Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent has seen the long-awaited revival of Delos, a garden space originally envisioned by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. The couple, who began transforming the grounds of their 1932 home, created several distinctive garden “rooms” over three decades, but Delos remained unfinished and somewhat neglected until recent restoration efforts began in 2019.
Inspired by a 1935 cruise through the Greek islands, the pair sought to replicate the rugged terrain and sun-drenched wildflowers of Delos, a stark contrast to the lush Weald landscape surrounding Sissinghurst. However, their plans were hindered by practical challenges: the chosen site was north-facing with heavy clay soil, conditions unsuitable for the Mediterranean plants they wished to cultivate. In 1953, Sackville-West described the area as a “queer amorphous” space, cluttered with stones arranged to mimic Greek ruins but lacking the desired effect.
Efforts to realise the original vision gained momentum about a decade ago under the guidance of Troy Scott Smith, head gardener, and consultant Dan Pearson, a prominent figure in garden design. The restoration involved clearing encroaching trees and replacing the heavy soil with low-fertility aggregate to improve drainage and allow for south-facing mounds and terraces. This was crucial to provide the sunlight necessary for Mediterranean species to thrive in England’s less predictable climate.
The project’s second phase focused on reshaping the lower portion of the slope into a ravine inspired by the Greek landscape. Large rock stacks, native Kentish ragstone paths, and planting schemes that include almond and Judas trees aim to soften the garden’s edges over time, creating a naturalistic setting reminiscent of classical ruins.
Current planting includes species such as yellow mullein, giant fennel, lavender, and santolina, types commonly found on Greek hillsides. These plants are watered only during initial establishment in the spring and have adapted well to recent hot weather, highlighting a gradual approach to gardening that also considers evolving climate conditions.
Senior gardener Richard Gravett noted that the restoration embraces the romantic and mythological atmosphere cherished by Sackville-West and Nicolson. “They loved all that mythology,” Gravett said, “and we’re just trying to create something that they intended.” The design purposefully contrasts with the surrounding English landscape, aiming to evoke a sense of otherworldliness and timelessness.
The revived garden now stands as a testament to both the original owners’ vision and contemporary horticultural practice shaped by patience and an awareness of climate change. With nearly a century of effort behind it, the Delos garden embodies the enduring nature of thoughtful garden creation and the continual evolution of Sissinghurst’s celebrated landscape.