Renowned English Garden Designer Sarah Eberle has delighted many a nurseryman with her laurels - winning show gardens .
With a phonograph record - holding twenty Gold Medals from show gardens at RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court , Sarahwas recognised as an RHS Iconic Horticultural Heroin 2022 – and has played pivotal roles in various horticultural societies and councils .
I speak to Sarah about her wonderful calling and found out which of hermanyshow gardens has a particular place in her heart !
What are your earliest memories of gardening?
“ We had quite a large garden in Dartmouth and it was very steep , ” shares Sarah .
“ I commend my female parent would struggle to get things around the garden . My overriding memory is how long it took for things to grow .
“ It also left me witha disapproval of HydrangeasandFuchsias , which took a long metre to throw off !
“ My strongest memory is of the landscape painting and nature rather than gardening . prospicient days playing in the woods and wandering the land lanes made an unerasable mark and turn over me a lifetime passion for landscape painting . ”
Can you tell us about your journey from qualifying as a Landscape Architect in 1980 to becoming the most decorated designer in RHS Chelsea Flower Show history?
“ How much time have you got ? ” Sarah jokes .
“ I judge the most dramatic factor is that I have for all but 8 yr been my own genus Bos , either in my own company or as a freelance consultant . That has yield me the opportunity and freedom to experiment and to take on challenge I might otherwise not get .
“ In my early years , I had a design and build ship’s company and that taught me the complexities of running a construction projection . I have had an extraordinary regard for contractors since .
“ I started building show and event gardens in my early days and on strike to Hampshire in 1990 , that translated into exhibiting at RHS Shows . ”
How has your approach to garden design evolved over the years?
“ It has taken me a recollective time to evolve into what I am today . So much has change in the last 40 years and the industry is , in some way , hardly placeable .
“ I have never really had a style , but my stake in sustainable landscape and my passionate impression in nature and wellbeing has allowed me to educate an approach that is hopefully of its metre . ”
Among your show gardens, which one holds a special place in your heart and why?
“ I estimate it has to bethe Life on Mars Garden(600 Days with Bradstone ) , as it was so different from mainstream design and had such an impact on so many people that it catapulted me into a new level of recognition within the industry , ” shares Sarah .
“ I still ca n’t believe I had the transience to attempt this at RHS Chelsea ! ”
In 2022, you were made an RHS Iconic Horticultural Hero. What does this recognition mean to you?
“ It was such an purity and a welcome surprisal – it whole knocked me rearwards !
“ It is so humbling to realise how others see you when your own ego - paradigm is rather less than that .
“ I think there are quite a few like me who suffer from some horizontal surface of imposter syndrome . ”
What’s one piece of gardening advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
“ There is no right hand and wrong , ” she say .
“ Just go for it . ”
Are there any trends in garden design that you’re particularly interested in exploring further?
“ I am moving more towards agroforestry and permaculture with a wider interest in sustainability and communities , ” Sarah portion .
“ A garden is a great position to exercise before essay expectant projects . ”
Are there any upcoming projects or shows that you’re particularly excited about?
“ I am currently working on the project of my dreams and have been for the past two years . Who know what the future will bring ?
“ I am fortunate that at my age I am lay back and philosophic about what comes next . Whatever it is , I am certain I will make the most of it . ”
