This gorgeous windswept garden, designed by Acres Wild near the south downs of Sussex, England, is a magnificent study in a couple of timeless garden design lessons. Designers Ian Smith and Debbie Roberts are the team behind Acres Wild. If you are looking for design inspiration for well-structured but naturalistic gardens that are planted with a deep understanding of
Less is More – Particularly with Color
First lesson — less is more — particularly in color. Purple goes a long way towards giving this garden a distinct personality as well as a cohesive style. Repeating a color again and again, particularly by reusing the same plant again and again, provides a cohesiveness that is difficult to top. It is repetition that gives the eye a rhythm and a path to follow as you enjoy the scene.
Santolina, Hebes and Euphorbia
Adding texture and shape, the garden is filled with naturalistic drifts of plants that thrive on a rugged coastal hillside.
Perovskia and Buddelia and Lavender
The purple flowers of Russian Sage, Butterfly bush, and lavenders lead us down the garden path of this hillside garden. Sited on a hillside with views of the surrounding Sussex Downs, the goal of the garden was to fit within and complement the existing wildness of the landscape.
Make the Garden Fit With What Might Exist Naturally
Lesson number two: Work to make the garden fit with what might be there naturally—but augment it and make it better, more interesting, and more exciting by manipulating the natural tendencies.
This windswept garden wouldn’t be likely to have tall trees, shady glens, and strong lines. No, it was and is an exposed, unruly place. The evolved garden derives from the windswept and wild nature of the place of the landscape. Anything else would not be as successful — both from a visual and aesthetic perspective but also to make sure the right plants are placed in the right place.
A pergola provides refuge from the strong winds. Windswept gardens often feature hardy, wind-resistant plants such as ornamental grasses, low perennials, and dense shrubs. Design elements such as windbreaks and strategic plant placement can help create a beautiful and functional windswept garden.
What do you love about this garden?
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Simple materials, simly used! It’s beautiful and peaceful.
Absolutely stunning! Artemesia, santolina, lambs ears, euphorbia, lavender – all my favorites! I grow these in SoCal so was surprised this garden is in England. Is that bright green shrub (under the Miscanthus? grass) a hebe I wonder?
Love the diversity in the hardscape too, gravel and wood stairs, natural edge flagstone mixed with rectangular pavers -it all adds textural interest. Too often I see gardens attempting to mix different materials but getting it wrong by not matching the color temperature (red brick + blue gravel = ewww). Here it blends perfectly with warm grey tones to let the garden shine.
Romina- I think it is hebe — very popular in the UK and now that I think of it — almost never used here in New England…I’m off to go check into Hebe’s growing conditions, because I too love that plant (but I am guessing I won’t be able to grow)
Love the little trail of steps with lavender closing in at the sides from picture 12