Seasonal garden notes

Seasonal reflections on ecological garden design, biodiversity and the landscapes of Hurstpierpoint and Mid Sussex.

Why every garden needs a little water

Helen Codd 27/03/2026 Helen Codd 27/03/2026

Why every garden needs a little water

…one of the most transformative things you can do for wildlife requires none of that.

No redesign. No equipment. No planning.

Just add water.

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More from the studio…

The meadow always wakes up quietly, but once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.

At this time of year, the meadow slope is full of tiny beginnings:
new blades of grass, rosettes forming at soil level, and the first hints of wildflowers pushing

First signs of life… #wildlifegarden
#sussexgardens
#pondlife
#ecologicalgardening
#gardendesigner

Round headed rampion is a new discovery to me. Where has it been all my life? I love it! No wonder it’s common name is ‘Pride of Sussex’
#wildflowers #Sussex #roundheadedrampion

A selection of beautiful wildflowers with visiting Burnet moths from my walk this morning. #wildflowers #sussex #moth #smallscabious #roundheadedrampion #greaterknapweed

Salvia nemorosa (Purple wood sage) grows wild on motorway verges in France. 😍

Lagurus ovatus (Harestail grass) in the wild! #fontainbleu Forest.

Lichen on sandstone in #fontainbleau #fontainbleaubouldering

The Wildlife Trusts’ British Rainforest Garden by Zoe Claymore, my personal top favourite at #rhschelsea this year.

I really enjoyed meeting @mrfoxsgarden at #rhschelsea this year. These awesome shrooms have popped up in my woodland bed at home.

The absolute cutest sculptures by @dasculpted, featured on the #sparsholt #rhschelsea exhibit this year. I will find a way to get at least one into my garden.