This memorable outing embraced the two significant Kentish gardens created by Harold Nicholson and Vita Sackville-West – Long Barn and Sissinghurst. Long Barn’s present owner described for us the history of the house and garden before we strolled at will throughout the lovely garden. At both gardens, the original impressive structures have been maintained and enhanced with a profusion of rich, meticulously maintained planting. June proved again to be a particularly rewarding time for garden visiting and the weather was kind to us throughout. The highlight was probably the Rose Garden at Sissinghurst but others may well have preferred other delights. The outing organisers had said in advance: – “This will be a long day out and well worth it we think”. How right they were!