West Dean Gardens is joining the Royal Horticultural Society in celebrating National Gardening Week (13 - 19 April). Launched four years ago by the RHS it has grown into the UK's biggest celebration of gardening. On National Gardens Open Day (Friday 17 April) visitors will be able to explore the award-winning West Dean Gardens. For this special day only the Gardens are offering free entry for Adults. Children go FREE all year round.

"Now is the time at West Dean to see wonderful displays of spring salad leaves in the vegetable frame and potted plants under glass, perfect for keen grow-your-own gardeners everywhere, says Sarah Wain, Gardens Supervisor at West Dean. "The Victorian glasshouses are full of tropical plants, ferns, orchids, and auriculas while outside, daffodils are waving madly along with other seasonal bulbs and wildflowers."

Explore the award-winning Sunken Garden at the eastern end of the Edwardian Pergola, step into the Walled Garden and admire the fruit trees coming into blossom amid a carpet of primroses. The glasshouses will be showing new growth on the peach, nectarines and vines and out in the Kitchen Garden see the first protected plantings under cloches.

West Dean Gardens are open daily 1 March to 31 October from 10.30am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). See our opening times and admissions information.

Sarah Wain is also Chairperson of the RHS Vegetable Trials Forum.