Award-winning designer Hugo Bugg joins Devon Gardens Trust as Trustee

Hugo Bugg, co-founder of award-winning landscape design practice Harris Bugg Studio, has joined the Board of Trustees at Devon Gardens Trust.

A graduate of Falmouth University, Hugo was named Young Designer of the Year at RHS Tatton Park and, at 26, became the youngest designer to win a Gold Medal for a large show garden at RHS Chelsea. His work is informed by a deep respect for place and a belief that gardens should be both beautiful and regenerative - landscapes that evolve naturally, nurture wildlife and enrich everyday experience.

Based in Devon, Hugo co-founded Harris Bugg Studio with Charlotte Harris in 2017. The studio has since received multiple RHS Gold Medals - including Best in Show for Horatio’s Garden Sheffield & East in 2023 - along with numerous national and international awards. Recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society as “pioneering design talents of their generation,” Harris Bugg Studio has become one of the UK’s leading landscape and garden design practices, creating beautiful, environmentally intelligent landscapes across the country and internationally.

Speaking about his appointment, Hugo said:

“I am so honoured to be joining Devon Gardens Trust as a Trustee, supporting them in the really important work they do caring for Devon’s rich collection of designed landscapes, past and present. I grew up in Devon, and my love of gardens and design began here, helping my dad create a garden from scratch at our family home. I now live here with my own young family and am making a garden of my own, with my children in mind - a place to explore and connect with nature together.”

Recent public projects include The New Kitchen Garden at RHS Bridgewater and Gothenburg Botanic Gardens. Alongside major public commissions, Hugo continues to work on private gardens and estates across Devon and the South West, drawing inspiration from the county’s rich landscape heritage. He is also a regular show garden judge and mentor to emerging designers through the Royal Horticultural Society.

Devon Gardens Trust works to promote and protect Devon’s designed landscape heritage, from historic parks and gardens to contemporary landscapes of special interest, ensuring they are recognised, understood and conserved for future generations. The Trust gives grants to support education projects and bursaries and grants to encourage and support education in horticulture and the historic designed landscape

Jane Knight, Joint Chair of Devon Gardens Trust, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Hugo to the Board. His deep understanding of design, planting and landscape management, combined with his strong connection to Devon, will be invaluable to the Trust. His appointment strengthens our shared mission to champion and safeguard the county’s beautiful and historic designed landscapes.”