Having lived in both East and West Sussex Barry has experienced the different soils, individual climate conditions and landscapes of the Sussex countryside. Styles of buildings and architecture vary acroos the two sides of the county of Sussex but one element exists throughout the county and that is a love of gardens in the mild climate. Some harsh conditions arise in the exposed coastal areas, but amoungst the lanes are to be found many gems.
I have limited links to just two gardens worth a visit on each side of the border, but many more can be found, especially in the Yellow Book - National Garden Schemes. In East Sussex Merriments gardens are an extension of the nursery that is on the site. The field next door has been turned into an excellent display of the plants on sale with any interesting garden design that requires you walk around the garden at least twice to view it all. Great Dixter, has a beautiful old house that is several centuries old and the garden that has been designed around this was intially created by the renown Edwin Lutyens. The oriinal garden design does still offer the visitor much interest. The garden has been added to by the late Christopher Lloyd with an array of colour throughout the seasons. If you can visit early in the year, then the wild flower meadows are delightful.
In West Sussex there is the splendid Nymans Gardens owned and run by The National Trust. The central borders offer a riot of colour throughout the summer and interest can be found outside the peak times with the many trees and shrubs of note. One of the best gardens to visit in the country is found just outside Chichester in West Sussex and that is West Dean Gardens. Beautiflly restored with extrodinary skill by Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain the Kitchen Garden is an outstanding example of horticulture. But there is more, with a fine pergola designed by Harold Peto that is over 100 metres and a number of other features including a lovely arboretum walk of 2.5 miles.
If these gardens inspire you and you wish to have assistance in designing your own paradise then do contact Barry and discuss what you are looking for and find out how Barry maybe able to help you design your garden. Anything is possible, from a new planting scheme to a complete makeover. Contact Barry via the contact page.