The Gardens in April

It was rather a shock to have some dry weather for a change at the beginning of March after the 32 inches of rain that fell over the preceding four months!

Dry weather has enabled our gardeners to prepare the ground to receive new trees and shrubs which will reinforce the background display of the gardens; have a look around and you will see new spaces here and there ready for planting this month. Ongoing work includes keeping greenery under control, sorting out several overgrown shrubberies, cleaning out the pond in the wild garden, installation of more metal lawn edging, seeding various areas, completion of fruit pruning, potting up, weekly batches of seed sowing and starting the ceaseless task of grass cutting.

There are fresh seasonal plants for sale in the plant sales area adjoining the Gift Shop. We have special offers available: 6 plants for the price of 5 on herbs, alpines and herbaceous in 9cm pots so do come and have a look!

The mighty river Lavant, which forms the southern boundary of the ornamental grounds, is in full spate – not surprising after so much rain. The river is a winterbourne, a seasonal stream generally rising in mid winter as the water table saturates the underlying chalk. The river runs through a garden planted for spring effect so make sure you follow the course of the river to enjoy the surroundings.

This year the pergola timbers have been replaced as some were quite rotten; the climbers were removed from the wood work and tied down onto the pillars to get them out of the way. Now that the new timbers (our own Douglas Fir cut from the West Dean estate) are in position and the rewiring completed, the climbers have been put back in place.

In the walled gardens the new displays are developing in the glasshouses – have a look at the potted vegetable display ‘Vegetables Can Be Beautiful Too’ as well as the herb display next door. Elsewhere ferns are unfurling and orchids are flowering so take your time to have a look at the new developments under glass but please remember to close the doors firmly behind you.

New vegetable crops are growing in the vegetable cold frame and in one other glass house. In the kitchen garden the new potatoes have been planted as well as shallots and garlic. The main beds have been marked out ready for this seasons planting and you will see the new support system for our soft fruit which, this year, has moved from one side of the garden to the other and will be planted up shortly.

Don’t forget to take a walk up to the Arboretum where there are stunning views from the top of the downs into the Lavant valley. This is a wonderfully tranquil place to enjoy all the signs of spring and you will also see evidence of the considerable damage caused by the snow in January. We are currently clearing the debris as the workload elsewhere allows. On your way to the Arboretum you will see lambs in the park, a seasonal connection to farming on the estate and a joy to observe but please keep your distance and your dog leashed at all times.

Of course no visit to West Dean is complete without popping into the Gardens Restaurant – a welcoming and warm haven – and a great place to meet friends for lunch or morning/afternoon tea. And what could be better than a spot of shopping afterwards in the Gift Shop next door, which sells a variety of gifts – perfect for presents or just treat yourself!

If you’re looking for a lasting gift for a friend or family member, then why not make them a Friend of West Dean. 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 garden shop staff for more details or visit www.westdean.org.uk