Great Dixter Unlocked
Just because one becomes familiar with a garden, the bone structure, the pathways, the topiary. Does not mean you can’t be perennially surprised and enchanted by it. Season by season, year on year, Great Dixter is such a garden. I have lost count of my visits, I still look forward to the gorgeous drive across the breathtaking countryside, and at last, turning up the unassuming lane that brings you out adjacent to the magnificent Lutyens modified, medieval House. All timbers and tiles and chimneys, it is very very beautiful.
I wondered what we might find post lockdown, I worried even. Foolish! It’s a triumph…all singing and life affirming as ever. Borders bursting with rule breaking combinations, tall things at the front, wonderful colour choices, floral mixes to die for. Vignettes, glimpsed through yew arches, meadows alongside a wonderful tropical courtyard garden. But to begin, water lilies.
The new social distancing guidelines have determined that a one way system is now in place, born out of necessity, it has resulted in something really rather good. One now experiences the garden in a reshuffled order, I was a little discomforted at first but quickly realised it is good to shake up the order of things! Turning right half way down the front meadow, and into the Barn Garden, ordinarily I like to end my visit here. The space is gorgeously layered with climbers, trees, perennial. The sunken garden is the centre piece, the pond was full of the most perfect pink water lilies, what a treat.
Outside the wonderful overshot porch the signature group of pots. Today a feast of green, silver, sage showcasing form and texture. Unusual choices, sedum and hostas alongside scotch pine. A soupicon of beautiful purple black foliage, sambucus nigra I think. Unusual and yet soothing and gentle, perfect. Inside there is always a lovely vignette too.
I walk on, out of the shadow and up onto my tiptoes to sneak a peak at this lovely courtyard, not for visitors. It is a secret space and so it feels as though I might have stolen something. I can feel my cheeks burning even now.
I don’t know about you but I adore the late summer tumble. The garden grows ten times faster in July than it does in March, and the result is total unadulterated exuberance. One of Great Dixter’s wonders is the long border. I wondered how it would be this year…
I mean it’s all a triumph! How we need it this year, bravo to Fergus Garrett and the team that work and study here, I salute you.
