Hedgerow in the Sky – Tech Mahindra

The garden

The Hedgerow in the Sky garden reimagines the character and biodiversity of British hedgerows within a contemporary urban balcony garden. Layered planting echoes the natural structure of hedgerows, offering year-round interest and creating moments of discovery for both pollinators and people.

A striking, dark backdrop crafted using the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique adds depth and contrast while delicate pressed-flower artworks celebrate the beauty and fragility of wildflowers. Comfortable seating invites quiet reflection and a gentle water feature introduces movement and tranquillity, transforming the balcony into a serene urban sanctuary.

Inspired by the designer’s love of British hedgerows and concern for their decline, the garden encourages visitors to notice local wildlife and demonstrates how biodiversity can thrive even in limited outdoor spaces. It is a hopeful reminder that thoughtfully designed small spaces can nurture nature and create meaningful ecological impact.

Key plants

Plant species are chosen for resilience to wind exposure,fluctuating temperatures and limited root space to ensure they are suited to growing in containers. The British hedgerow is the core inspiration, with a statement hedge using a mix of native trees and shrubs to reflect natural diversity. The colour scheme is predominantly green, lifted by soft touches of white, lavender and burgundy.

• Polygonatum multiflorum (solomons seal): an elegant native plant with graceful arching stems and creamy white, bell shaped flowers in late spring. A plant of hedgerow shade, it will add height and gentle movement where space is limited on a balcony

• Rosa glauca: single pink flowers offer easy access for bees, while autumn hips are loved by garden songbirds such as thrushes and blackbirds. Aphids on the plant attract ladybirds, adding to its wildlife value. Its upright arching habit suits narrow spaces and its grey-purple foliage catches the light beautifully

• Corylus avellana (hazel): catkins provide early pollen for bumblebees. Its leaves are a larval food plant for the caterpillars of dozens of moth species. Its dense structure offers shelter for birds. Responding well to pruning, it can be kept compact, making it well suited to balcony planting

• Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn): defining Britain’s hedgerows, its flowers attract bees and pollinating flies. Its leaves feed caterpillars that in turn provide food for birds and their chicks. In autumn, it is generous in offering rich red haws, an important food source for garden birds. Naturally resilient and well adapted to exposure, it brings seasonal change and strong ecological value to the balcony garden.

Plants supplier: Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, Deepdale Trees, Wild Flower Conservation Society, Practicality Brown, Horticulture students from Plumpton College

Sustainability notes

The garden features sustainably sourced FSC-certified timber and repurposed wood, preserved with the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique to reduce chemicals and extend durability. Planting is peat-free and chemical-free, with mixed native hedgerows and wildflowers that support pollinators and provide habitats for birds and insects. Prefabricated planters and panels minimise waste, and visitors are invited to join citizen science projects with The Buzz Club at the University of Sussex to contribute to pollinator research.

The designers – Sarah Mayfield and Monika Greenhough

Sarah Mayfield, a horticulture-trained designer based in Sussex, creates gardens that balance beauty, ecology and practical living, from country plots to city balconies. Her Moonshadow Moth Garden at RHS Hampton Court 2024 won a Silver-gilt medal and the People’s Choice Award. She also teaches Garden Design at Plumpton College, championing nature-rich design in small spaces. Monika Greenhough, with a background in biology, trained at Plumpton College. She brings hands-on experience from RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court and National Trust gardens. Her approach is practical and organised, focused on creating resilient, functional spaces grounded in strong horticultural principles.

About the sponsor – Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra’s sponsorship of a garden at RHS Chelsea highlights its commitment to purposeful innovation and sustainability. The “Hedgerow in the Sky” garden reflects its refreshed brand ethos of progress, boldness and positive impact, showing that transformation can start small and grow organically. It represents a vision for a future where innovation and natural systems coexist to create spaces that foster wellbeing, biodiversity and connection.

Garden legacy

The garden will be relocated to a city centre nursery and after-school club in Brighton, East Sussex.