The Floating Garden

About

Our Floating (Unexpected) Garden toured the Scottish canal network, traveling from Glasgow to Edinburgh before resting in residence at The Kelpies from July to September 2022. The floating garden was made up of three elements one a barge from Scottish Canals converted in to a floating allotment, complete with a polytunnel, shed raised beds and a cube of perpetual light. The second a performance stage home to a huge flower puppet. The third an eco garden drawing sustenance from the canal and in the process cleaning the water and feeding the plants. During the tour the floating garden was joined by other decorated vessels from the boating community, creating a flotilla of floating gardens that stopped at ten communities. At each the flower puppet came alive with a performance of harvest songs, and locals received hundreds of grow-your-own starter kits containing plant plugs from potatoes to lemon balm. The Floating Garden passed through Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Auchinstarry,Linlithgow, Broxburn, Ratho and Edinburgh before it docked at the Helix, Falkirk. During its residence at The Kelpies, a series of events were held throughout the summer culminating in a joyful Harvest in September.