A FUNDRAISER is underway to bring an award-winning garden to the site of one of Edinburgh’s former bowling greens.
Drakkar’s Drift, by Leith resident and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) young designer Luke Coleman, was created for the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show where it won several awards.
A campaign has been launched to raise funds which would allow the garden to be brought to Edinburgh’s Victoria Park in Leith, rather than being sold to private buyers.
The garden would be located on a former bowling green next to Newhaven Road, with the park’s second green being transformed into a community growing space by environmental charity Earth in Common.
Drakkar’s Drift, by Leith resident and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) young designer Luke Coleman. (C) Facebook / Edinburgh Council.
Text on the fundraiser reads: “We have a rare opportunity to bring an award-winning garden—Drakkar’s Drift—to a permanent home in Edinburgh’s Victoria Park.
“There’s a chance to relocate it to a disused bowling green in Edinburgh, transforming the space into a beautiful, accessible public garden for everyone to enjoy.
“But we need your help to make it happen.”
The target on the page is £50,000, with more than £20,000 raised so far.
Organisers have said that the funding would cover the transporting and rebuilding of the garden and preparing of the site, along with the expanding of the garden to 200m² to improve accessibility, and the installing of new features such as paths and seating, which were raised during community consultation.
The fundraiser continues: “Without this funding, the garden would have to be dismantled and sold off to private buyers—meaning the community loses out on a unique opportunity to create a lasting, inclusive green space in the north of the city.
“We’re calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations who care about community, culture, and green spaces to support this project.”
“Together, we can turn an unused space into a living, breathing celebration of nature, heritage, and community.”
Last week, the City of Edinburgh Council said that the £20,000 secured so far has allowed the garden to be dismantled and transported back to the capital.
A further £30,000 would mean that it can be rebuilt as a public asset.
Speaking on the plans to relocate the garden, designer Luke said: “It’s been a dream to bring Drakkar’s Drift to life at the RHS Show, and now, seeing it find a permanent home in Edinburgh is something truly special.
“This project is about more than design; it’s about community, connection, and creating a legacy.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support so far, and I hope people will get behind the fundraiser to help us rebuild the garden for everyone to enjoy.”
Drakkar’s Drift is inspired by “Scotland’s historic ties with Scandinavia, the healing power of nature, and sustainable design”.
At the RHS Flower Show, it won the Gold Medal, Royal Horticultural Society Young Designer of the Year, People’s Choice and Best Construction.
Community consultation has been taking place over the past year on the future of the unused bowling greens in Victoria Park.
The development of the other bowling green, led by Earth in Common, seeks to create new urban crofts to help transform neglected greens into multifunctional spaces.
Edinburgh Leisure returned the two bowling greens to the council in 2023.
Donations can be given here.
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