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
The dry September with less than 10 mm of rain recorded has been the driest at West Dean in the past 34 years. It has been accompanied by still days and at times glorious sunshine – altogether creating near perfect garden-visiting weather. It seems churlish of me therefore to wish for a drop of rain … 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
Wow! What a difference warm weather makes to a garden! So far this summer the flower display in the cutting garden and on the borders in the Walled Garden is looking fantastic with the rudbeckia trial taking pride of place. Beneficial insects and butterflies are having a field day too. However lots of sun means … Continue reading
Last winter’s rain has acted like rocket fuel to the gardens, there is fabulous growth on trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials everywhere. As a result the early season wild flower display was floriferous in the extreme – always a glorious sight. Shortly it will be mown down (before it falls down!), however there will be … Continue reading
It’s official, it’s been the wettest winter on record with 425mm of rain falling so far this year – about 17 inches in old money. As a consequence the mighty river Lavant is in fine form whooshing through the gardens lickety-split. If only it was a feature for 12 months of the year how thrilling … Continue reading
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