Glorious sunny days, still weather and lack of serious downpours at the end of October have contributed to a beautiful autumn at West Dean Gardens. Very little wind has meant a longer lasting autumnal display. Unseasonal mild weather has also meant that the tributary wall-build in the spring garden has proceeded well. The footings have … Continue reading
Towards the end of July a couple of inches of much-needed rain fell. The summer rains have not made much of an appearance so far this year so we really, really appreciated it when it finally arrived. After all the rain last year, this year’s dry weather is capping the growth of the garden, you … Continue reading
My my my hasn’t it been warm so far in July? Those poor people who have to work in offices then make their way home on buses or the tube – don’t you pity them while you’re strolling around West Dean Gardens gazing on the bucolic South Downs scenery whilst taking in the more recent … Continue reading
I’m going to start with an invitation, well more of plea really to come along to West Dean soon to admire the wild flowers in the gardens and arboretum – it really is a delightful show and like all good things will come to an end soon. Although managing wildflower meadows can be a challenge, the rewards are … Continue reading
May is a busy month in the gardeners’ calendar. Here in Sussex, a rather cool north westerly is blowing even though the skies are blue. However spring is well and truly here: the swallows have arrived and you can hear their charming bird call, the apple trees are in blossom and cowslips, peggles, fairy cups … Continue reading
What a well behaved spring we’re enjoying; cool temperatures with some sunny days bursting through allowing enough time to get on with seasonal work – unlike warm springs where watering becomes the name of the game. Our volunteers from home and abroad are having a positive effect as additional pairs of hands help in getting … Continue reading
Did you see the naturalised bulbs in action at West Dean during February this year? If you missed the display poor you as it was a sight to gladden any heart. On sunny days, the gardens were bathed in a symphony of mauve, yellow and white as the bulb flowers opened their faces, creating a … Continue reading
A dry September – the driest on record has been followed by a reasonably damp October (so my wish for rain was granted!) this year and I must say the recent weather has created perfect conditions for planting, of which we’ve been taking advantage. As I write we have yet to suffer a frost which … Continue reading
There is a wistful softness about golden October, a period that can produce some of our most congenial weather in which to enjoy the less urgent jobs of autumn such as lawn raking! Highly meditative if you allow yourself to be lost in its tranquil rhythm, or perhaps even better, picking apples and pears. So … Continue reading
Gorgeous autumn is a time to visit West Dean Gardens with your camera- for when the place is bathed in golden autumnal light it’s just ripe for the creative photographer. The diversity of the gardens means there is something for everyone: vegetables in straight lines, flowers in the borders, glasshouses, fantastic fruit or even the … Continue reading
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