The Burma Skincare Initiative ‘Spirit of Partnership Garden’ tells the story of a UK-based charity helping healthcare workers in Myanmar treat children and adults with painful and debilitating skin conditions.
Symbolising the challenging environments in which the charity operates, the garden unfolds with a poignant narrative. A partially ruined stupa, gracefully overtaken by lush foliage, serves as a testament to resilience amidst adversity. A focal point emerges in the form of a traditional Burmese stilt house overlooking a tranquil pool fed by a cascading waterfall, inviting contemplation and serenity.
Gold medal winnder and Best Sanctuary Garden, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
Representing partnership, a dry-stone bench is inspired by the 28th letter of the Burmese alphabet, ‘la’, which together with its accent means ‘coming together’ in Burmese. The naturalistic planting scheme is also a celebration of unity - all the plants are both found in Burma but will grow happily in the UK.
The garden is full of texture, including timber from a Thames jetty, crumbling reclaimed bricks and weathered stone with moss and lichen. Along with the textured bark of trees such as Acer davidii and Betula utilis, they represent the skin diseases that afflict those under the charity’s care.
Key sustainability initiatives are seamlessly integrated throughout the garden. Locally sourced plants thrive in peat-free compost grown in recycled and recyclable pots. Reclaimed materials are employed extensively while sustainable building techniques ensure efficiency during construction and breakdown, minimising environmental impact.
