As we approach the autumn and winter, we have been planning and strategizing for months, putting in place processes to deliver some very exciting projects for the spring/summer 2020. As a Head Gardener, like my predecessor, I’m constantly looking for unusual species and forms to continue to make the tree collection at West Dean something special and unique.

If you are planning to keep on top of your gardening jobs, don't miss the top tips for September from West Dean Gardens' Head Gardener Tom Brown.

Complaining about the heat in February is a rare occurrence but wasn't it joyful to bask in the sun so early this year and at school, half term as well - extra bonus! The above average, seasonal temperature figures were enough to put one into a flat spin under glass though, as spring is a major sowing time and there are many little plants to fuss over. Strong winds have featured too this year so we make sure that glass is closed on windy days to protect it from sudden gusts...

Who would have thought that after the heat and lack of rain of summer 2018 that we almost reach our average of 1100mm by the end of the year? Rainfall is a fascinating business and it's so interesting to see how differently it falls year on year. The River Lavant started flowing in December, which was a bit of a yah- boo to expectation.

After recent winds it's great to see peace and quiet return to the Gardens. Don't you love the autumn light which creates such long shadows at this time of year?

Weather has not been such a hot topic for ages with the drought of June and July making us rather nervous as we watched the skies for any sign of rain. If you can keep watering the plants over summer, then displays of rudbeckias and zinnias thrive in this endless sunny weather, as you'll see in our Cutting Garden. Read more in our latest blog from Sarah Wain.

After a miserably cold and wet beginning to the year, West Dean Gardens is now bathed in glorious sunshine and the gardeners have changed their fretting from endless rain to endless watering as it's been so dry recently.

In terms of fruit blossom, most of it is all before us. Hoorah! Cherry blossom will soon fill one wall in the pit yard and pears and apples won't be far behind, so there's plenty to ooh over if you visit West Dean in the coming month, not forgetting the flowery meads that have been created throughout the Gardens and Arboretum.

A soggy December saw 2017 rainfall almost catch up to our 30-year average of nearly 41 inches. It's a joy to see the River Lavant running once again. There's a lot of hustle and bustle under glass in January as all the ornamental plants are attended to before they are set up for display in their respective houses.