LANDSCAPING SERVICES
The West Garden area has been designed to fit with the wild landscapes that surround the site , complementing its location at the foot of Calton Hill . It will feature native trees like Scots Pine , Birch and Rowan and other plants native to the region .
By contrast , the East Garden will be designed as an extensive flower garden and feature a large pergola along the Belvedere wall , one of the original features of the Royal High School building .
A programme of regular events will share knowledge about the gardens as well as other related topics like horticulture skills , biodiversity , and health and wellbeing . Community groups will be invited to use the gardens and learning opportunities focused on conservation , native species and precious micro-systems .
Tom Stuart-Smith and his team in collaboration with Edinburghbased landscape architects OPEN , were appointed to design and curate the garden space . Tom ’ s work has been heavily influential in contemporary landscape design , with eight award-winning gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show , plus a host of acclaimed gardens across the globe including RHS Bridgewater and the Queen ’ s Jubilee Garden at Windsor Castle . This partnership melds Tom ’ s renowned creative approach with OPEN ’ s deep understanding of Edinburgh ’ s urban fabric , promising a garden that will be both innovative in design and harmonious with its historic surroundings .
He said : “ Edinburgh ’ s unique blend of urban architecture and dramatic landscape puts it in a league with cities like Athens and San Francisco . Our design aims to highlight this extraordinary setting while creating a tranquil retreat within the bustling city .
“ The West and East gardens , though distinct in character , work in harmony to complement each other and the stunning architecture of the
Royal High School building . This site is truly exceptional - the views are spectacular , and the landscape is unparalleled . It ’ s a rare opportunity for a landscape designer to work on such site , and I ’ m confident that our plans will resonate with Edinburgh ’ s residents and visitors alike .”
Grant MacKenzie , Executive Director of the Royal High School Preservation Trust said : “ Making the most of the outdoor space at the Royal High School building is a key part of our vision and we ’ re delighted to be unveiling our plans . These gardens will be the first new public garden space in Edinburgh city centre for centuries and they will become an area for everyone to enjoy . We want it to be a place for everyone to have access to and enjoy , and where better to take in such unrivalled views of the city than in a calming , tranquil garden environment .”
Work on the garden spaces will begin in 2025 .
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