The Arts and Crafts gardens have set a standard by which English gardens have been measured for the last 60 years.

Vita Sackville-West, a novelist, poet, and garden writer, famously created the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent alongside her husband, Harold Nicolson, from 1930 until her death in 1962.

Sackville-West and Sissinghurst will be the focus of a lecture by James Bolton at Haslemere Hall on Tuesday, 22nd October, at 2pm. The bespoke design combines Harold’s architectural background with Vita’s romantic and poetic sensibilities, resulting in one of the most celebrated gardens in England.

The lecture will explore how Sissinghurst has become an enduring symbol of 20th-century gardening and promises an in-depth look at both the life of Sackville-West and the iconic garden she created.

Sissinghurst has also been featured in Lonely Planet’s list of 10 must-visit gardens, from its new book The Joy of Exploring Gardens.