This month, OUTHOUSE principal designer Steve Warner reflects on his recent visit to the historic gardens at England’s famous Sissinghurst Castle.
England is steeped in history, and the incredible garden at Sissinghurst offers its fair share, from its Saxon pig farm origins to its magnificent Tudor buildings that imprisoned French sailors during the Seven Years’ War in 1756.
More recently, the charismatic Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson purchased Sissinghurst in the 1930s and commenced its journey to become one of England’s finest gardens.
When you arrive at the main castle garden entrance, you are overwhelmed by the sense of history and excitement about what awaits. There are so many garden rooms to explore, from the South Cottage Garden and its riot of glorious colours, to the Herb Garden with an array of edibles, smells and tastes that insist you take a sneaky nibble.
My favourite moment was the stroll along the Moat Walk and arriving in the bespoke gazebo which gently perches over the bank, pausing a moment to take in the water reflection and the stillness that every personal garden room should offer.
I was left with the memory of the glorious white wisteria, its branches drenched with its intoxicating fragrant flowering clusters. Visiting these gardens makes me appreciate a garden that is timeless, that gifts you those glorious months of scented bliss.
You walk away invigorated and in awe of nature, until next time.
– Steve Warner, principal designer at OUTHOUSE design
