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
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 gardeners at West Dean are set to welcome visitors back this weekend (re-opening Sunday 1st February). Childish excitement abounds when playing the ‘can-you-spot-it game?’ as bulbs erupt from their winter quarters on the lawns. Early spring is the best time to see the emerging displays of snowdrops and crocuses which carpet the lawns here, … Continue reading
I feel as though I’m in the wrong story- more White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland (its late! its late!) than bringing December news from West Dean on time. Who says there isn’t much to do in the garden in winter. West Dean Gardens will remain open until Sunday 21st so there is still time … 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
As temperatures plummet this time of the year the lights go back on in the cold frames at West Dean Gardens. It is essential to provide a minimum of frost protection for those border line hardy plants that are lined out to over-winter. Large mature plants of frost tender perennials, that have a semi-woody framework … 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
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
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
People often talk about good blossom years when the combination of prolific flower production and perfect climatic conditions at the time of flowering i.e. still, no hard frosts nor torrential rain or even worse sleet or hail, all come together to produce a display which is mind blowing in its intensity and over the top … Continue reading
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