The Colorful Sissinghurst Castle Garden - England - A place of beauty and poetry; this is a proper description for Sissinghurst Castle Garden. The garden was built out of the love of writer Sackville-West and diplomat Harold Nicolson had for each other. This splendid garden manifests the architectural vision of Nicolson and the dedication of Vita for planting colorful and bright flowers.
Before the garden was created, the Sissinghurst Castle already stood; and despite being a formidable castle, was once a grim prison in the 1700s. These days, the Sissinghurst Castles garden is considered one of the most popular 20th century garden in all of England.
Visitors are given the chance to tour the castle and the gardens. A guided winter tour around the area is also quite popular among tourists. The tour highlights the most captivating architectural features of the original structures. You will also get the opportunity to climb the top of the 16th century tower and get a bird's eye view of the entire large estate, encompassing 450 acres. Moreover, there is a yea-round exhibit that features Harold and Vita's love and life story, including how they created the gardens. The Sissinghurst Castle Garden is actually comprised of ten separate sections, each of which are gardens of their own. Every one of these gardens adopts a certain theme and ambience, and are separated by hedges and walls.
One of the best sections in Sissinghurst Garden is called the White Garden. As expected, this garden is teeming with immaculate species of white flowers. Among them are white pompom dahlias, white irises, white gladioli, and white Japanese anemones. This flowery spot promises to be a treat for the eyes!
Another must-see garden is the aptly named the Rose Garden. As the name suggests, it is haven for several stunning roses, but it is also home to other flowers, vines and figs. Naturally, the garden is quite attractive to those who adore the idea of love and romance.
The Purple Border completes the color themed sections of Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Yet the plants and flowers in this garden are not just radiating the color purple alone. They, in fact, exhibit different colors closed to the purple hue like blue, lilac and pink. Some of the prominent flowers seen here are Rosa Germanium and Charles de Mills. The other garden to experience and enjoy is the South Cottage Garden, which is just bursting with various colors in late summer and during the autumn. The Herb Garden, or the other hand, is not called "aromatic" for no reason. As soon as you enter this section, your sense of smell will be treated to a wonderful range of herb aromas.
You can find Sissinghurst Garden in the Weald of Kent, close to towns like Cranbrook and Tenterden. This once private property is now under the supervision of the National Trust. Unfortunately, picnics are not allowed in the formal gardens, but you can still have them on the tables and benches across from the visitor reception.
If you forgot to bring snacks with you, the complex is equipped with a coffee shop and restaurant, which cooks vegetables grown in the castle complex. You can also purchase crafts and souvenir items from the gift shop, or take a small plant home from the Sissinghurst Castle's nursery.
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