A visit to Great Dixter is informal in every regard, the arrival, the parking the entrance, the ability to wander almost at will...it is all refreshingly accessible and low key as we would imagine the great man himself would have wanted.
The site itself is small, but the history of Christopher Lloyd (plantsman, BSc in Horticulture, lecturer and witty author) and his wonderful family is everywhere.There are touches and items on display in a relaxed way that make the man almost touchable, this is the joy of Dixter.
The planting is exceptionally ephemeral, there is not much clashing of colour, for which he is so famous, but there is just enough. What there is are rare perennials here and there that are wonderful to find.
During our visit there were several coach loads of folk aged 65 and up. It was a sorry sight to see some of them queuing in the heat with no shelter, for coffee in a paper cup. One elderly lady spilt hers as she negotiated the badly laid undulating grass in the Loggia. Being true to the spirit is one thing but I'm sure from what I've read about Mr Lloyd's love of socialising and company that he would not have wanted that.
(C.L. Quote page 9 The Adventurous Gardener: "Actually it's a great thing to have visitors, whether friends or total strangers..." )
Some serious investment in the refreshment area will ensure the enjoyment and longevity of this site. Repeat visiting will surely ensure revenue stream, which can be done tastefully as, dare I say it..at Sissinghurst, where the food and drinks tills were ringing).
The buildings and the medieval Hall in particular is not to be missed with one hiccup.
There are volunteers that are very kind but the moment you step in the door, you are hit with verbal information whether you asked or it or not.
Perhaps allow visitors to take the time to soak it up and they will ask you if they need or indeed want to. There is the danger that these kindly volunteers could become like bad music in a shop, you cant wait to get out. So ease off on the verbal assault where possible.
The carpenter Simon was enchanting to talk to about the small gates that he had a backlog of, and the young man under pressure in the gift shop was also very helpful and efficient.

It comes highly recommended BUT to enjoy it fully it is crucial to take your own food and hot drinks... To make the point clear: Why would you eat a basic white short baguette from the Rye Deli (down the road) for £4.50 at Great Dixter when you can buy it first the Rye Deli for £2.50?
This was quoted to us by some chuntering locals who were on their first visit to Dixter.
Irrespective of these issues, Great Dixter is a charitable Trust (always a worry?), it is £15 all up per adult for the house and the gardens.
It is well worth it particularly if you are familiar with Mr Lloyd's written works. Knowing some of his sayings before hand can bring things alive. It could be of great benefit to bring his words to life with some tastefully made wooden sings of his quotes.

Lush varied with interplay of colours. The gardens are overflowing with flowers in July. Squash limber over hay bales and it took control not to pluck items from the garden beds. Lovely stuff and an inspiration to gardeners. Good nursery as well, with plants from the gardens to buy and take away. Doubtful that the lilac blue sea holly would thrive in my window boxes I demurred. The mulberry tree was bearing fruit, and the banana trees were an unexpected joy!