The Gardens in July

During April-June this year only 81.8mm rain fell, making it the driest three months for a similar period at West Dean Gardens since 1980 and possibly before. It has meant that irrigation has been a constant preoccupation for the gardens staff to ensure that any new spring plantings continue to grow throughout the dry period.

Our winterbourne, the River Lavant, is drying up now too after all this dry weather. Some years it dries up for only a short period but this year might be completely different due to the lack of rain. It’s a shame that it doesn’t run all the time as it’s a wonderfully dynamic addition to the garden landscape.

Current ongoing work in the gardens includes: cutting the hay meadows in the gardens and arboretum; changing displays in the glasshouses; potting on; continuous vegetable seed sowing; planting and harvesting; tying-in of climbers; dead heading; weeding; watering; pruning; and of course mowing.

Harvestable vegetable crops are being removed in the vegetable cold frame to make way for new plantings and sowings. It’s useful to see the varieties that are going in now so that you can copy ideas for your own garden. In the kitchen garden crops such as garlic, lettuce and parsley trials are making way for new plantings of pumpkins and winter squashes, sweet peppers, spring onions and lettuce, and the potatoes will soon be lifted to make way for the leeks. It’s always worth a visit as the scene is changing all the time.

In July all the mixed borders in the gardens come into full flower and they’re a mass of scent and colour for you to enjoy whilst strolling around the gardens. The borders are located within the walled gardens, along the side of the pergola and in front of the house so you can take them all in on your way around the gardens. Don’t forget to have a look the bedding at the western end of the West Dean House as well, which will be in full flower shortly.

St Roche’s arboretum is definitely worth a visit as there are stunning views from the top of the Downs along the Lavant Valley. The scene here also changes regularly as trees and shrubs finish flowering and the hay meadows are cut - a summer pursuit. The arboretum is always worth a look especially as it involves good exercise by walking there too. Allow about an hour for a steady paced walk around the circuit walk which starts in front of the college and finishes by returning to the gardens shop. This really is a wonderfully tranquil place to visit.

There are plenty of plants for sale next to the shop for you to choose for your own garden; so make sure you check them out before you leave. They arrive weekly, generally on a Thursday or Friday, so keep your eye out for new introductions.

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.

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