Gardens Blog

Winter

Welcome to West Dean Gardens in 2019

Posted on 1st February 2019

Who would have thought that after the heat and lack of rain of summer 2018 that we almost reach our average of 1100mm by the end of the year? Rainfall is a fascinating business and it's so interesting to see how differently it falls year on year. The River Lavant started flowing in December, which was a bit of a yah- boo to expectation.

  • Autumn

    Welcome to West Dean Gardens in Autumn

    Posted on 8th October 2018

    After recent winds it's great to see peace and quiet return to the Gardens. Don't you love the autumn light which creates such long shadows at this time of year?

  • Looking good

    What's looking good in summer - Part 2

    Posted on 9th August 2018

    Weather has not been such a hot topic for ages with the drought of June and July making us rather nervous as we watched the skies for any sign of rain. If you can keep watering the plants over summer, then displays of rudbeckias and zinnias thrive in this endless sunny weather, as you'll see in our Cutting Garden. Read more in our latest blog from Sarah Wain.

  • Chilli Fiesta

    Learn from gardening experts at Chilli Fiesta 2018

    Posted on 16th July 2018

    If you consider yourself an avid gardener, you won't want to miss this year's Chilli Fiesta, 10-12 August. The Gardening Theatre will host award-winning gardeners as they deliver tips, tricks and inside knowledge about how to make the most of your garden.

  • Chilli Fiesta

    8 reasons to camp at Chilli Fiesta 2018

    Posted on 9th July 2018

    This year's Chilli Fiesta is just around the corner, 10-12 August, and it's set to be the hottest event of the year, packed with music, food and dancing. Here are 8 reasons why you should camp at Chilli Fiesta 2018!

  • Looking good

    What's looking good in summer?

    Posted on 29th June 2018

    After a miserably cold and wet beginning to the year, West Dean Gardens is now bathed in glorious sunshine and the gardeners have changed their fretting from endless rain to endless watering as it's been so dry recently.

  • Looking good

    Looking good at West Dean Gardens in spring - Part 2

    Posted on 18th April 2018

    In terms of fruit blossom, most of it is all before us. Hoorah! Cherry blossom will soon fill one wall in the pit yard and pears and apples won't be far behind, so there's plenty to ooh over if you visit West Dean in the coming month, not forgetting the flowery meads that have been created throughout the Gardens and Arboretum.

  • Looking good

    What's looking good in spring? Part 1

    Posted on 1st February 2018

    A soggy December saw 2017 rainfall almost catch up to our 30-year average of nearly 41 inches. It's a joy to see the River Lavant running once again. There's a lot of hustle and bustle under glass in January as all the ornamental plants are attended to before they are set up for display in their respective houses.

  • Looking good

    Looking good in winter

    Posted on 11th December 2017

    Feisty winter weather can either have you huddling by the fireside or donning outdoor gear for an invigorating walk outdoors. Even clothed in winter garb, West Dean Gardens offers a special treat for those of us who enjoy watching, listening to and walking through the seasonal changes.

  • Looking good

    What's looking good in autumn

    Posted on 18th October 2017

    Current warm night temperatures and a very odd apocalyptic-coloured sky have graced autumnal months so far at West Dean. This unseasonal weather has kept the gardeners wondering whatever will be next and this year's weather has been so conducive for box blight, it's been unbelievable.

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