It may still officially be winter but it is a good time to get
out on a crisp sunny day to enjoy the displays of snowdrops, the
harbinger of spring, at West Dean. The award-winning gardens
re-open on 3 February after the winter closure.
The gardens are open in support of the National
Gardens Scheme's Snowdrop Festival on Sunday 5 February (9am -
4pm). More than 80 gardens will open their gates during February to
mark the imminent change of season and in support of charitable
causes. Over 500,000 spring bulbs have been naturalised in the
gardens and St Roche's Arboretum at West Dean, not only snowdrops
but also Narcissi, Scilla, Lilies, Anenome, Muscari, Allium,
Chinodoxia, Fritilleria, Crocus and Cyclamen.
Upcoming events at West Dean Gardens include Mother's Day (26
March), Easter Trails (13 - 17 April) and Chilli Fiesta (11 - 13
August). For opening times and more on events visit www.westdeagardens.org.uk.