In the heart of Sussex’s sprawling Borde Hill Gardens, a vibrant transformation is blooming. The Cordia Collective—a partnership between estate steward Jay Goddard, chef Chantelle Nicholson, and garden designer Ann-Marie Powell—is redefining the garden experience with a stunning palette of plants and flowers that are as beautiful as they are edible.
The estate, with its 13 unique microclimates, has long been a haven for rare and exotic plants. Now, the kitchen garden is being reimagined beyond traditional vegetables to include dahlias, tulips, magnolias, snapdragons, and wild garlic—each selected for their striking colors and surprising flavors.
This “edimental” approach blends ornament and nourishment, creating a garden where every bloom can be savored.
Dahlias, originally brought from Mexico, are prized not just for their vivid petals but for their edible tubers. Snapdragons add visual interest and a chicory-like taste, while magnolia petals inspire new recipes like cinnamon-infused pastries.
The garden also features Jerusalem artichokes with their radiant sunflower-like blooms, and Sanguisorba, whose young leaves and raspberry-like flowers add both texture and taste.
At the core of this project is a deep respect for nature’s bounty and sustainability. Every plant serves multiple purposes—beauty, flavor, and ecological function—reflecting a circular vision where nothing goes to waste.
For example, wild garlic harvests are folded into cheddar scones, while composting and natural fertilizers nourish the soil.
This lush, edible landscape is designed not just for visitors’ enjoyment but as a living classroom. Nicholson emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations where food comes from through hands-on engagement with the garden’s flora.
The collective envisions a garden that feeds body, mind, and soul—where color and cuisine coexist in perfect harmony.
As the garden continues to evolve, it promises a feast for the senses—vivid flowers, rich aromas, and fresh, foraged flavors—all grown with care and creativity at Borde Hill.
