Summer at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The orchard meadow at Sissinghurst in early morning sunshine

With an abundance of colour in the garden and out on the estate there's lots to see during the summer months.

The Summer Garden

During May we see the bloom of our Irises around the garden, these colourful bulbs are a bright start to the summer as they come out in their numbers. There's always a subtle transitional period within the garden walls when our bulb flowers start to fade and the bright roses in the rose garden take centre stage in June. The rose garden was one of Vita's favourite 'rooms,' which she fondly described as a

" Tumble of roses and honeysuckle, figs and vines. "

A view into the rose garden from the tower

The Height of Summer

The garden is an ever changing tapestry of colour throughout the year, transormations take place week on week and the differences between one month to the next can make the garden nearly unrecognisable. While May and June see Irises and Roses flourishing in their numbers, July and August is when the garden takes on a contrast of colour. This is best seen in the cottage garden which is renouned for fiery golden hues during the late summer which is a stark conrast to the white garden which shimmers with moonlit planting.

The White Garden in summer at Sissinghurst Castle — Vita Sackville-West created this beautiful garden at Sissinghurst

A moonlit masterpiece at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

With a passion for single toned gardens, the white garden was one of Vita's finest creations. Read on to find out more about this unique gardening masterpiece.

The South Cottage Garden

Warm reds and gold mark out the South Cottage Garden, which is a riot of colour in late summer and autumn.

Against the wall of the South Cottage, the early-summer-flowering rose Mme Alfred Carriere was the first thing that Vita and Harold planted at Sissinghurst, on the day their offer to buy was accepted.

South Cottage Garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent — The South Cottage garden filled with fiery yellows and reds

The Vegetable Garden

Summer sees the vegetable garden take on a new look, with flowers springing up throughout the beds there's plenty of colour added to the formal rows of vegetables. There's also lots of space to explore around the veg garden with tucked away corners to take in the views across the low wealden landscape.

A Great Escape

There's nothing quite as relaxing as a stroll through the countryside and here at Sissinghurst we're lucky enough to enjoy 460 acres of diverse estate. If you're looking to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle then make your way to visitor reception so that you can pick up our estate map to help you explore the far reaching grounds. We have a very popular lake walk which is a mile long however if you're looking to explore slightly further afield there're some great locations for you to enjoy. The bird hide is a great spot to sit and while away the hours as you take in the sights and sounds around you.

The nature activities area inside the oast house

Nature Activities at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Read on to find out more about what's going on inside the oast house. Be sure to take a look inside before exploring the estate to help set up your great adventure.