The Gardens in January
Welcome to West Dean Gardens and welcome to the New Year. If you're planning your first visit do come and speak to the staff about what West Dean Gardens has to offer you this year. Nestling in the South Downs, West Dean Gardens and St Roche’s Arboretum provide a fantastic environment for the keen and amateur photographer so during the winter months make sure you explore it all!
Part of the annual cycle of glasshouse management is to wash them inside and out as this helps to remove overwintering populations of glasshouse pests such as spider mite which hibernate on the glasshouse structure itself. Washing also cleans away the build up of algae and cleans the glass which gets incredibly dirty over a season. Most of this work has now been completed and there is only one house left to wash which will have to wait until we get some milder weather. Some glasshouse interiors are also being painted and while this work is being carried out individual glasshouses might be closed to the garden visitor for safety purposes but you are most welcome to explore the others; just remember though to close the doors behind you.
Most of the propagation of glasshouse crops and tender perennials has now been completed for this year. Pots of cuttings are resting in the propagation house on heat wave panels which help to induce new roots. By taking cuttings annually we contain the size of the plant for the glasshouse bench, avoid a build of pest and disease and maintain our collections as healthy plants.
Normally at this time of year pruning of the climbers on the pergola takes place. Generally it takes one person six weeks or more to prune and retrain them all. However this year the pergola timbers are being replaced as some are quite rotten so the climbers are being removed from the wood work and tied down onto the pillars to get them out of the way until the new wood is in position and rewired.
As you walk around West Dean Gardens you realize what a lot of evergreen plants there are. These are kept under control using hedge trimmers, Niwaki Japanese tripod ladders, Nifty-Lift (Hydraulic platform) and a steady eye. Two people are responsible for the annual haircut and these plants come into their own when covered with frosts and snow.
If you last walked up into the arboretum in the summer then take time to revisit as it’s interesting to see the place as it develops through the seasons. It's also a wonderful way of getting some fresh air and exercise. You’ll enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Downs into the Lavant Valley particularly at this time of year.
When you’re in the kitchen garden you’ll notice that the soft fruit along side the eastern wall has been removed as we intend to replant new stock. Rhubarb, asparagus and seakale and summer crops like sweet corn and beans will be planted up over spring 2010.
The West Dean restaurant provides a welcoming and warm haven and at this time of year it’s great to have a country venue where you can meet friends for morning/afternoon tea or lunch, before or after a walk. For ‘Friends of West Dean’ this is a great place to meet and eat and if you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, why not make them a Friend of West Dean too? There is so much enjoyment in seeing a garden change through the seasons, plus all the other benefits of being a Friend. Speak to the Gardens Shop staff for more details or visit www.westdean.org.uk.
