Get gardening this spring with inspiration from West Dean Gardens
When it comes to inspirational gardens to visit, we are spoilt for choice around Arundel and across West Sussex.
The award-winning West Dean Gardens, near Goodwood and Chichester, are a delight to visit throughout the seasons.
But, this spring as well as welcoming people back into their glorious gardens they are also looking to attract a different kind of visitor – bugs!
The West Dean Gardens team have unveiled an enormous ‘Bug Hotel’. This is 5-star insect luxury on a grand scale – with a ground floor designed for hedgehogs.
Head gardener, Tom Brown says, “We hope to encourage pollinators and predators who
will help to control a range of orchard pests, like aphids. In turn, those aphids will be controlled by our healthy blue tit population, all in an environmentally sustainable way.”
Why not visit West Dean Gardens to learn how to make a bug hotel for your own outside space?
The gardens form the grounds around the historic West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and the team who look after them are careful to reuse and recycle whenever they can.
Their huge bug hotel measures 1.6m x 1.6m x 1.8ms and has 4.5 cubic meters space for creepy-crawly residents to enjoy.
It was built with items recycled from elsewhere in the gardens, such as bamboo, conifer cones, bricks, rubble and metal pipes. Large logs and old pallets form the core and chicken wire wraps around the outside to make sure it all stays in place. While hedgehogs make themselves comfy downstairs, the penthouse – made from bird nesting boxes with herbs planted on top – is designed to welcome our feathered friends.
And it’s already a hit with birds and bugs.
Head gardener Tom Brown explains, “Our resident robin has shown lots of interest and we’re looking forward to seeing more mini beasts taking up residence in the bug hotel over the coming months and years.”
“Why not make your own version of our bug house?” asks Tom. “It’s a great way to get out into the garden and discover what creatures might visit!”
What’s on at West Dean Gardens, near Arundel and Chichester
The West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has live and self-paced online short courses suitable for all abilities in a variety of subjects, including painting, drawing and tapestry weaving – including some with optional craft boxes.
What do I need to know when I visit West Dean Gardens?
- Toilet facilities will be available and a stringent cleaning regime is in place. More details and guidelines for on ensuring a safe visit can be found on https://www.westdean.org.uk/gardens/opening-hours-and-admissions#FAQs
- The iconic glasshouses, which have recently re-opened, welcome visitors and walkers between 10.30am to 5pm each day.
- Entry costs £11 (Pre-booking is essential), children under 16 are free and last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
- West Dean Gardens is part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, also comprising West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
More information is available on www.westdean.org.uk or through social media
With thanks to West Dean Gardens
Photos by Chantal Rich
