South Thames – Sheffield Park & Garden Tour

Sheffield Park’s new ‘Garden for a Future’ is the first major renovation project since the garden came under National Trust care and was designed by three-time RHS Chelsea award-winner, Joe Perkins who worked alongside Jake Catling and the Landscaping Consultants team where they embarked on a journey to blend modern horticultural practices with the garden's historical essence. This collaboration has resulted in a unique space that not only enhances the garden's natural beauty but also addresses contemporary challenges like climate resilience and mental wellbeing through nature. The new collection was planted in Spring 2025, transforming an area of the 120-acre garden which was once used for propagation and experimentation, into a remarkable planted oasis.

During this unforgettable event, hear talks from the team at SGP on a variety of topics from climate-mapping details to the science behind their learning and decision making. Take part in a tour of the ‘Garden for the Future’ led by Joe Perkins and Jake Catling, getting to hear their experiences of creating the garden and getting to ask any questions you may have.

Make sure to book on so you don’t miss out on the brilliant opportunity!

On the day: 

10.00am: Arrival & refreshments

10.30am – 12.30pm: Presentations by the Team at SPG discussing a variety of topics: climate mapping details, micro-climate details, photosynthesis as well as a refreshment break

12.30 – 1.30pm: Lunch & networking

1.30pm – 3.00pm: Garden tour and learnings discussion with Joe Perkins and Jake Catling

3.00pm – 3.30pm: Networking and event end

Sheffield Park & Garden

Sheffield Park and Garden is a horticultural work of art, formed through centuries of visionary landscape design with influences of Capability Brown and Humphry Repton. The bold and innovative planting scheme is predominately the work of Arthur Gilstrap Soames who 100 years ago pushed boundaries with experimental planting, creations of hybrids and exotic species from around the world.

With a design of our time by three-time RHS Chelsea award-winner, Joe Perkins, the Garden for the Future will be a garden within a garden, a space inspired by the heritage arboretum that surrounds it that encourages people to connect with nature and each other in tranquil and beautiful surroundings.  

The new garden space leads visitors into another world, distinct, but not apart from the surrounding designed landscape. Inspiration for the design derives from the existing collection, with the exoticism of the many specimen species reflecting Sheffield Park and Garden’s historically progressive and innovative horticultural heritage.  
 

Joe Perkins

An experienced Garden Designer and Landscape Architect, Joe has designed, built and planted gardens for over 20 years in the UK, Southern France, and Spain. Now based in Hove, East Sussex, as Director of Joe Perkins Design he has 12 years of involvement in planning and delivering gardens at RHS shows. He most recently won his third Gold Medal at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, following on from winning Gold Medal at the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and an unprecedented Gold Medal, Best in Category and Best Construction in 2019. 

The Landscaping Consultants

Founded by Jake Catling, the Landscaping Consultants are a talented team of skilled landscapers. They are a modern landscaping company that creates exciting opportunities for both their clients and their workforce.

From investing in cutting-edge technology sourced globally to collaborating with leading garden designers to bring imaginative plans to life, their approach blends traditional craftsmanship with a fresh, innovative perspective.

As a proud BALI-registered company, they continue to build on their success with a forward-thinking outlook. Their focus on eco-friendly practices, alongside efforts to engage and inspire the next generation, reflects their dedication to pushing boundaries and driving the landscaping industry forward.