Exploring Sissinghurst Castle Garden during autumn's splendor: The architectural style of Harold Nicolson becomes discernible as fallen apples stimulate wildlife activity.
Autumn Transitions at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, nestled in the heart of Kent, is undergoing a transformation as the season shifts towards autumn. This historic garden, renowned for its iconic herbaceous borders and specimen plants, is preparing for the colder months with a series of traditional tasks and climate-adaptive practices.
Autumn Hedge Cutting Schedule
Hedge cutting is a key autumn task at Sissinghurst. Traditionally, hedges are cut once or twice a year to maintain structure and form. The bulk of the hedges, primarily yew, are cut between August and November. This timing supports plant health before winter dormancy, helping to prepare the garden for the colder months. A lighter trim may also occur in early autumn to ensure neat outlines for spring growth.
General Autumn Preparation
In addition to hedge maintenance, Sissinghurst’s gardeners focus on pruning, clearing, and soil preparation in autumn. Leaves are carefully cleared around hedges to reduce disease risk, and fallen apples are deliberately left to provide food for hedgehogs, mice, birds, and visiting fieldfares and redwings.
Climate Change Adaptation
As the climate changes, gardens like Sissinghurst are adapting their practices. The selection of drought-tolerant species and cultivars resilient to fluctuating temperature and precipitation patterns is increasingly common. Improved drainage, the incorporation of organic matter to retain soil moisture, and the use of mulches and water-conserving practices are often recommended. Enhancing garden habitats to support pollinators and native wildlife creates more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand climatic stress.
Though specific details about Sissinghurst’s climate adaptation strategy are not publicly available, contacting the National Trust directly or accessing their official newsletters or site management plans might provide exact information.
Adapting to a Changing Climate
Late-summer sowings are being used to adapt gardening practices to a changing climate. For example, earlier-flowering, larger plants can be achieved through these sowings. The overwintering box caterpillar is disrupted by the late autumn/winter cut for box, so gardeners must be mindful of their timing.
Visiting Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle's open gardens are open daily from 11am-5.30pm. Admission is £17. The garden's colors include faded Venetian red sedums and Euonymus alatus with burning torch. The mood of the garden has shifted from the flamboyance of summer to the mellow days of autumn.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst. To follow the garden's updates, Troy Scott-Smith, the garden's head gardener, can be found on Instagram at @troyscottsmith1. The garden's address is Sissinghurst Castle, Biddenden Road, nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB. The garden's phone number is 01580 710700.
[1] Drought busters and adaptable plants
In the changing climate, gardeners at Sissinghurst Castle Garden are introducing drought-tolerant plants to the gardens for resilience in the face of water shortages.These adaptable plants, such as Sedums and Euonymous alatus, contribute to the diverse colors seen in the gardens as autumn transitions take place.*Adopting a home-and-garden lifestyle that includes gardening practices resilient to climatic stress is becoming increasingly important for maintaining beautiful flower gardens, like those at Sissinghurst, throughout the seasons.
