Autumn Transformation at Sissinghurst Castle Garden: The architecture of Harold Nicolson becomes evident as fallen apples attract various wildlife species
In the quaint village of Cranbrook, Kent, Sissinghurst Castle gardens, once the creative haven of Vita Sackville-West, are now embracing the autumn season. The formal yew and box hedges are trimmed meticulously, preserving their shape and texture without compromising winter hardiness. This careful hedge cutting, typically done between August and November, maintains the structure of these ancient hedges while avoiding the vulnerability of new growth to cold damage [1].
Dahlias, with their vibrant blooms, are another highlight of Sissinghurst's autumn garden. After the first frost, these beauties are carefully lifted from the ground. The process involves cutting back the foliage, digging up tubers, cleaning, and drying them before storing in frost-free conditions. This ensures the survival of these colourful plants for spring replanting [1].
As the seasons change, Sissinghurst is adapting to climate change. Inspiration can be drawn from nearby gardens like Great Dixter, which lead in pioneering sustainable and climate-adaptive gardening. Practices include selecting drought-tolerant plants, adjusting pruning and watering regimes, and designing with changing seasonal patterns in mind [1].
Visitors to Sissinghurst Castle can enjoy the changing colour palette of the garden, from the low smoulder of sedums in faded Venetian red to the burning torch of Euonymus alatus. The halos of red around trees in the Orchard are caused by fallen apples deliberately left to drop, providing a feast for hedgehogs, mice, birds, including fieldfares and redwings, throughout autumn and winter [2].
Sissinghurst Castle is located at Biddenden Road, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB. The contact number for enquiries is 01580 710700. Open Gardens at Sissinghurst Castle are open daily from 11am-5.30pm, with admission costing £17. For more information, visit the official website at nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst.
References: [1] Various sources. [2] National Trust. (2021). Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Retrieved from https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst [3] Troy Scott-Smith. (2021). @troyscottsmith1 on Instagram. [4] Gardens Illustrated. (2019). Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Retrieved from https://www.gardensillustrated.com/profiles/sissinghurst-castle-garden/ [5] The Telegraph. (2020). Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardens-of-the-year/sissinghurst-castle-garden/
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