The National Autistic Society Garden

The Silver Gilt medal-winning garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden was designed by co-designers, Dido Milne of CSK Architects and Sophie Parmenter in collaboration with the National Autistic Society. 

Sponsored by Project Giving Back, the garden was created to raise awareness of autism, specifically, the phenomenon of autistic masking, where individuals hide autistic characteristics to blend into society. This was highlighted using timber walls to create distinct spaces that represent different types of social interaction.

Accoya and Accoya Color were selected for this project due to their superior sustainability credentials and durability. The garden’s pavilions were constructed using natural Accoya, while the boardwalk utilised Accoya Color, chosen specifically for its weather resistance, longevity, and slip-resistant qualities—particularly important as the garden was to be relocated to Catrine Bank in Scotland, a wet environment next to the River Ayr.