This garden attempts to embody the idea of celebration. For centuries people, from every corner of the world, have gathered in outdoor spaces to share food, drink, music & stories. These moments of togetherness - whether grand & formal, or small & spontaneous - give us the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and de-stress. This is the spirit that sits at the heart of this garden design.

The garden is divided into 4 zones which each take approximately one-quarter of the 7M x 7M plot. They include: the entrance path, the stage, the dance floor & the dining area. The layout allows guests to circulate around the garden without constraint. It invites you in to spend time with nature, eat with friends and have fun.

The zinc dining table reflects the surrounding movement and light on its surface. This piece is a functional sculpture & a focal point of the garden. The table top is constructed from a single sheet of 0.8mm thick zinc metal, curved by hand and secured around a timber frame.The legs are made from galvanised steel.

The 3 metre long table has a void at one end, which holds a small herb garden planted directly into the table. Small gaps in the steel planter allows for plenty of drainage. Fresh Mediterranean herbs can be picked and used to garnish drinks and meals, right as they are being prepared & served. Special thank you to Aurelijus Leišys for his help with its construction.

Each chair gathered around the table has its own origins. They have all been sourced second-hand & upcycled. They are all unique in form and age which represents different characters coming together to socialise. The table is set with 6 beautifully crafted bowls made by ceramist, Megan Devlin.

The planting plays a vital role in softening the geometric layout of the garden. Flowering perennials, grasses & low growing shrubs flow out of the plant beds and on to the pathways to blur the straight edges. Coral, blush, violet & red blooms will crowd the plant beds over the summer months with bursts of colour, like confetti exploding from a cannon. 

The main entrance path, lined with blue & black checkered Victorian-style tiles, allows guests to walk through the sea of foliage. Adding Victorian elements to a contemporary garden was done purposely to celebrate traditional craftsmanship. 

The 4-point star on the centre of the stage, made with porcelain tiles cut to shape, again references traditional detailing, while also symbolising the act of entertaining. 

Larger evergreen shrubs are placed in the beds surrounding the dance floor to add volume and create a strong boundary. The circular raised planter is filled with grasses and creeping plants to evoke a sense of movement. The L-shape planters define the corners of the plot and anchor the garden to the ground. One of the brickwork planters is filled with Scottish heathers to bring beautiful pink & orange hues to the garden in the cooler months of the year.

The surface of the dining area is made from clay pavers, to add warmth and elegance to the space. They also clearly define an area to rest and re-energise.

Ultimately, this garden balances formality and spontaneity. It encourages you to move, dance & sing - challenging the idea that gardens are for quiet contemplation. They are full of life, sounds & smells that we can all enjoy together.

Thank you to all the sponsors for helping me create this showcase garden & thanks Garradh Landscaping & Design for their meticulous craftmanship. This project has been so much fun and I’m so lucky to be a part of this event at Scone Palace where we can celebrate Scottish horticulture, gardening & design. Thanks to all my family and friends for their infinite help and support - I love you all. I hope my garden inspires you to call your friends, old and new, and throw a garden party.

Laura