the Sissinghurst conenction…
In 1925, the then owner of Tanyards -William Wilmshurst - purchased Sissinghurst Castle (below left). And so began a garden story that would become iconic.
He started the dream; but died before he could complete it. In 1930, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson arrived at Sissinghurst and began the extraordinary transformation that made it a byword for beauty and imagination.
A colourful spring feature
Tanyards’ garden is unusually mature and well-structured. The laburnum arch winds through the established orchard. A shady path that gives the garden a clear focal point in spring.
The gardens at Tanyards are a true extension of the house’s spirit. Originally laid out by Italian prisoners of war, each area has its own mood and planting style.
There are many hidden pathways to explore. A wooden bridge crosses to a shaded bank, where a boat rests under trees. It is here that there is a nod to the history of the property for the original tanning beds at Tanyards lie beneath. It is is edged with rushes, willows, and wild planting.
A pergola offers cool respite. Fish dart through the reeds below, animating this green, reflective space, while ducklings emerge each spring and make their home on the small island.
Tucked away in a far corner of the garden lies Poets’ Corner, a secluded, contemplative space, shaded and serene, where rich green dappled light dances over a quiet water feature.
Cool and shady in the summer months it is the perfect place to read or just be.
And just 75 minutes from London Bridge.
In contrast, the Orchard Garden is full of warmth and sunlight, home to an laburnum and wisteria arch.
An orangerie-style greenhouse, a row of cold frames, espaliered fruit trees, and a formal walled parterre, blending structure with abundance. Here you will find apples, quinces, cherries, plums, pears, currants and a recalcitrant fig tree (it fruits but they rarely ripen)
A large area for composting garden waste is tucked away beside the wall that surrounds the property. At the edge of this space is a sizeable Man Cave - large enough to store tractors, bikes and a large selection of tools and materials.
A garden of plenty
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From the cutting garden
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Early summer
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Springtime dew
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Cabbage rose
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Orchard blossom
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Occasionally the figs ripen....
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Early frost
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English rose
