DANIEL COMBES GARDEN DESIGN
SUssex Garden Design
Our garden design studio is located on the border between Wiltshire and Dorset; our work regularly takes us throughout the south of UK, into both East and West Sussex.
Sussex, with its rolling countryside, stunning coastline, and rich horticultural history, offers the perfect setting for garden design. Bordering Hampshire to the west and Kent to the east, we have found that one of the best approaches to designing gardens in Sussex is to embrace the natural features of the landscape rather than imposing a rigid structure.
Sussex is known for its diverse landscapes, from the chalky South Downs to the clay soils of the Weald. This variation in soil type and topography plays a major role in our our Sussex garden designs.
The well-drained chalk soil of the South Downs is ideal for Mediterranean plants such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. Wildflower meadows and native grasses also thrive here, making for a naturalistic garden style.
Wind and salt tolerance are key factors when designing a coastal garden. Hardy plants like sea thrift, agapanthus, and grasses such as Stipa gigantea can create a resilient and beautiful seaside garden.
The clay soils of the Weald are fertile but heavy in winter. Raised beds, well-planned drainage, and woodland planting with ferns, foxgloves, and rhododendrons can create a lush, natural look.
Sussex gardens benefit from a relatively mild climate, but choosing plants suited to local conditions ensures a low-maintenance and sustainable space. Many classic Sussex gardens, from grand estates to cottage gardens, blend formal structure with a relaxed planting style.
As with all our garden designs; a Sussex garden should feel like a natural extension of its surroundings, and we consider using locally sourced materials such as Sussex sandstone for pathways, reclaimed bricks for walls, and flint for decorative features wherever possible.
Sussex is home to a rich variety of wildlife, and we strive to encourage biodiversity by planting wildflower meadows where possible, installing a wildlife pond, using native hedgerows instead of fences, and adding bee-friendly flowers like Buddleia and Foxgloves.
The County of SUSSEX
Sussex, with its diverse landscapes and favorable climate, is home to some of the UK’s most enchanting gardens.
Located near Haywards Heath, Nymans is a National Trust property renowned for its romantic ruins and extensive plant collections. The garden features a variety of flora, including rare and exotic species, set against the backdrop of a partially ruined Gothic-style mansion.
Situated in East Sussex, Sheffield Park is a landscape garden designed by Capability Brown. The garden is centered around four lakes, with paths winding through woodlands and glades. It’s particularly famous for its autumnal displays when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold.
After a significant restoration, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens reopened to the public, showcasing its Grade I listed gardens. Visitors can explore the landscaped woodland gardens, seven lakes, and even spot free-roaming wallabies. The gardens are especially noted for their rhododendron and azalea displays in spring.
Located near Chichester, West Dean Gardens boast a rich history and a variety of garden styles. Highlights include a restored walled kitchen garden, a sunken garden, and a 300-foot-long pergola adorned with climbing plants. The gardens also feature Victorian glasshouses and offer picturesque views of the South Downs.
Straddling the border of East Sussex and Kent, Pashley Manor is a quintessential English garden. It combines formal landscaping with natural woodland, featuring herbaceous borders, a rose garden, and a delightful kitchen garden. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the sculptures dotted throughout the grounds.
Nestled in West Sussex, High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a hidden gem encompassing 27 acres of woodland and water gardens. It’s home to a diverse collection of rare trees and shrubs, with bluebell woods and wildflower meadows adding to its charm. The garden is particularly stunning in spring and autumn.
Located near Haywards Heath, Borde Hill Garden offers a mix of formal gardens, woodland, and parkland. The garden is divided into various “rooms,” each with its own distinctive planting style.
These gardens highlight the rich horticultural heritage of Sussex, each offering a unique experience.
If you have a Sussex garden design project that you wish to discuss, please contact us