CASE STUDY
Saxon Mills, Hassocks
A calm and well-ordered landscape was created to reflect the rural character of the development, combining structure with soft planting. The scheme enhances the sense of space while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding countryside.
Location
London Road, Hassocks, West Sussex
Client
Barratt David Wilson Homes
Sector
services
Soft landscaping implementation, tree and shrub planting, boundary hedging, frontage planting, communal green space planting
Landscape Approach and Planting Design
Archway Green was commissioned to complete the soft landscaping works for Saxon Mills, a secluded new-build development in Hassocks. The aim was to create green spaces that reflected the nearby woodland and quiet village setting, while still delivering an attractive and welcoming environment for residents.
The houses were arranged around wide, boulevard-style roads, helping to create a sense of openness and a clear, orderly layout. Planting was carefully selected to support this structure, adding colour and texture to frontages and beds while maintaining a refined and well-kept appearance as the scheme matures.
Front gardens were designed to feel individual, using a mix of shrubs and hedging to provide both coverage and seasonal interest. Feature planting added a personal touch to each home, including Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’, known for its soft lavender flowers and strong fragrance. Larger communal areas, such as roundabouts and open spaces, were enhanced with bold architectural planting like Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, bringing year-round form and contrast.
A Structured and Welcoming Community Setting
Each element was selected to balance structure with visual interest, ensuring the landscape feels organised while still varied and engaging. The combination of boulevard planting, private frontages and feature beds creates a consistent identity across the development, while allowing each space to retain its own character.
The result is a landscape that supports both the layout of the development and the experience of those living there. Open green areas and planted streets help guide movement and create a calm environment, while the planting continues to develop over time. As it matures, the scheme will further strengthen the connection between the homes and the surrounding countryside, offering a lasting and well-integrated setting.
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