Tourist for A Day, Memories For Life.
I was lucky to be able to do some sight seeing at one of the National Trust locations in Sussex called Nymans in 2024. It was one of the most memorable garden experience I’ve had as I spent a day exploring the place. I was blown away by all of the flower power as well as the architectural history in Nymans.
I must foremost mention that this is absolutely not a paid post but rather a personal review from the bottom of my heart. This wonderful memory was all made possible with the help of local Nymans staff and volunteers as they were ever so kind in maintaining the place. I took my time to roam around Nymans starting from the Top Garden until the Sunk Garden as a tourist.
It was not surprising to me that I did not cover all the areas because it was raining and I did not bothered to look at the map. Almost every corner in Nymans had beautiful exotic plants. I had to stop every now and then with my partner to gasp for air as we adored all the enchanting flowers. Kudos!
One of my favourite spot was the Garden of Ruins, House & Exhibitions. The Nymans household was caught on fire in 1947 and parts of the main rooms were burnt down. Although this was a tragedy, the exhibitors grew blossoming flowers as well as displayed history of the Messel household in the ruined building. The opening times for the Garden of Ruins are only selective hours. I was humbled by the whole aesthetic of the place.
Nymans Souvenir Book – Highlights.
Before I left Nymans, I purchased a National Trust’s Nymans Souvenir £5 book. The book had 64 pages and included chapters on: (1)The Messel families and Nyman staff histories; (2)The Garden; (3)The Woods; (4)as well as Nymans today. I find it delightful to read because it included many pictures and stories instead of just map locations. Below are some of the snippet and highlights of my favourite sections of the book.
Nymans Map
Depicted Nymans map was taken from the souvenir book. It was not until then I realised that there were 20 spots to visit and I only managed 18. The place was huge.
Messel Family History – Tasteful Creativity and Society Beauty.
Ludwig Messel had a vision and together with Annie Cussans, he built his Nymans dream home. It was interesting to read about their legacy and how Leonard and Maud changed some of the Nymans design. My favourite part of the book was about Linley, Anne and Oliver. No doubt when I saw Anne’s picture in Nymans everyone agreed that she was a classic beauty, which in my opinion inherited from Maud’s good genes.
Below are some of the bits and pieces taken from the book about Linley, Anne and Oliver. You can buy the book and read more about it as I have blurred out some of the pages here.
Preserving Elegance and Horticulture.
Not only did the family had good taste in creative work, it was also heartwarming to read about the horticulture effort that everyone has contributed to preserve legacy. Although Anne has passed away since 1992, it was wonderful to witness Nymans surrounding and plants still thriving today. I would highly recommend you to have a visit to Nymans as well as get this souvenir book before you leave. Definitely worthy.
-Mistytoad-