Nick Barton (far left) with volunteers in Lydiard’s Walled Garden
A garden inspired by a young boy from Dumfries and Galloway won a prestigious RHS Silver Gilt medal at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show—and it was co-designed by none other than Nick Burton, Lydiard Park’s first Head Gardener since the Bolingbrokes owned the estate.
Nick joined the Lydiard team in 2005 with the formidable task of restoring the long-lost 18th-century Walled Garden. At the time, the site was little more than a mown field. Drawing on archaeological evidence and expert research into historic planting, Nick mapped out the original beds and paths, led volunteer teams in rebuilding the garden’s structure, and helped source and plant hundreds of historically accurate specimens. His leadership saw the garden restored and opened to the public on 18th May 2007—a beautiful, flower-filled space that continues to delight visitors year-round.
Now, Nick’s passion and talent have been recognised on the world stage. Alongside fellow Scottish-based designer Duncan Hall, he was awarded an RHS Silver Gilt medal for The Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden, inspired by Hall’s eight-year-old nephew, Liam. The garden celebrates the joy, kindness, and unique qualities that people with Down’s syndrome bring to society, while highlighting the barriers they often face.
Designed as a journey, the garden leads visitors along a winding path through contrasting zones of calmness and playfulness. A striking water pool appears to block the way forward, symbolising daily challenges. Yet hidden beneath the surface is a submerged bridge, allowing the journey to continue—a powerful metaphor for overcoming obstacles. The path ends at a welcoming, embrace-like shelter, intended to feel like a warm hug and evoke the compassion and joy so often found in those with Down’s syndrome.
The Friends of Lydiard Park congratulate Nick Burton on this well-deserved honour, and celebrate his ongoing contributions to meaningful, inclusive garden design. From the historic paths of Lydiard to the global stage at Chelsea, his work continues to inspire.