This year marks 25 years since our head gardeners Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain first began work transforming West Dean into the award-winning gardens and pleasure grounds enjoyed today. Since they first arrived in 1991, husband and wife team, Jim and Sarah, have revitalised the 19th century landscape and overseen tremendous changes which have brought the gardens international respect from both professional horticulturalists and the visiting public.

The jewel in the crown of the walled garden has always been the magnificent set of 13 Victorian Glasshouses some of the few in the UK in full working order. The nectarine and late vinery - glasshouse 25 - is in desperate need of renovation and £40,000 is needed to complete a full restoration to preserve it for another 25 years and beyond. For more on the glasshouse appeal visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk.