The Extraordinary Garden of Virginia Woolf's Lover - Getting Chateau Inspiration at Sissinghurst

Discover Sissinghurst Castle, home to one of England's most extraordinary gardens, created by Vita Sackville-West (Virginia Woolf's lover) and her husband Harold Nicolson. I visit with Davy, who is designing the Chateau de Lalande's new gardens, to find lots of inspiration...
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[@MeLyGiRlY]

I think Davy is the perfect example of something getting more interesting when you're with someone who knows about it and is excited and explains what you're looking at! These videos are an absolute delight! I could listen to you two discussing flowers and ideas for hours on end.

[@Brent0601]

Hello I believe the flower or shrub Davy was wanting to know the identity of is a Cistus ladanifer or Crimson-Spot Rockrose! I love watching all your amazing videos. I am an avid gardener and have a degree in Historic preservation and have a job in interior design so I find so much interest, joy, and inspiration in all your videos!! So thank you so much!!

[@mamapeck8094]

I thought the same

[@sarahblue1914]

As it looks very much like mine I suspect you are correct. 😁

[@rayn8740]

While I've never grown rock rose, I think it looks more like monarda aka bee balm.

[@airenesmiler6624]

@@rayn8740 I was thinking it was bee balm as well, I have a purple/blue one in my garden.

[@rayn8740]

Someone else suggested Centaurea aka cornflower.

[@lynnesmith6827]

I don’t remember enjoying a garden tour any more than this one! A big thank you to Stephanie and Davy for their delightful tour and narration!

[@kulkulbelle]

You might like to watch her blog on this beautiful priory garden. It’s a stunner also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWtapmKnquta7c

[@MidnightMelodie]

Davy: Herbaceous borders are very labor intensive because you have to dig everything out, divide them, feed them and move the plants around. Me: Has two happy herbaceous borders and only very occasionally bothers to divide anything . 🤷🏻‍♀️ Really though, thank you so much for taking us with you. I’m an old soul so there are few things I like more than a garden and Sissinghurst is spectacular.

[@jamessudek2125]

So you don't have to spend hours and hours weeding? I did away with mine and it was small. 😂

[@MidnightMelodie]

@@jamessudek2125 can’t say that I do but keeping it pretty densely planted helps stop most of the weeds.

[@johnfolds5087]

For someone who a year ago hardly went into the wood of La Lande you have once again showed you are full of surprises, always ready to learn. With your newly found enthusiasm for gardening, plants and trees, and of course Davy, the chateau will be spectacular.

[@maryb.7043]

The low concrete pots/planting containers you fell in love with at Sissinghurst Castle are doable DIY projects. I made one about 20 years ago and it looks 100 years old. They are called hypertufa planters and the recipe/directions can be found on-line. The size and shape of the pots depend on the container you use for the mold. Save cardboard boxes for square and rectangular pots!! I sincerely enjoy your videos, Stephanie. Thank you.

[@nancycowan6109]

Because Davy is ultimately the most serious character of the Lalande family, this journey through the garden was so lovely. Davy is adorable and a horticultural brilliant. ❤️

[@IRSA1]

Stephanie, I am so glad your heart has woken up to the beauty of plants and nature. Nothing can bring you greater simple, but absolute contentment.

[@maryking3774]

Davy is my favourite Lalande person, he is so knowledgeable and a gentle soul.

[@dawngough1133]

Steph if you’ve never been to David Austin roses in Albrighton, Shropshire you have to go! They have ‘garden rooms’ brimming over with roses and how to use them. Plus a fantastic shop/nursery!

[@teresacarle294]

Yes, that would be a treat 👏 . 🌹Rose water from the special Damascena Rose is hydrating & a natural antiseptic that reduces redness & boosts mood. Plus, this 💯% distilled concoction can also make a delicious & refreshing 🍨 ice cream 😋. Don't know if it survived through devastating 😷C19 lockdowns, but there was Mashti Malone in Hollywood. 🍀A Persian/Irish owned parlor that featured rose ice cream that tasted like Spring. 💚 Bridget from Cali ☘️ (using my pal's YT acct)

[@LynnaeaEmber]

David Austin roses are so lovely. The flowers have that old fashioned rose shape and fragrance.

[@twobluestripes]

Ooooh I did not realize they had a place to visit! That’s going on my “england” sights list

[@dawngough1133]

@@twobluestripes You’ll love it! Just be careful as there’s a pretty narrow lane that you have to navigate. Just like LaLande they have resident peacocks.

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

Wish I could wander through a garden with Davy. So knowledgeable, and unassuming with a wonderful laugh.

[@kulkulbelle]

Sissinghurst. Has to be one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever visited. Came home and immediately installed a white garden ( 80s). Divine.

[@crownethorne]

Stephanie net time you are in the U.K. with some spare time , a trip to the Northern Cotswolds holds the hidden gem of Kiftsgate Gardens. Planted and maintained by a long line of matriarchs, it truly is spectacular there and the family to whom the estate belongs are so charming too!

[@shoshanachavab]

I have to tell you that this was a wonderful blog. I love gardens and gardening even tho now I have to be happy with pot plants. My late husband was Harry Bloom and he built for me an enchanted garden with a secret garden just for us with water and fish in an enclosed garden adjoining our bedroom. And a waterfall ambling down a rock garden the sound of which could be heard throughout the house.

[@merlinsowl9458]

Wowee sounds so magical how sweet to have his loving garden left to be close to him . Healing area I’m sure. ❤️👍🧚🏼

[@ccoeurjoli]

Oh Madame Bloom ! Merci de partager ainsi votre jardin secret ! Quelle délicate attention de la part de Monsieur Bloom 💕 🌸🌸🌸

[@zoestevens1621]

I live 50 mins from Sissinghurst. It's my favourite garden , especially the white garden. I've always dreamed of having a tower room full of books and comfy chairs.

[@sharon9399]

This blog made me cry and smile as I pack up my house and beautiful garden of 25 years. But I am also inspired that LaLande is growing and becoming even more beautiful with every moment. Thank you Stephanie for continuing to inspire me.

[@luluandmeow]

I know how you're feeling, saying goodbye to a beloved house and garden is so difficult, but you will create a new home and garden with new memories. Best wishes, Lulu x

[@carolinegooder7091]

Hang in there. I wish you all the luck in the future. I am in bed today, in pain instead of in my garden, so be careful lifting boxes. 🤣

[@sharon9399]

Thank you Lulu and Caroline. LaLande brings so many beautiful people together.

[@sandrataylor7294]

Hi Stephanie, have you been to Great Dixter in Northium East Sussex, planted by Christopher Lloyd? Fascinating garden. I love Sissinghurst, thank you forshowing it to us. Take care Sandy x

[@JohannaVeerenhuis]

Thank you so much for all this joy and inspiration. 💝💞💝

[@marilynwade9448]

That white garden is so elegant. Great use of mass plantings

[@kimisays2040]

Steph and Davy need to do LOTS more garden tours for those of us who will never be able to get overseas (probably because we have too many weeds to sort out !

[@siby6117]

I think that simple, oval lawn works very well, as is, because there is so much going on in the satellite gardens that it acts as a sort of ‘palate cleanser’ or respite for the senses, in between them all. So enjoyed the vlog - bought some beautiful yellow and white lupins myself today👌

[@sarahblue1914]

The flower Davey thought was Echinacea is actually a Centauria (Cornflower or Batchelor's Button), although I understand why he thought otherwise, the have a similar flower form. I am enjoying this walk through the garden with him, he is so full of gardening knowlege, its enjoyable to listen to.

[@rnggall9640]

you posted first! love the flower lovers who are happy to share names!

[@LynnaeaEmber]

Yes, that is what I thought it was. Echinacea has different leaves; the flower center is a little similar, but the petals are nothing like this plant.

[@juliaclark4520]

I was so surprised by this comment, as I have this in my yard and have always called it blue bergamot! Thanks for the correct name. Now I’m off to identify the flower I’ve always called cornflower, which is the same shade of blue but is definitely different from this flower 🙂

[@sarahblue1914]

@@juliaclark4520 Now you have me curious what the flower is, LOL!! I wish we could share actual pictures in the comments. 🤗

[@juliaclark4520]

@@sarahblue1914 chicory! Also in the daisy family. It often grows on the edges of cornfields around here, I think that’s why we always called it cornflower

[@josephinedavidson5968]

My very favourite garden made by an inspirational plantswoman, the famous White Garden is a wow but better later in the year when Cobea Scandens is in bloom and covering the structures, Chelsea Vlog was my favourite so far nearly as good as Venice ! Stephanie is turning into a Gardener thanks to Dave and Kirsty, what a team xx

[@chrislewis6574]

So right! I’ve been thinking how much enjoyment Isabel must be getting out of seeing the gardener side of Stephanie ‘blooming’ …and her waking up earlier in the morning to see the garden

[@ScaseFacetime]

What tangible happiness a beautiful garden can be!! thank you for sharing this💕

[@sarahblue1914]

So true!! 🥰

[@nickiturner4839]

I visited Sissinghurst on Monday. Only live 3 miles from it and it’s my happy place. I love your blogs and what you are doing with your Chateau and garden. Can’t wait to see what you do next.

[@sarahblue1914]

As a child I flipped through picture books of this garden for hours. Around every corner is another gardening delight. Thenceforth my love of gardening was born along with the study of the masterpieces of other famous gardeners. Just loving this!! Feel free to do more videos like this, can't get enough. No pressure, LOL!! 🥰💕💖💐🌸💮🏵🌹🌺🌻🌼🌷⚘🌱🌲🌳🌴🌿☘🍀

[@katmason2955]

The plant Davey asks about looks a bit like a rhododendron.

[@susanwoodward7485]

Oh my, what a delight! The best tour of my favorite garden. Davy's commentary added so much, and your enthusiasm for the endless beauty of the gardens made it even better. Thank you so much - look forward to more historic garden tours.

[@sandramuis1015]

Such delicate, beautiful gardens. 🌹🌼🌺🌻🪷🌞

[@caroline6057]

And just when you thought chateaux diaries could not get any better.. loved this episode and so happy Stephanie is taking the gardening bull by the horns with Davey's guidance. I have seen this garden tour from other gardening shows and each bring a unique perspective. Please visit more gardens!!!! I was hoping to visit my home country last year and do gardening tours but it was not to be. Now I can visit with you! Bravo!!!

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Couldn't agree more! It's so interesting how a single place can be so different depending on who's filming. Of course, its a huge garden with so many different spaces, but always a real treat to see! 💕

[@imhappy3093]

I just saw the trees in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris and saw the future of Davey’s vision for the courtyard. Stunning! He is so talented. LaLande is going to be amazing

[@KG-ui7ji]

You were wondering what the little Mauve thistle flower was. It is Centaurea Montana Purple heart a perrenial cornflower. I prefer the Blue varieties but one of my favourite plants. I have managed to get some seed and grow some here in NZ.

[@sarahblue1914]

😊👍🏻

[@marynolan6627]

Absolutely spectacular. I truly love an English garden.

[@lynnmontgomery9227]

Davy is the sweetest soul! He might be my favourite Lalande character!!! I just love to watch him!

[@angelaengler2387]

I’ve watched this video a couple of times and I just LOVE IT!!! Sissinghurst is one of THE MOST inspirational English gardens, I need to go out to my garden now and do some work 😀❤️

[@dawngough1133]

Would recommend tree Lupins and Peony Lutea (yellow tree peony) for strong yellow statements in the garden. Tree peonies an tree lupins last for years. The ‘echinacea’ is a Centaurea!

[@tc7486]

Decades ago I tore out pages from a magazine of Sissinghurst gardens and have kept them all this time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lavonnemountain6133]

Again I am in tears as we walked through Sissinghurst gardens. What beauty I scarce can take it all in. A small wall fountain under the pergola would be a great reading spot. So many breathtaking ideas. I cam to England only once in my travels, saw the Chelsea garden show but missed so many of the Grand gardens. Merci

[@lisawebb6083]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful gardens..truly a masterpiece 💜

[@marionlum7781]

I feel transported, immersed, inspired and just generally wonderful after watching this video Stephanie. It's come at just the right time as I was very frustrated at not being able to be out and about. The beauty of the gardens brought tears to my eyes and peace to my soul. Thank you all so much. 💕

[@Cenepk101]

As a dedicated gardener since early childhood- I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS VIDEO TOUR - I just can’t tell you how much it meant to me to have you 3 point out beauty to me. I have a library of pictures from over the years of this garden- but the video IS SPECTACULAR

[@jillgaddis3889]

Thank you for taking us along to Sissinghurst.

[@talesfromtuscany]

That was insanely beautiful. I had trouble choosing my favourite part. I just loved every moment and thank you so much for taking us along :D xoxo

[@debtheguest3109]

Thanks for taking us on this visit Stephanie! Was absolutely beautiful.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

At 7.40......I think this is JUST right! I would be thinking 'where next, where will I go?' No distraction other than choice... ' what , where next!.

[@lizzie9074]

I watched this yesterday, and then realised it was 50 years to the day that Vita S-W died. Her granddaughter Juliet Nicholson read out a tribute to her from the White Garden. A wonderful garden with one of the best Head Gardeners in the country. Troy Scott Smith’s knowledge, craftsmenship and attention to detail is second to none. American friends should look out for his lecture tours in the States with Garden Conservancy. Alas they are finished for this year. He is a brilliant speaker. He worked alongside Dan Pearson implementing Vita and Harold Nicolson’s vision for a Mediterranean garden, Delos. Another outstanding plantsmen, gardener and garden designer who works to commissions all over the world. We are so lucky to have such talented plantsmen. Great video. I’d love to see more videos of gardens in your region, if you have time! Thx again and best wishes

[@carolinegooder7091]

Thank you for pointing out these talented people. I will have to learn about their careers. We have a 400 acre Botanical garden near us and wonder if they will host lectures this year I could attend. I am bed ridden this weekend but hope to be able to do some work in my own garden soon. Thank you again.😁❤

[@lizzie9074]

@@carolinegooder7091 oh so sorry to hear that you are feeling poorly this weekend. I do hope you are feeling better soon. I love Sissinghurst, it’s a beautiful house and garden. I love listening to knowledgeable lecturers, I learn such a lot. Big hugs to feel well soon

[@barbarahaines7661]

One of the joys of a all white garden is what it looks like in the moonlight.enjoy

[@melinayorke7462]

My goodness that was glorious. I wonder if you could do a rock/fern garden going from a spot in the forest down to the lake. I can imagine an intimate pathway with a statue silhouetted by the glittering lake at the end.

[@sarahmattingly6971]

That would be stunning!

[@rebekahlow8375]

Thank you so much for taking us to Sissinghurst! Love from Vermont

[@maryschlotter108]

“Everything is delightful,I just don’t want to leave”. Thank you Stephanie I am with you I could almost cry there was so much beauty. I watched this twice and I know I will watch it again . I have a beautiful book of botanical illustrations of the flowers at Sissinghurst it’s one of my favorite gardening/ floral inspiration books. How lovely is Davey …. You and Philip and your mutual love of beauty make all these wonderful visits that you take us on perfection. I had a teacher once who shared with me her mothers wise words , the world needs beauty. Words to live by for me. Thank you .

[@metropcs7560]

Wow Stephanie, new ideas!!! Thank you for sharing, Dan looks as though he has his work cut out for him. I am like oh yes, get this, get this!!! Thank you so much, have a great weekend!!!

[@metropcs7560]

My favorite topic!!! I want to dress my yard up also!!! This is lovely!!! Truly a gift!!!

[@alixdavidson764]

Loved visiting Sissinghurst - she was a genius as are the current horticulturalists working there. The first plant Davy thought might be a type of echinacea is a Centaurea montana - variety maybe was Amethyst in Snow? The second plant he asked for help identifying looked like Cistus ladanifer.

[@sarahblue1914]

Spot on!! 😊👍🏻

[@KG-ui7ji]

I have always wanted to go to Sissinghurst...Next time I'm in England! Stephanie I think you are getting the gardening bug 😉Thanks for this fab video.

[@sc0ttishlass]

I visited Sissinghurst in my early teens and then later in my mid twenties and I loved the whole setup, esp the rose garden and the White Garden. I loved it so much that I even re-created it in the original The Sims game with custom content (Towers, different plants and trees). Thank you for a little stroll down memory lane 🧡🧡

[@margamoons-filip5205]

"look, they look like little people" flowers in a trough 🌺🌺🌺

[@rosariofernandez-rodriguez7122]

Thanks for feed my eyes, soul and spirit …🙏🏻🥰

[@carolz5090]

What I love most is the way Davy has bloomed in the vlogs over time. He used to seem like such a reserved and serious guy, but now his eyes just light up with all the fun. I suspect it’s the way Stephanie interacts and relates to people. For example, Nick the Tree Surgeon and Davy are so very different, yet each has become part of the Lalande family. It’s very cool. Regarding this video, I’m less of a garden/landscape explorer than an architectural and interior one. The tower was what called really out to me to be seen.

[@teresacarle294]

🥰 Yes, it is perfectly sweet how Davy has warmed to the camera. Nick the 🌳 Tree Surgeon too. 🤔Think that's directly attributed to Stephanie's unbelievable warmth, charisma, & high value for ppl that has a way of 🧊 thawing ppl's natural reserve. She worked her 🪄magic with 💪Dan-the-Man too. He was considerably more stand-offish at the start. ☀️With her sunny joy-filled nature, she knows how to build others up, and also bring the best out in them 🌻. It's quite a worthy gift 🎁 in a madcap world that loves to tear ppl down. 🤗 While I don't personally aspire to the Château's level of interior or exterior ✨️ grandeur, she's definitely expanded my own 🏰architectural interest to the 🌱gardens🌿 as well. 😉 Although it would've been lovely to catch a glimpse inside too. 💚 Bridget from Cali ☘️ (using my pal's YT acct)

[@juliatownsend2324]

Beautiful, lifts the soul all the lovely flowers. Thanks for sharing.

[@rebeccafrancis8227]

Boy, Dave knows his flowers!! Beautiful gardens!! Thank you for the tour Stephanie!!

[@carynkabat4208]

Thank you for this visit. When I was there about 15 years ago all the roses were in bloom. This was something on my bucket list. Great memories.

[@heathermcrobert9779]

Thats right Davey!! It takes a crew and many hours to prep gardens. I did it many times for a major city.

[@donnab8205]

Thank you so much! I've always wanted to go there. Not only did I just have a wonderful tour, but with darling Davey no less. Loved every minute.

[@katiec8807]

Wow sissinghurst is truly stunning such beautiful gardens, brilliant vlog Stephanie thank you for sharing xx 😍

[@jenniferkessener1111]

That was a wonderful look at Sissinghurst garden! So interesting with your enthusiasm, Stephanie, and Davy's knowledge. A lot of garden lovers in your followers ☺, myself included.

[@lwaliz]

Sissinghurst has been on my list of places to visit for ages, thanks for the lovely walk in that fabulous garden! X

[@dawngough1133]

I always use roses as part of a herbaceous border. Love the combination of John Benjamin rose, Rhapsody in Blue rose, Japanese Hakonechloa grass, red Berberis and alliums. Acid greens, purples, reds and soft romantic pinks are beautiful.

[@raynaknierim9277]

Absolutely beautiful garden! It would be such a treat to walk through this garden.😊

[@tinekejoldersma]

I took the inspiration from Sissinghurst to put Rambler roses in my trees. I thought it was breathtaking. Davey is a beacon of knowledge and logic.

[@johncunningham1098]

Beyond lovely. And the music was well chosen. Thanks!,💕🌺🌸🌹

[@rose-marie7351]

What a dreamy afternoon... I love all of it. I can only imagine how beautiful Lalande garden will become with all these inspiration!

[@rachelwyatt9529]

I love walking through a garden with you all.

[@autodidactin]

What a delightful visit to a lovely and inspiring garden. Thank you for taking us with you!

[@lyndajohnston924]

Absolutely glorious. I watched on my phone and enjoyed the tour immensely, but will watch again on the bigger screen!

[@jennifercoughtrie4858]

I visited in 2008 absolutely beautiful and I am sure it must been improved and evolved since then. ❤ I remember the the hedge sofa and the wisteria walk plus those magnificent beds of fern in shade garden. The cottages were being renovated to rent out. How wonderful to stay there.

[@willemijncantrip6564]

England is so beautiful. Wished I was born in one of its beautiful places. I would never leave.

[@kulkulbelle]

So much inspiration for LaLande. Stephanie. The “Dead Box” is an excellent idea.

[@Taliesin6]

they alheavy have dead box thanks to the box tree moth :D

[@pamkullman8839]

what a beautiful place! I love that there are lots and lots of flowers and plants and not just one huge one by itself. I like a bit messy looking!

[@josephinedavidson5968]

Watching this is pure unadulterated Heaven Thankyou.

[@zoeshutler6309]

Great that you filmed here. They make a charge for commercial filming and photography, so will be able to use what you paid for future conservation of this garden. Great your Utube channel is introducing more people to this garden which will hopefully further enhance its income stream

[@alexandreintouch1847]

19:32 IT WAS LIKE A VISION ..... WELL DONE STEPHANIE ...DIVINE ... BEAUTIFUL ... RELAXING ... !!!

[@gabriellebaalke6704]

This is an episode I will, without doubt, be revisiting again and again!

[@fusionfrution]

This brings back the memory of our visit to the garden in June 2020. It is indeed one of my favourite gardens. The explosion of colours and fragrance when one steps into the flower garden was divine. I learnt names of a few more flowers. Thanks to this video.

[@lyndablack3438]

I love how natural David is with the camera.now. What a lovely personality. X

[@rachelsotora2668]

An excellent combination of two of my favorite pastimes, gardening and watching Chateau Diaries 😀😉

[@romiehutson5230]

L”like people at a party” 😃😃😃😃😍😍😍😍😍my new saying when talking about my flowers. Thank you Stephanie😘

[@dianacrowell58]

Hearing Daveys excitement is so wonderful! How blessed La Lande is to have such a wonderful team taking care of her.

[@Theteresamaria]

"They always look like people at a party." ~Stephanie I love how you describe every beautiful flower you saw! This vlog made me smile! I felt like I was right there in all the beauty!🥰💐

[@annetait4248]

An amazing place especially the white garden .I am so glad you feel inspired .

[@thomasmcmahon9028]

Watched the movie,wonderful to see the original garden Vita created,

[@Anna-ky7ix]

How magical the gardens are! Thank you for sharing! I long for gardens but, in the desert its not possible where i live so i must enjoy it by visiting or watching.

[@elisabeth6108]

Beautiful and inspirational. Thank you! Davie's knowledge is so vast that I always learn things. So many great ideas highlighted in this video!

[@Sparrowdean]

Vita Sackville-West's husband was Harold Nicolson, I've never heard him called Bloom.

[@alvrasco]

Hi from Madrid.Yes, you are absolutelly right. No Bloom but Sir Harold Nicolson is with no "h"

[@Sparrowdean]

@@alvrasco Ha Ha, I kept looking at it thinking something looks wrong.

[@Curare8]

Thank you so much, what a lovely tour of a dreamy place.

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Davey is a wealth of knowledge! How fortunate to have him at La Lande!

[@tc7486]

So lucky to have Davy!

[@gracens5548]

My Grandmother, Mother and I had a beautiful visit at Sissinghurst years ago. I was just thinking of it! How wonderful to have a peek at it again. I so look forward to going back!

[@KristyRadio]

I'm with you Stephanie, I LOVE the shade garden

[@madonnadillon3858]

Well that was lovely.. beautiful gardens..love when you take us out..😃🍃🌿🌱💐💕💞🇨🇦👍

[@vickyoakes4584]

I'm long overdue for a stroll in the garden. Thank you so much for this enjoyable walk!❤

[@irenemulcahy2495]

Thankyou Stephanie for this beautiful tour of Sissinghurst. What a joy to see it.

[@nicolewedemeyermiller7016]

It's really fun to watch your child-like reactions to the garden vs. Davy's more knowledgeable and practical reactions.