The award-winning West Dean Gardens is offering a special Hello Spring! gardens pass for a limited period to encourage everyone to get outside into the Great Outdoors. From now until 1 June visitors can watch spring unfold and make the most of unlimited visits to explore the parkland to enjoy the displays of over 500,000 naturalised spring bulbs, mature tree collections and open spaces, all set within the beautiful South Downs. In the Kitchen Garden new plants are springing to life in the Victorian glasshouses. The two and a half mile circular walk through the arboretum will improve your fitness levels and give you breathtaking views over the West Dean Estate and beyond. The pass is a great way to make the most of spring and build a visit into your weekly routine.

The gardens pass is available to purchase from 23 March to 20 April at West Dean Gardens. At £17 the adult pass is valid for six weeks from the date of purchase. Visit just twice and the pass will pay for itself. Children's gardens entry is free all year round.

West Dean is one of the most significant restored gardens open to the public today. Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and setting within the South Downs, the 92-acres are brimming with features to enjoy including a 300-foot Edwardian pergola by Harold Peto, a heritage fruit collection in the Walled Garden, St. Roche's Arboretum, a Spring and Woodland Garden and an impressive collection of 13 working Victorian glasshouses in the Kitchen Garden.

"The glasshouses at West Dean are an inspirational model of how best to use any greenhouse. They are a treasure for all gardeners." Monty Don, writer, broadcaster, gardener and farmer.

Since 1991, in the wake of the Great Storms of 1987, husband and wife team, Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, have been revitalising the 19th century landscape. The gardens are internationally respected for both the quality and variety of horticultural practice. A new photographic exhibition 25 Years of Glorious Gardening will run from next month until the end of the year in the restored 'Mushroom Shed'. Entry is free with a gardens ticket.

Visitors to West Dean Gardens can also browse for unique gifts and greetings cards in the Gardens Shop and enjoy home-cooked food in the Visit England-endorsed Gardens Restaurant. Throughout the year, on special 'fruit & veg days', the restaurant will be showcasing the fruit and vegetables grown in the Kitchen Garden and on 13 April home-grown rhubarb will feature on the menu.

Meet the gardeners - Summer Dining Series in the Gardens Restaurant

An evening with Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, Head Gardeners, West Dean Gardens (22 April 2016).

For full Terms and Conditions for the Gardens Spring Pass visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk.

FRIENDS OF WEST DEAN GARDENS
West Dean Gardens are an oasis of peace and beauty; inspiring and tranquil. If you share a passion for gardens become a Friend of West Dean Gardens.

SAVE THE GLASSHOUSES APPEAL

The nectarine and vinery house is in desperate need of renovation. It will take £40,000 to complete a full restoration to bring the glasshouse back to life and preserve it for the next 25 years and beyond. To donate online visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk/appeal.

Notes to editors

• West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, which also includes West Dean College, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• West Dean Gardens offer a programme of special events throughout the year, including the award-winning Chilli Fiesta (5, 6 and 7 August). To book Early Bird tickets saving 20% on the standard price visit www.westdean.org.uk/events.
• Dogs are welcome at West Dean Gardens on a short lead.
• All photographs are free to use for editorial purposes.
• West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.