The gardens at Sissinghurst are largely the result of the vision, stubbornness, and some have said madness of Vita Sackville-West. This is a beautifully documented tribute to the vision and inspiration and development of the various gardens in and around the manor.
This is an inspiring and educational book, full of ideas for garden lovers no matter what the scale of their own green spaces. Very few gardeners will have the space to recreate even a fraction of the famous gardens pictured, however, there are so many good takeaways which can be adapted to readers' own gardens. Since the book is absolutely full of color photographs and the text is relatively small and densely packed, the hardcover format is a must.
The gardens represent a wide array of design and execution. The expected formal stately gardens have pride of place with their gracious lines and breathtaking scale, of course. Long alleys of topiary boxwood and formal layouts inspire awe and amazement. What was equally welcome and more unexpected however, were the working areas, informal gardens, orchard, and a surprising amount of unexpected juxtaposition of plants and varieties inviting a closer look.
The gardens represent a wide array of design and execution. The expected formal stately gardens have pride of place with their gracious lines and breathtaking scale, of course. Long alleys of topiary boxwood and formal layouts inspire awe and amazement. What was equally welcome and more unexpected however, were the working areas, informal gardens, orchard, and a surprising amount of unexpected juxtaposition of plants and varieties inviting a closer look.
Each of the chapters covers one aspect of the plantings. The chapters include small maps, well documented discussion of specific varieties (which are listed in the cross referenced index), information about the history and development of each of the gardens, and some commentary and quotes from Lady Sackville-West or contemporaries.
Five stars. Lots and lots (and lots) of inspiration. Aesthetically an enjoyable read with a truly astounding amount of meticulous research and annotation. This would make a superlative selection for garden groups, community gardening, allotment collective libraries, smallholders, and garden lovers.
Five stars. Lots and lots (and lots) of inspiration. Aesthetically an enjoyable read with a truly astounding amount of meticulous research and annotation. This would make a superlative selection for garden groups, community gardening, allotment collective libraries, smallholders, and garden lovers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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