Flint Bridges in Spring Garden at West Dean

Spring Gardens and Pond

The Spring Garden is a peaceful haven, full of secret walkways, flint bridges and hidden benches to sit a while away an afternoon watching some ducklings on the river.

The Spring Garden was redeveloped over a period of years with West Dean gardeners adding a pond. The rustic summerhouse at the westerly end was restored to its early 19th century glory with moss walls, seaweed decorations, heather ceiling and thatched roof. It makes a perfect spot for a quiet rest.

Parts of this area date back to the Regency period, including a series of flint bridges. The laburnum and ivy tunnel makes a shady walkway in the summer sunshine.

Tree Sculptures

Two fibreglass tree sculptures, created by Edward James can be found in the west of the Spring Gardens. According to the head gardener at the time, Ivan Hicks, Edward wanted to perpetuate trees that had to be felled from disease and old age by encapsulating the standing timber in fibreglass. Sculptor Ralph Burton was commissioned to undertake the work on the two trees in 1972 and 1974. The timber has since rotted, leaving the fibreglass shells, forming surrealist tree sculptures around the original trunks.

Support West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens is part of a registered charity and its upkeep and care are only possible with the support of generous donors, friends and legacy gifts.

If you share our passion for the gardens and gardening excellence,
please find out how you can help support their upkeep.