Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden

‘The garden design tells the story of a global dermatological partnership which supports Burmese healthcare workers treating adults and children with terrible skin conditions. All of the plants in this garden are found in Myanmar and grow happily in the UK.

The challenging and disrupted environments in which the charity works are symbolised by the part-ruined stupa, overgrown and reclaimed by foliage. Textures such as bark, plants, moss and lichen are illustrative of the skin diseases affecting people supported by the charity.
 
A traditional Burmese stilt house made from recycled timber with a thatched roof, sits above a pool offering views of a cascading waterfall. A dry-stone bench is inspired by the 28th letter of the Burmese alphabet, la, which together with its accent forms the word Lar, meaning ‘coming together’.’

The garden was awarded an RHS Gold Medal and Best Sanctuary Garden.

Helen Olney