Manifesting a cutting garden

 

There are cutting gardens and then there is Sarah Raven's Perch Hill garden. Nestled in the East Sussex countryside, this unasuming country lane hides the most wonderful explosion of dahlias, cosmos, roses and sunflowers plus so much more!

This was my third visit to Perch Hill (you can read my previous blog posts here and here). I booked well in advance as there are limited dates available and the open days have become so popular since my first visit. 

It therefore costs more than it used to. My first visit, tickets were only £5. Now they are £15, £30 if you want lunch included.

I opted for the ticket only option as last time I had lunch here and it wasn't very good.

When I arrived, it was extremely busy and I panicked that I wouldn't be able to take any decent photo's but over time I have learnt to be quicker and more patient and as a result I am very pleased with what I captured. One lady even commented on me looking professional and enquired if I worked for Sarah Raven! Now that would be an interesting job.

The gardens are sort of set in sections, when you enter through the archway you are immediately greeted with a riot of colour which is split into quarters. There are also hens, rhubarb enforcers, a small shed and a wonderful variety of beautiful flowers. 

Then closer to the barn it becomes a bit more cottagey with a garden patio, again filled with flowers, a rustic shed, sunflowers and a water feature. 

It;s just so pretty and visually stimulating. I wish I was a better writer, I hope my photo's do it justice.

On the day I visited the weather had been a bit wild and I was on the verge of not going as its about 40 minutes away and I had visited before so wasn't sure if it would be worth it but needless to say, I loved it.

I also really enjoy doing things by myself. I'm very comfortable with my own company and sometimes I prefer to be alone, a true introvert!

I did used to get a bit nervous about being in public alone but no-one cares what you are doing and you can always take 'armour' with you like headphones, sunglasses, a book, camera etc to keep you occupied.

Anyway, back to Perch Hill. The gardens aren't extensive I think I spent around 40 minutes here taking photo's and admiring the flowers. 

As the paths are very narrow and the amount of visitors she gets, what will slow you down is waiting for other people to move along!

The dahlias here are perfection. I have tried to grow my own this year, with tubers I ordered online from Sarah Raven but only one type has flowered and not all of them grew. 

I'm trying to be better at gardening, it was one of my new year's resolutions. When we move into our cottage I am really going to invest some time and effort into making the garden look pretty.

But overall a true feast for the senses, I am sure I will return again next year...

I also have a discount code for Sarah Raven's website if you would like to try and recreate the magic in your garden at home! Click for discount