Sissinghurst: National Trust Guidebook

by Adam Nicolson

One of Britain’s greatest gardens, Sissinghurst sits within the ruins of a great Elizabethan house, surrounded by beautiful Kentish countryside. Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began transforming the site 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 Garden 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.This updated guidebook highlights the recent developments by Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith to restore the garden to its romantic splendour.

72 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2018

About the author

Adam Nicolson writes a celebrated column for The Sunday Telegraph. His books include Sissinghurst, God’s Secretaries, When God Spoke English, Wetland, Life in the Somerset Levels, Perch Hill, Restoration, and the acclaimed Gentry. He is winner of the Somerset Maugham Award and the British Topography Prize and lives on a farm in Sussex.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent descriptive overview of the garden and explanation of the objective of each space, whether you read it before you visit or after. If you’ve taken detailed photos you should be able to match them up or do some recall and sense making about the why of the paths and patterns (I read it after).

The long history of the site was very interesting; now I wish I could corner Troy Smith for follow up questions or lived close enough to attend talks and to see the Delos garden mature.

Modern interpretations, additions and care have done incredible justice to the vision and “emotional integrity” of Sissinghurst - that seems clear. A gem of a little guide book and quick read.