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 When Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson drew up their plans at Sissinghurst, it was not to make an innovative statement - white gardens having already been in and out of fashion - but the impetus behind it may have been purely practical. It is thought that, as they had to pass through this area every night after leaving the family dining room to reach their sleeping quarters, a gentle floriferous luminosity en route would be a much appreciated indulgence. Meant to be viewed under moonlight, it is, therefore, a great irony that this most celebrated compartment of one of the most visited gardens is only ever seen in its true colours, so to speak, by just a handful of people.
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The key to a successful white garden is to consider the kind of light under which it will be viewed. Knowing the shades of white which will work best with that light, and providing the right setting are other major considerations. Consider the effects of the levels of light that you recieve in your garden and how that may effect the subtles of white planting. As one gardener found after having come from the clear strong light of Australia to take on the garden in Hampshire. The gardener found that the clean whites that shimmered in the southern hemisphere and which she had confidently planted were too harsh under the northern light. They also seemed too crisp and modern to sit comfortably with old brick walls. She found that parchment whites, old whites and pink tinged whites, such as foxgloves and lilies, together with barely white roses, 'Jacqueline du Pre and 'Sally Holmes', respond best to the new garden's mellow surroundings.
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These worn in whites can be comfortably mixed together in an old setting and enjoyed during summer days. Very different, though, is the light of a spring morning in a space created by hedges and climber covered trellis. Why not try to emphasise the intrinsic whiteness of the white, by picking up on its lively energetic sharpness and bringing out its pure starkness by teaming it with masses of fresh greens, lime greens and very dark greens. It is important to use only immaculate whites, such as Rosa Iceberg, as any hint of a pink stained bud or purple splotched petal lessens the clarity and purity. |
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