Sissinghurst

However "touristy" it may be at this point, there is a certain magic to Sissinghurst.  I am delighted that we went toward the end of the season, and that we went on a Monday. 

When we visited Florence a few years ago, I obssessed about Michelangelo's "David," and managed to be the first visitor in the Academia that morning.  Sissinghurst was the same for me.  I was clear that I was going to be the first person through the gate, and that I was going to be able to stand on top of the tower by myself for a little while and just take it all in.  Fortunately it worked out very easily, though there were a few elderly English ladies left with bruised shins (and they say Americans are rude....)

Because I am a hopeless romantic at heart, I can absolutely see what Vita Sackville-West saw in this property many years ago, because it really is one of the most romantic places I've been.  This is the view of "The Cottage Garden" from the tower, below.  That's a pretty cool view to have from your office!

Watching these guys trim hedges was very cool.  If you enlarge the photo you can see the plumb bob that he's using to make sure the edges are perfectly straight. 

The colchium that have naturalized in the orchard were just beautiful!

                              
I particularly loved this sculpture peeking out from beneath a tree in a corner of the famous white garden.

This ancient trough filled with sedum was pretty special, too! 

Crinums and barberry are a beautiful combo that I'm definitely going to recreate at home. 

All in all, an incredible way to spend a slightly chilly morning....I can die happy now......