Winter Walks at West Dean Gardens
Head to West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, for a hearty winter walk in February when the Gardens reopen after their winter break. Let off steam with the dog (dogs on short leads are welcome) and children, who get free entry to the gardens.
Take a gentle amble around the Walled Kitchen Gardens (wheelchair friendly), a brisk walk through the Spring Gardens or, for the more energetic, and a two and a half mile walk around the Arboretum.
Don’t miss:
- The two and a half mile circuit walk through the 49 acre St Roche's Arboretum, with its fine collection of specimen trees and shrubs (National Tree Week takes place from 29 Nov - 7 Dec), which offers breathtaking views of West Dean College and the South Downs.
- The Spring Gardens with its flint bridges and surrealist fibreglass tree sculptures created by Edward James.
- The newly restored Sunken Garden, at the eastern end of the Pergola and winner of the 2014 Sussex Heritage Landscape and Gardens Award.
- The clipped evergreens and stark outlines of deciduous trees around the gardens - particularly striking when covered in snow or frost.
- The first snowdrops and crocus almost covering the ground in the fruit garden, (from February).
- The gardeners and gardens volunteers at work, preparing the ground for the spring bulb extravaganza, glasshouse cleaning and preparing plants for glasshouse displays.
- The Gardens Restaurant’s home-made cakes, soups, hot lunches and afternoon teas.
- The Gardens Shop for unusual Christmas presents, gardening accessories and the new Sue Timney for West Dean Collection of homewares, inspired by West Dean House, the former home of Edward James.
Learn from horticultural experts on one of West Dean's gardening courses, talks or lectures.
- Floral table arrangements for special occasions, 1 Nov, £143
- Growing apples, pears, plums and cherries, 8 Nov, £109
- Christmas wreaths and garlands, 13 Dec, £138
- Designing your own garden, 5 – 8 Feb, £322
- Pruning garden shrubs and climbers, 14 Feb, £109
See website for further information at www.westdean.org.uk