Denmans Garden

Denmans Garden is an award winning, tranquil, contemporary garden on the southern slope of the South Downs. Converted by plantswoman Joyce Robinson, a brilliant pioneer in gravel gardening from a post-war market garden to an ornamental garden, Denmans is comprised of a diverse series of spaces connected by curving paths of gravel and mown lawn through rough grass, and renowned for its curvilinear layout and complex plantings. Mrs Robinson, who lived at Denmans from 1946-96, was ahead of her time in considering the environment in her plantings and was a pioneer in creating naturalistic, low-maintenance gravel gardens. She started her gravel gardens at Denmans in 1970 and, inspired by the Greek landscape and the dry riverbeds of the South Downs, created two faux riverbeds on a slope formerly occupied by Guernsey calves. They terminate in a pond built by John Brookes MBE, one of Britain’s most influential and renowned landscape designers, who lived and gardened at Denmans from 1980-2018. Mr Brookes believed Mrs Robinson’s spontaneous plant combinations, which included grasses, herbs, shrubs and perennials, pointed the way of future gardening. He fused her novel planting style with his own characteristically bold design flair, focusing on structure, texture, pattern, and colour. The garden, which offers a unique visitor experience has benches throughout for contemplation, and strong year-round interest. Visitors will find inspiration and design ideas for gardeners of all skill levels and gardens sizes. Free parking. Midpines Café and Gift Shop and Plant centre on site. Open year round