Growing Together

From an Idea to an Award-Winning Garden

What began as a project to mark Celebrating 50 Years quickly became a community-wide effort that brought people together through creativity, teamwork and shared purpose.

The vision for Growing Together was about more than creating a garden. It was an opportunity for residents, students, volunteers and employees to work together on something meaningful, contribute their ideas and leave a lasting mark on the community.

From the earliest design conversations through to planting, building and preparing for judging, people from across Camphill Blair Drummond played a hands-on role in shaping the project. The garden became a reflection of community life itself: many different people bringing their skills, ideas and experiences together to create something greater than any one person could achieve alone.

Everybody Played a Part

The project drew together people from across the community.

Residents and students contributed ideas and creative inspiration. Volunteers and employees helped develop the design, prepare materials, build structures and care for the planting. Every stage of the project offered opportunities for people to participate, learn new skills and contribute in meaningful ways.

As the garden developed, so did a sense of shared ownership. It was never simply a garden being created for the community; it was something being created by the community.

Creating Something Together

The garden's theme, Growing Together, reflected many of the values that underpin community life at Camphill Blair Drummond.

Themes of belonging, connection and participation ran throughout the design. Triangular forms symbolised both individuality and strength, while different elements of the garden reflected the community's past, present and future. Sustainability also played an important role, with natural materials and reclaimed resources used wherever possible.

Most importantly, the garden reflected the people who helped create it and the shared experiences that made the project possible.

Looking Ahead

The project was recognised with a Silver Gilt Award at Scone Palace, a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

However, the story is not yet finished.

The garden remains at Scone Palace and will continue to be judged through the seasons, with the final award decision taking place during the 2027 Scone Palace Garden Fair.

Whatever the outcome, the legacy of Growing Together will continue. Elements of the garden will eventually become part of the landscaping around Camphill Blair Drummond's new Sport & Activity Centre, ensuring that the project remains a visible reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together and everyone plays a part.