My Garden – A chalk hillside

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backlit-grasses (1)
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My garden

A Chalky hillside

Fortunate to have a steep chalk hillside in close proximity to the sea on the south coast of England, near Brighton, I am privileged to call this garden my own. It serves as a testing ground for plant combinations resilient to dry, windy conditions.


Constructed with green oak, the steps and retaining walls are not just a practical choice for the steep terrain but also work well with the surroundings. The ongoing transformation of this garden is a personal endeavour, with every element, including terracing, has been constructed by myself. All materials are moved up and down the garden in buckets. Hard work!


Ensuring the survival of the fittest, the initial watering of the planting occurs at installation and occasionally during the first summer. Subsequently, plants must withstand the challenging conditions of alkaline, chalky soil, exposure to coastal gales, and no shade. Maintenance involves periodic, brief weeding sessions throughout the year, with a more extensive clearing undertaken at the end of winter.


I am aiming for a planted meadow style featuring a blend of Mediterranean and native plants, the garden reflects the evolution of my tastes and goals over the nearly 10 years of living here. Although constrained by time and budget, this garden is a long-term labour of love, it is evolving gradually (much to my wifes annoyance) and allows me to enjoy my passion.

My garden

A Chalky hillside
Fortunate to have a steep chalk hillside in close proximity to the sea on the south coast of England, near Brighton, I am privileged to call this garden my own. It serves as a testing ground for plant combinations resilient to dry, windy conditions.

Constructed with green oak, the steps and retaining walls are not just a practical choice for the steep terrain but also work well with the surroundings. The ongoing transformation of this garden is a personal endeavour, with every element, including terracing, has been constructed by myself. All materials are moved up and down the garden in buckets. Hard work!

Ensuring the survival of the fittest, the initial watering of the planting occurs at installation and occasionally during the first summer. Subsequently, plants must withstand the challenging conditions of alkaline, chalky soil, exposure to coastal gales, and no shade. Maintenance involves periodic, brief weeding sessions throughout the year, with a more extensive clearing undertaken at the end of winter.

I am aiming for a planted meadow style featuring a blend of Mediterranean and native plants, the garden reflects the evolution of my tastes and goals over the nearly 10 years of living here. Although constrained by time and budget, this garden is a long-term labour of love, it is evolving gradually (much to my wifes annoyance) and allows me to enjoy my passion.