Tuesday 18 February 2014

Sussex Prairie Garden

I began by splitting this post into two as there are so many photos but then I thought it needed to be one in order to appreciate this unusual and diverse garden.
Below we arrive at the home of the owners having parked in an adjoining field

It is privately owned by Paul and Pauline who began planting (with the help of family and friends in May 2008)
Surrounded by mature oak trees the six acre garden consists of a series of interlocking arcs of large planted borders in a naturalistic style.
The borders encourage exploration and adventure and visitors are encouraged to roam in amongst the plants to further enjoy the experience. The plantings consist of large groupings of each variety, planted in a free flowing style, which contrasts leaf forms, stems, stalks, flower shapes and textures. 

Colours are soft and muted, and complement the natural landscape.



We enter the garden by walking first through their property


They do bed and breakfast for garden enthusiasts who come here to learn more about planting



passing one of the best and diverse insect hotels I have come across


Very soon I feel like I am visiting 
The Little House on the Prairie



Our first glimpse at the garden


See the sculptured animals wandering through the vegetable garden


This area is part of the 'cutting garden' where flowers can be bought and one can be taught flower arranging


We come to the tea room where we will be finishing off the afternoon when we have wandered the garden



Walking right inside the plantings one is able to savour it all close up





My Grandchildren would have loved running around the paths and hiding from us





Statues and quirky art work abound


























Using old vinyl records! 




Time for afternoon tea before homeward bound



and we decide to take it indoors having walked around two lovely gardens today in the sun (this visit was back in the Summer of course!)
Hope you enjoyed your ramble around this very unusual garden.
Hard to imagine it has only been 6 years in the making.





17 comments:

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

The vinyl record flowers were a surprise. And who would have expected to see so many buffalo in an English garden!

Sue Seibert said...

Question: Does "prairie" in UK mean it's a dryer part of the country? I noticed some plants that looked like they could live here in our prairie-like location. Love all the photos. I would love to amble around that garden!

1994, you say. You would find Fort Worth has changed a lot!

Barbara, I just love your photologs!

Vee said...

That is a garden I'd very much enjoy seeing in person. It is in the top five favorites I've seen here. The snake sculpture is the only one I'd have to send to the back forty. To do all that in just six years is almost unbelievable.

Annie Jeffries said...

Wow. I'm blown away.

I've never heard of insect hotels

Love the sculptured animals.

Love the small buildings created here.

Buffalo! Now that is unexpected.

A return trip with the grands, perhaps?


Lorrie said...

It's lovely to see a more natural English garden. I didn't know if there were any. I admire the beautiful and more formal gardens, but find them rather daunting. This garden looks like something I would plant - although I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as the gardeners are.

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Barbara, I had heard about this garden, but we didn't get to visit it when we have been in Sussex. A Prairie Style garden in the middle of England?! Hmm, I don't know. I have to admit that I personally can't warm up to it. I think they are probably the best gardens for the wildlife and the insects, but design-wise it is simply not my cup of tea. I saw that you wrote two posts about Nymans Gardens previously. That is a garden that we have seen and I loved it. Will come to back to read those, when I have time. Wishing you nice day!
Christina

bristowmom said...

I cannot imagine how they've planted all this in such a short time! It looks lovely.

Gracie Saylor said...

It is difficult to believe the garden is only six years old because it appears to be well established and diverse. I love the statues and art work interspersed, especially the ducks :) Your photos of sunshine and flowers are welcome after the weeks of snowy,icy, rainy weather we are having here!

Elizabethd said...

Only six years! They must have spent hours and hours working at the garden. It is most unusual.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Thank you for that glimpse of summer. I could almost feel the warmth of sun and smell the flowers as I looked at the pictures. A nice break on a cold winter day.

Needled Mom said...

That is an amazing garden! I'm so used to seeing such formal English gardens and this one is so interesting and beautiful. Hmmmm....I have a few older vinyl records. I wonder how they wrinkle them like that.

Terri said...

I could feel the sunshine on me and hear the bees buzzing. Thanks for sharing this beautiful garden.
Hugs

Elizabeth said...

Most unusual and lovely!
Yes, the kiddies would have lots of fun running and playing there!

Canadian Chickadee said...

Looks lovely, and very creative. And the blue skies and sunshine are a real tonic during these grey winter days. Roll on spring! :)

Trisha said...

So pretty Barbara, thank you for taking us along. Blessings, Trisha

nikkipolani said...

Absolutely delightful! I'm so glad you included so many photos from right in the middle of the gardens. I love the billows and mounds of blooms in every direction.

Lori Zehr said...

Very interesting! Loved those vinyl record flowers! Such a big garden and must take lots of work to maintain! Thank you for sharing!