The Gardens in March
After January’s snow and February’s rain it’s a pleasure to welcome the warmer, sunnier weather of March. Sheets of crocus, snowdrops and winter aconites are out in force around the gardens to delight the eye and lift the spirits. In addition another 24,000 snowdrops and bluebells have recently been planted to further increase the bulb displays. West Dean is becoming something of a bulb bonanza!
We’ve finally completed the entire glasshouse washing for this year, the ferns and orchids have returned to their respective houses, and the propagation of crops for the year ahead is now well underway. In fact the glasshouses are nearly full of young plants already – rather alarming as there is still so much to sow!
Sowing seed and watching plants grow to maturity is one of the greatest joys for any gardener. The young plants are destined for different parts of the walled gardens – some will be potted for one of our first displays in the glasshouses. We call this presentation ‘Vegetables Can Be Beautiful Too’ and if you study the tops of kohl rabi or the feathery fronds of carrots closely you’ll see what we mean! We pot the vegetables and herbs into terracotta pots (our standard for glasshouse displays) and line them up in straight rows either side of the central path in one of our display houses, mixing colour, form and texture. The result is extremely satisfying and unusual.
Young vegetables are also being planted out in the vegetable cold frame and under cloches in the kitchen garden at the moment. The vegetables are planted in rows, spaced closer together than traditionally, with the plants cheek by jowl within the row. This system really works because the care taken to regularly feed and water results in a much more rapid turn over of crops than traditional methods. Indeed, voluptuous rows of delectable leaves are produced, just right for early season salads.
From now on a regular walk to the Arboretum is a must. You'll love the tranquillity of the place and the views towards the coast of the Lavant Valley. Watch for buds breaking and the first leaves unfurling, catkins and early blossom. And watch out for the gambolling lambs in the park – a treat for all visitors – but please keep your dogs on leads 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
