Habitat Mosaic Garden

Brownfields include any area of land which has been altered by human activity. These sites can be extremely varied, including anything from former industrial estates to quarries, spoil heaps to disused railway lines or landfill sites to disused airfields.

Wildlife-rich brownfields develop as a result of periodic disturbance and abandonment, combined with low nutrient soils, and in many cases introduced substrates such as chalk, sandy dredgings or industrial materials. This leads to variation in topography, soil type, hydrology and pH across a site, which allows for a mosaic of habitats and microhabitats to develop in close proximity to one another.

“Habitat Mosaic” demonstrates that by adopting the principles of brownfield sites in our own gardens, we can enrich them to be more resilient, biodiverse and connected to the natural world. From sun-warmed rubble and areas of bare ground – perfect for nesting invertebrates – to shaded pockets beneath tree canopies and wild planting zones, the patchwork mosaic of habitats in this border supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Crushed brick, recycled concrete, sand and gentle shifts in topography all offer a rich tapestry of textures and microhabitats. Drought-tolerant, pollinator friendly planting flows throughout, while a sculptural digger bucket, repurposed as a water feature, adds visual impact.

Meet the Designer – Sebastian Stall

This is my debut design at an RHS show, and I’m excited to bring this project to life. With a solid foundation in horticulture and garden design, I’ve completed both Horticulture (Level 2) and Garden Design (Level 3) at Plumpton College, Sussex. While there, I was part of a team that designed and built the award-winning ‘Water Wise’ garden for the South of England Show, now proudly located at Stanmer Park in Brighton.

I now run my own gardening and garden design business in Brighton, where I create thoughtful, functional, and inspiring landscapes. My work spans both planting and hard landscaping, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with other designers, including Sarah Mayfield, (known for her Silver Gilt Medal for her Moth Garden at RHS Hampton Court 2024).

My future goal is to focus on taking inspiration from and contributing to the conservation of brownfield landscapes. These spaces are some of the UK’s most thriving habitats, and through careful design and research, I aim to highlight their ecological importance while showcasing how their principles can influence garden and landscape designs on any scale.

Contact Sebastian: [email protected]