Riverside garden dedicated to gardener

Ashley Stephenson, former bailiff of the royal parks and palaces, unveiled the gardens at a special lunch time ceremony on Thursday.

A plaque was dedicated at the ceremony to David Butland, the hotel's retired gardener from Polegate, who worked at the hotel from 1963 to 2005.

Managing director Peter Bramich said: 'For more than 40 years David was responsible for overseeing the four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at Deans Place.

'Guests who have been coming to the hotel for many years often ask after him.

'It was therefore only fitting that the new riverside garden was dedicated to him for all his hard work and commitment.'

The riverside garden has been laid down in a previously unused area near the hotel's putting green.

A special feature are church pews from St Leonard's Church in Seaford, placed for guests to enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.

The garden was designed by Mr Bramich with the help of specialist designer Peter Tipping of Europlants Ltd, based at Framfield Nurseries.

For further details about the 36 bedroom hotel, visit http://www.deansplacehotel.co.uk or telephone 01323 870248.