AN award-winning garden has opened permanently in Edinburgh after a community fundraising drive brought it home from a flower show in Yorkshire.
Drakkar’s Drift, created by Leith resident Luke Coleman, was formally unveiled at Victoria Park on Sunday by Councillor Margaret Graham, the council’s Culture and Communities convener, and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie – the Liberal democrat MSP for the area.
The garden swept the boards at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse last July, winning a Gold Medal, the RHS Young Designer of the Year title, the People’s Choice Award and Best Construction. All of this in Coleman’s debut as a show garden designer.
Inspired by the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa, the garden celebrates Scotland’s historic ties with Scandinavia by blending Nordic wellness traditions with Highland elements. Its name draws on the Norse word for the dragon-headed Viking longship.
Luke Coleman (second from left), Councillor Margaret Graham (centre), and Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP (second from left) cut the ribbon on Drakkar’s Drift © Tom Duffin
After the show, a community fundraising campaign was launched to bring the garden to Edinburgh permanently.
The two disused bowling greens at Victoria Park had been returned to the council by Edinburgh Leisure in 2023, with the site chosen following local consultation in which residents expressed a desire for sensory planting.
The name Drakkar’s Drift comes from the Norse word for the dragon-headed Viking longship © Tom Duffin
Luke Coleman said: “Winning at the RHS was a dream come true, but seeing Drakkars Drift find a permanent home in Victoria Park is even more rewarding.
“The garden was always intended to connect people with nature, and it’s been incredible to see volunteers, schools and the local community come together to help bring that vision to life.”
Drakkar’s Drift celebrates Scotland’s ties with Scandinavia © Tom Duffin
The original show garden design has since been adapted and expanded, with particular attention paid to texture, movement, colour, scent and sound. Features include accessible pathways, seating areas, mature trees, wildlife habitats and sculptural elements.
A neighbouring bowling green is also being transformed into a community croft by Earth in Common, forming part of the council’s wider programme to bring disused bowling greens back into community use.
© Tom Duffin
Councillor Margaret Graham, Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee, said: “I’m delighted that Drakkar’s Drift has found its permanent home here in Edinburgh alongside the fantastic work being undertaken by Earth in Common.
© Tom Duffin
“This project perfectly demonstrates how underused spaces can be transformed into something truly special for local communities.
“What began as an award-winning show garden has evolved into a beautiful and accessible community asset that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
“My thanks go to Luke and the volunteers who gave their time and creativity to bring it to life.”
© Tom Duffin
Further improvements are planned, including a braille map and additional accessibility features, with fundraising continuing to support the work.
Children have already been enjoying the new garden © Tom Duffin
© Tom Duffin
© Tom Duffin
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