designed by Nancy Lancaster, however had fallen into disrepair, so Nick and his team of gardeners were charged with the task of rejuvenating the gardens. The restoration received media interest with an article in Gardens Illustrated and features on BBC2 Gardener’s World and BBC Radio 4. In 2004 Nick moved to Herefordshire where he started working as a garden consultant and designer. He has also been working with one of the country’s leading landscape contractors helping to plant up large and smaller scale landscape projects. This has led him to work for some of the country’s top designers including helping to build several of their main show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court throughout the years. In 2012, Nick moved to Edinburgh and has since been working across Scotland on a range of projects before forming Burton Hall Garden Design.

Duncan Hall studied Horticulture with Plantsmanship at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Duncan subsequently went to Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway for practical training with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) before finishing his studies at Branklyn Garden in Perthshire. Shortly after completing his studies, Duncan secured a job at Cambo Garden in Fife as the Assistant Head Gardener. Duncan has also held the role of Head Gardener at Aldourie Castle in the Highlands where he oversaw the creation and development of gardens designed by internationally renowned landscape architect and designer Tom Stuart-Smith. This project included the creation of a productive walled garden and an ornamental castle garden. Duncan also created an orchard and began reinvigorating an old arboretum and extensive parkland with wildflower meadows under Tom Stuart-Smith’s guidance. Duncan was heavily involved in the management of this high-profile project, gaining valuable experience and honing his personal, distinctive approach.