The garden created by designer Amalie White and plantsman Jamie Butterworth served as the centerpiece of the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.
The circular, movable installation showcased plants selected to reflect Scotland’s varied terrain. King Charles III and Queen Camilla entered the stage through a replica of Doctor Who’s TARDIS, positioned against the lush backdrop.
The garden as a living stage
White’s design incorporated Scotland’s textile and shipbuilding traditions, starting with a single knotted thread that expanded into a woven light pattern resembling a Celtic knot. She described the stage as a meeting point for athletes from across the Commonwealth, where sport, nature, and culture came together.
The garden was constructed on large trays mounted on wheels, each weighing a ton but easily moved by hand. The entire structure was assembled in under two minutes, allowing quick transitions during the ceremony.
Butterworth, who operates the peat-free Form Plants nursery, chose species for their texture and natural appearance. White noted that the soft, muted colors resembled traditional tartan or tweed. From a distance, the plants created a unified effect, while closer inspection revealed fine details.
The planting included ornamental grasses like Molinia and Sesleria, along with perennials such as Agastache, Perovskia, and hardy thistles. Butterworth called the result ambitious yet understated—a tribute to Scotland’s settings.
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The garden’s open center provided space for performances, while a surrounding ramp allowed movement.
A second act for the garden
White and Butterworth have collaborated before, including on the Gucci Cruise 2025 show at Tate Modern, where their work similarly merged cultivated and wild elements. Their latest project drew inspiration from King Charles’ environmental advocacy.
Using nature as a central element in major events is becoming more common. This approach shifts the focus from spectacle to connection, offering audiences a different kind of experience. Glasgow’s ceremony may influence future events, but for now, it stands as an example of how natural elements can shape large-scale performances.
The garden’s modular design allowed for easy disassembly and reassembly. Each tray of plants was pre-grown at Butterworth’s nursery, ensuring they were healthy before transport. The final result combined careful planning with a natural feel, mirroring the ceremony’s overall style.
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