The 13 Victorian glasshouses by Foster & Pearson are a highlight of the Kitchen Garden at West Dean.The majority, together with the four sets of cold frames, were erected between 1890 and 1900 by Foster & Pearson. They demonstrate the variety of types and styles in use during the period from three-quarter span houses, to … Continue reading
It’s nearly here! With the West Dean Chilli Fiesta just around the corner and celebrating its 20th year of scorching the tongues of countless iron stomached patrons young and old, what better way to begin our build-up of one of the biggest and best chili festivals in our green…(yellow and red)…pleasant land, than with a comprehensive … 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
In 1991, in the aftermath of the Great Storms of 1987, Head Gardeners Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain began a programme of renovating works at West Dean Gardens. They have been the inspirational leaders of the professional garden team, bringing to the place zeal, imagination, deep horticultural knowledge and an ever-growing understanding and enthusiasm for … Continue reading
“The Victorian glasshouses at West Dean are an inspirational model of how best to use any greenhouse. They are a treasure for all gardeners.” Monty Don West Dean’s glasshouses are of great historical value and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, but now we need your help to preserve them for future generations. Despite … Continue reading
If you missed seeing our Gardens on Christine Walkden’s new BBC One show ‘Glorious Gardens from Above’ last Friday, please click on the link below to watch it on iPlayer. BBC iPlayer – Glorious Gardens from Above 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
When I started my horticultural career as a jobbing gardener at Haringey Council in North London, much of the work was mundane and pretty unrewarding. However every day during the late summer and until the first frosts, my heart was lifted by the technicolor blooms of an astonishing collection of dahlia plants. Their serried military … Continue reading
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