The term “white garden” in English gardening culture has a couple of interpretations. It can simply mean that the gardener has a preference for white flowers and plants in their garden. White flowers are often associated with purity, elegance, and simplicity, and some gardeners appreciate the serene and calming effect that a white garden can create.
However, the more likely meaning of a white garden is that it is inspired by a specific garden at Sissinghurst in Kent, England. Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a renowned garden created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the 1930s. The garden is famous for its various themed areas, including the iconic White Garden.
The concept of the white garden at Sissinghurst was born out of Vita’s desire to create a unified and harmonious space. She wanted to create a garden that was predominantly white in color, with a few touches of green and silver. The goal was to create a sense of calm and tranquility, with the white flowers glowing in the moonlight.
The fame and popularity of Sissinghurst Castle Garden, along with Vita Sackville-West’s reputation as a writer and gardener, led to the white garden becoming a fashionable trend in English gardening. Many garden enthusiasts and designers sought to emulate the beauty and elegance of the white garden at Sissinghurst in their own landscapes.
Creating a white garden requires careful selection of plants that bloom in white or have white variegation in their foliage. Some popular choices for a white garden include roses, lilies, hydrangeas, daisies, phlox, and delphiniums. Silver or gray foliage plants, such as lamb’s ear, artemisia, and dusty miller, can also be incorporated to add texture and contrast.
When planning a white garden, it is important to consider the overall design and layout. The goal is to create a cohesive and balanced space, so careful thought should be given to the arrangement of plants, pathways, and focal points. The use of different heights, shapes, and textures can help create visual interest within the predominantly white color palette.
Maintaining a white garden requires regular care and attention. Deadheading spent blooms is essential to keep the garden looking fresh and vibrant. Adequate watering and fertilizing are also important to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. Additionally, regular pruning and shaping of plants may be necessary to maintain the desired form and structure.
The meaning of a white garden in English gardening culture can range from a personal preference for white flowers to an attempt to recreate the beauty and tranquility of the iconic white garden at Sissinghurst. Regardless of the interpretation, a white garden can be a stunning and serene addition to any landscape.
