With all the recent cold weather and this week's forecast rain, we're currently dreaming of taking a walk through the garden in sunnier and warmer times. 

This is the image we've chosen for our gorgeous West Green House Gardens' Events brochure this year. It’s packed with workshops, courses and special events, plus wonderful photographs of the garden to tempt you to visit us again and again.

The brochure is now available online on our website for you to peruse at your leisure (click on the link highlighted in pink and it opens in a new window). There's a rich blend of our popular favourites, the return of the Classic Car Day (which many of you have asked about already), and new offerings such as our in-depth Floral Design course in March, a Tulip Lunch in May, and a Jazz Picnic in June.

Nothing heralds the start of Spring like the delicate and beautiful Snowdrop. The main picture shows them at West Green House; the others are some of the many different forms seen at Chelsea Physic Garden recently.

Their name is possibly derived from the German Schneetropfen, which was a type of earring popular in the 16th century when John Gerard described them in the first edition of his Great Herbal in 1597.

Since then, our "February fairmaids" have acquired a rich and varied history, which Min Woods will explore in the SNOWDROP LUNCH on Tuesday 28th February at 11am. Even their origin is the subject of heated debate, and the current thinking is they're a well-loved introduction rather than a native flower.

Snowdrops are an endlessly fascinating story whose individual names reflect the plant hunters who collected them, the places where they've been discovered, and the family and friends of the people who've introduced them.

Min's talk will be held in our warm Tea Room, and includes coffee on arrival, plus a two-course lunch with wine. There will also be the opportunity to walk around the garden ahead of its opening for the season the next day.

Tickets are £59pp and we're taking bookings on 01252 844 611.

*STOP PRESS* We can also take your bookings online here (click on the link, which opens in a new window).

We're delighted to introduce our FLORAL DESIGN and FLORISTRY course to 2017's workshop portfolio.

Sandra, our popular floristry tutor has devised an in-depth four day course where you will learn both the traditional and contemporary methods used to create beautiful designs for weddings and summer celebrations.

Achieve the popular vintage country look using a range of styles and techniques.

The course takes place over four consecutive Tuesdays commencing on 7th March at 11am.

Each day starts with tea on arrival and also includes all tuition, lunch and materials. All equipment is provided, though please bring your own secateurs.

This intensive course costs £395pp for all 4 days. Book now on 01252 844 611, or online here.

We've always thought West Green is the place for romance, and in 2016 many of you agreed! We were the setting for more proposals than ever before; the latest one took place in December's Illuminated Garden.

By popular request, the cosy beauty of our Tea Room will be transformed for a romantic dinner a deux. Naturally, our candlelit VALENTINE'S SUPPER takes place on February 14th where we plan the most charming of dinners. The evening commences at 7pm with a glass of rose champagne - call now on 01252 844611, or book online here.

 

Note: All of 2017's Events are bookable online in addition to those mentioned specifically above. This link takes you to our bookings Home page.