The space is divided by six weathered steel screens, inspired by the ‘flats’ Oliver Messel used in his theatre scenery. This has created intimate spaces beneath the open roof, in which you’ll find water features that reflect the fountains in the wall and Rose gardens, and giant oak planters based on originals that once stood in front of the house in the 1920s.

Reflecting on the work carried out for planning the design, Delves says: “During research at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Glyndebourne and the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, I found that Oliver used gardens and landscapes extensively in his sets, such as statuary, topiary and viewpoints. As well as celebrating the unique plant collection found at Nymans, I wanted to reflect the importance of Oliver Messel’s theatre design work and creative flair.”

The plant choices, which celebrate the horticultural legacy of the Messel family, include Camellia ‘Leonard Messel, Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’, Forsythia suspensa ‘Nymans’, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ and Rhododendron decorum ‘Mrs Messel’.

© National Trust, Susan Guy

The garden also features a number of ferns, which were selected by members of local dementia support groups: Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree fern), Matteuccia struthiopteris (shuttlecock fern) and Osmunda regalis (royal fern), which is descended from original specimens planted next to the pond in the Arboretum.

As the garden evolves, the Nymans team hope to add further features including topiary and sculpture to reflect more of the wider garden.

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