Drakkars Drift

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
The clients are a Scottish Scandinavian couple who wish to celebrate the historical connection between their native homes, a space where they can relax, be mindful and reconnect to the natural world. They are keen gardeners who would like a vibrant, climate resilient planting scheme. 
Where is the garden set?
The garden is imagined for a modern domestic context in the suburbs of Scotland.

The Garden

Drakkar’s Drift draws inspiration from the striking basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa – an interest sparked by a 2023 trip that led to deeper research into the island’s history. The Norse word ‘Drakkar’ refers to Viking ships displaying a dragon head at their front and so reminds of the arrival of the Vikings in the northern Scottish isles over a thousand years ago.  

The garden itself celebrates Scotland’s historic ties with Scandinavia by blending Nordic wellness traditions and Highland elements: a floating wooden boardwalk leads to a bespoke Heartwood Sauna and plunge pool, while a rocky cascade, stream and scattered boulders evoke dramatic Scottish landscapes. 

A fire pit pays homage to a more primal way of life, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The result is a tranquil yet culturally rich retreat that unites heritage, design, and the healing power of nature. 

Plants

Visitors can expect a vibrant, resilient planting scheme designed to thrive in the UK’s changing climate, reflecting the designer’s personal belief in horticulture’s potential to support mental health and well-being. All perennials and grasses have been grown by Cliff Bank Nursery, Yorkshire.

Key plants include: Althaea cannabina (palm-leaf marsh mallow), Euphorbia × arendsii, Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ (tansy), Eryngium yuccifolium and Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’.

Garden legacy

Drakkars Drift is sponsored by Edinburgh City Council and the Edinburgh Nature Network, and will be permanently relocated to Leith as a community garden, becoming part of the wider Nature Network initiative across the city.