An Afternoon at Perch Hill and Evening at Sissinghurst

Then we will travel (everyone in their own cars) to Sissinghurst, approx 45 minutes drive away, meeting at 5.45pm (as the garden shuts to the public) at the garden entrance to be checked in. Not only is the evening light the best light in which to see a garden, but you'll have the added pleasure of being somewhere that you know is often very busy when it isn’t. That combination means that Sissinghurst becomes magical on these evenings.

If the weather is fine the Perch Hill team will serve you canapés and Chapel Down, our local vineyard’s ‘Champagne’, on the entrance lawn and then there will be a couple of talks (starting with Adam - who was brought up there), followed by Sarah. Cushions are provided for everyone to sit on the brick steps and there are a few benches, but do let us know if you’d like a chair provided. And do let us know if you are hard of hearing so we can arrange for you to sit at the front. We do not use microphones as this is not good for the general feel and atmosphere of the place, which is very peaceful with no one else there.

Sarah and Adam lived at Sissinghurst for eight years, raising their children there. So, first, hear about Sissinghurst and its history from Adam and then Sarah will talk briefly about the making of the garden, Vita Sackville West’s garden style and what has happened there since she died in 1962. After talks, you then have a good hour for private wandering - so you can see the rose and white garden at their absolute best. Sarah and Adam will be around for this part of the evening to help with questions on Sissinghurst, the garden and life there. Sarah will be there to help with plant names and queries. It’s a good idea to take a photo on your phone of any plants you want identifying to show Sarah. The Tower will be open through this time so you can climb up for a panoramic view.

Wet Weather Plan Checking in by a Perch Hill member of staff and ‘Champagne’, canapés and talks (with slides) in the top of the oast. We will then go into the garden and the evening will proceed as above. Please bring umbrellas and realistic coats and shoes – just in case of showers/rain.

This course takes place at Perch Hill Farm, TN32 5HP and Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB.

Attendees should park in the clearly marked carpark at Perch Hill, and then in the main National Trust Sissinghurst Castle and Garden Car Park, then make their way to the entrance following our signs. They will be greeted and directed from there by one of the Perch Hill team.