Sarah Drummond Hughes
Garden and Landscape Designer
Science Graduate in Environmental Biology,
RHS Horticulturally trained,
Graduate Alumni of Inchbald School of Garden Design,
Over 15 years experience as a Garden Designer.
My Roots ...
I grew up in a village in Chichester Harbour, in the South Downs National Park, I spent most of my time exploring the outdoors, which led to a strong connection to nature and a love of coastal landscapes. Learning about gardening from my grandfather at a young age, I developed my passion for plants early on, this fuelled my ambition to create gardens that provide joy and connect us to the environment.
After graduating, I worked overseas teaching English as a Foreign Language. This led to travels to India, China, Taiwan, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, The Middle East, Europe and South America. Travelling through diverse landscapes such as rainforests and arid environments, helped me develop an awareness of a wide variety of plant forms and plant adaptations.
On return to the UK I was horticulturally trained with the RHS and took on the Head Gardener role at the Cass Sculpture Park on the Goodwood Estate, whilst running my Garden & Maintenance business. After attaining a Postgraduate in Education and teaching Biology A-level, I joined Architectural Plants as a Garden Designer and Horticultural Consultant for 7 years. I have since attained a Diploma in Garden and Landscape Design, with distinction, from the Inchbald School of Design, London, and have over 15 years experience working as a Garden Designer.
Throughout my horticultural career I have developed detailed plant knowledge with a particular interest in trees. I enjoy selecting specialised planting combinations, from niche planting palettes, curating site specific micro habitats with layered planting. Creating plant communities as sources of food for pollinators, insects and birds, resulting in a bio-diverse habitats for wildlife.
My projects are mainly located in the South East including West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent and London. My remote design service allows me to work on projects further afield and even overseas.
My Mission ...
To integrate architectural aesthetics within bespoke garden design, creating dynamic spaces that reflect the unique qualities of each client. To create gardens in tune with the organic rhythms of nature that provide sanctuaries for wildlife, reflect the site’s unique narrative and result in a design that respects and resonates with the individual.
To create gardens that become an extension to the house, or as the landscape designer John Brookes would say, to create a Room Outside, Creating a space to be shared, to be enjoyed, a space to relax and entertain.
To create gardens that harmonise and connect people with the local landscape. In particular in urban environments, to create a refuge, an oasis, to provide a sanctuary and retreat.
Get in touch, lets begin with a conversation to develop an understanding of your requirements.
Where am I when I am not designing gardens ...
Visiting sculpture parks, to find pieces that resonate with my designs.
Volunteering with a number of award winning Chelsea Garden builds, they are a lot of work & a lot of fun...
Walking coastal footpaths with my rescue mountain dog, Logan, locally in Chichester harbour.
Visiting RHS Wisley appreciating silhouettes of sculpture.
Visiting gardens of botanical interest such as The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall.
