PROBUS
CLUB OF THE SUSSEX WEALD
Sussex Prairie Garden near Henfield in West Sussex
We visited these unique gardens again in 2010; this time in August and a month earlier
in the year than our visit in 2009. Happily we were blessed with a beautiful sunny afternoon
despite the "gloomy" weather forecast which enabled us to round off the afternoon with
tea and cake on the terrace. Another great afternoon's outing wandering through the plants
with the owners there to explain the history and the detail.
Last year (September 2009) we took seeds from a monster pink flower called
"persicaria orientalis" or "Katie came over the garden gate and kissed me".
That is it in the photograph on the left just waiting for the flowers to come out.
Ours (the Probus seeded version) are in flower and we wait to see who has
grown the best specimen in their garden.
In September 2009 we had a excellent, informative and interesting afternoon in the Sussex Prairie Garden .
Paul and Pauline invited us to look around and gave us an escorted tour of their own
design of a six acre garden which is surrounded by mature oak trees and is created in a series
of interlocking arcs of large planted borders in a naturalistic style. We were encouraged to roam amongst
some mighty plants that they had planted in a free flowing style; with plants of contrasting leaf forms, stems,
stalks, flower shapes and textures. The colours were soft and often vibrant to complement the landscape in this
natural area of Sussex.
On a beautiful autumn afternoon Paul and Pauline explained the history of the farm, their garden and their
experience in garden design and landscaping. We finished in sunshine on the terrace to take tea and cakes and
we vowed to return again. . . . . which we did in August 2010!
click on picture to enlarge