Plans for a new “garden for the future” at a National Trust site have been unveiled.

It will be built in the Grade I listed gardens at Sheffield Park, near Uckfield.

It is the first time a new garden has been created since the National Trust took ownership in 1954.

Members of The Royal Oak Foundation, the National Trust’s partner in the United States, have donated money to cover some of the project’s cost

It has also been made possible in part by a generous gift left in a will for the benefit of the garden at Sheffield Park.

The Argus: A visualisation of the new garden, set to open in 2025A visualisation of the new garden, set to open in 2025 (Image: Design: Joe Perkins Design/Visualisations: Sam North.)

From Capability Brown to Arthur Soames, Sheffield Park has a long history of innovation and horticultural design ahead of its time. As “curator of colour” at Sheffield Park, Mr Soames pushed boundaries with experimental planting at the beginning of the 20th century.

The National Trust is working with two-time RHS Chelsea award-winning garden designer Joe Perkins to design and create the garden.

The Argus: Joe Perkins, who lives in Hove, designed the gardenJoe Perkins, who lives in Hove, designed the garden (Image: Natalia Odescalchi)

Mr Perkins is an experienced landscape designer and now lives in Hove. He planned and delivered gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show for 12 years.

The new garden will transform a corner once used for experimental beds within the 120-acre site into a new experience for visitors.

The Argus: The gardens will feature a variety of plantsThe gardens will feature a variety of plants (Image: Design: Joe Perkins Design/Visualisations: Sam North.)

Andy Jasper, director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, said: “We hope visitors will be as excited as we are with this new horticultural showcase shining a light on a commitment to the future of the gardens and gardening at Sheffield Park. For us it's a reflection of our continued investment in the future horticultural heritage.

“I hope this new design will inspire people to explore concepts that we as ordinary gardeners will need to deal with as we meet challenges of gardening in a rapidly changing climate in our own homes. The brilliant contemporary design presents a fascinating array of solutions and I hope everyone will love it because it's designed for everyone for the long-term future.”

Work began this month and the garden will open in spring 2025.