Garden Event 26 & 27 June 2010
The West Dean Garden Event, now entering its fifteenth year, is a recognised garden and plant specialist event. Set within the stunning grounds of West Dean Gardens, the event promises to be a great day out for all the family.
Over 40 exhibitors will be providing a variety of specialist plants and shrubs, roses, herbs, vegetables and plant seedlings, as well as a selection of garden tools, furniture, ornaments, sculptures and photography. There will also be several specialists from around the country offering expert advice on plants, shrubs and garden design, plus food and drink stalls. This year’s refreshments include the mouth-watering and renowned O’Hagan’s Sausages plus a wealth of beverages to quench the thirst, from wine, real ale and refreshing fruit smoothies.
Amongst the exhibitors is nurseryman, Clive Mellor, from Charleshurst Farm Nursery in Billingshurst. “We grow a range of shrubs and perennial plants,” says Clive, “including unusual species and varieties, such as our beautifully scented Daphnes (the rare dwarf form), as well as Japanese maples and also a range of woodland plants including Trilliums and hardy forms of Cobra Lily (Arisaema). Almost all our plants are propagated and grown on our own nursery in West Sussex.”
Anyone looking to add an unusual touch to their garden should drop by Chi Africa Ltd, which specializes in recycled metal sculptures. The garden ornaments are created from old oil drums by artists in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Paul Hepworth, owner of Chi Africa Ltd, has been trading directly with these local artisans for 12 years. Says Paul, “Customers like the range of products on offer and our sensible prices.”
But it’s not just pots, plants and garden products at this year’s event. Indeed, jewellery and home furnishings will inspire and delight, courtesy of Lazy Daisy Designs. Owner, Kate Cole, has been making jewellery professionally for the last 10 years and uses a variety of mediums such as fused glass and recycled buttons to name but a few! “Making jewellery has been a life long hobby,” says Kate. “I’m working on some unique flower designs for the Garden Event at the moment but I also do commissions if people can’t find their perfect piece!”
For those of you interested in digging something other than the borders this summer, take a look at West Dean Archaeology. This year’s surveying course is underway on the Kingley Vale Nature Reserve, south west of the West Dean Estate. Students, led by Mark Roberts from University College London are surveying the Bronze Age barrows known as the Devil’s Humps or Kings’ Graves and a series of trackways and cross ridge dykes in the immediate vicinity of the tumuli. A wealth of photographic material accompanies their finds.
In addition to event entry, show visitors can make full use of the Parkland walk, a circular walk encompassing stunning landscapes and specimen trees in and around St Roche’s arboretum.
Opening times: 10.30am - 5pm
Tickets: £7.50 (adults); £7.00 (over 60s); £3.50 (children 5-15); £18.50 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children); Children under 5 Free.
Please note: Dogs are not allowed into the Gardens or Events at anytime, except guide/assistance dogs.
Gift Aid
West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a registered educational charity. Consequently, if you are a UK taxpayer, and you are willing to pay 10% on top of the normal admission charge, the Foundation is able to treat the whole payment as a charitable donation and reclaim 25p in every £1 from the Government. This will further benefit the work of the Gardens and the Foundation. Click on the following link for more info on West Dean's Gift Aid.
As a thank you for your donation we will provide you with vouchers to spend in the Visitor Centre Shop or Restaurant which, if you were planning to use either of these, will actually reduce the cost of your visit. Click on the following link to download a Gift Aid Declaration Form to complete before your visit.
Registered Charity No: 1126084
