I’ve wanted to visit Sissinghurst for a long time. I’ve come across Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson many times when reading books concerning English social history in the last century, but their garden is also famous of course. I loved my visit.
“Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began the transforming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold’s architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings.
Sissinghurst Castle was the backdrop for a diverse history; from the astonishing time as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women’s land army. It was also a family home to some fascinating people who lived here or came to stay. Today you can take in the ruined architecture of the extensive original buildings, vast panoramic views from the top of the Tower, the current working farm and the 450-acre wider estate along with Vita and Harold’s gardens.” Taken from the National Trust website.
I really like looking at vegetable gardens on this scale. Just look at those lettuces! Those at Hidcote (not included in the blog post, but you might want to look at more photos from another glorious English garden) were well worth seeing too. I had serious vegetable envy that day too!
Vita favoured planting in abundance; she didn’t wish to see any soil, so the beds were filled to bursting with plants. It would be amazing to be able to fly back in time to see the garden in its heyday.
Apart from the gorgeous garden and grounds it was envy inspiring to see Vita’s writing room in the tower. A room of your own up in a tower – wow!
It’s hard to capture the beauty of the white garden properly. It’s one of most striking areas of the gardens.
Which garden to visit next? Decisions, decisions!
The Little Room of Rachell 
Looks like a glorious day!
Super, thanks.
Not so much the horsefly, or tiger mosquito bite, but that’s another story!
Someone staying at Boars Hill warned me about horseflies. Not fun!
Great photos. Do you watch Gardeners World. On BBC2? They’ve had some amazing gardens recently – they were talking about the Nation Gardens scheme (the 1 day a year opening of private gardens) and one of them was Eton, it looked so beautiful. Maybe there are some near you? Jean
Thank you!
I have heard of it – The National Garden scheme has been running for years, it gets very, very busy around here and when the Art weeks are running. I always enjoy seeing what lies behind people’s walls and fences, it’s amazing sometimes especially when the front gardens don’t give a clue as to the beauty within the rest.
Is there a similar scheme in N.I Jean?
I’m not short of ideas for where to visit, rather it’s making the decision of which to choose at the moment. Spoilt for choice! x
I think there is something similar here but it’s just a handful of gardens. I suppose at this time of year you can make the most of your National Trust /English Heritage membership. :-)
Lovely photos. Visited Sissinghurst many years ago. Beautiful place. Great Dixter and Hidcote are places I would love to visit.
Carol (aka Dansnan IG) xx
Gorgeous photos – loving all the lovely flowers♡
Wow such striking colouring in the flowers
I’ve been meaning to go for a while now – your photos have inspired me! Have you visited Monk House in Lewes? Another garden with a literary connection.
That’s nice, thank you.
I haven’t. Must google!
So glad you shared these pictures. I love the white garden. The garden has a timeless quality about it. Can’t wait to see where you go next.
Thank you Cathy. I’ll have to make a decision soon then!
One of my all time bestest National Trust places :)
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