Hello and welcome to our latest news from West Green House.

The first storm of late autumn has carpeted everywhere with leaves, revealing the structure which forms the backbone of the garden.

As you can see all those leaves aren't wasted as they're collected together and piled up in a secret part of the garden ready to make leafmould. It's magical stuff!

We may have closed for the season but everyone's still busy!

As well as the garden team's autumnal tasks, everyone else is in the greenhouse ready to deal with the hundreds of boxes arriving by the trailerload for the transformation into the winter wonderland that is our CHRISTMAS FAIR.

It's all hands on deck unpacking all of those boxes to reveal the treasures within...

... and still more boxes arrive.

Phew!!!!!!!

From silvery whites to berry reds, there are colour themed areas full of tempting treasures for your Christmas shopping.

Our Christmas season starts with the PREVIEW EVENING on Tuesday 17th November at 6pm. Tickets are £25, with the proceeds going to musical charities.

Then the CHRISTMAS FAIR gets into full swing on Wednesday 18th November at 11am. Entrance is FREE for the Fair (garden entrance is £3) and we're open every day from 11 am to 4.30pm until December 20th.

See our Events Page on the website for more details.

The catering team are putting the final touches to our Christmas lunch menu, served daily from 12-2pm during the Fair.

Choose from soup of the day, ploughman's platter, sausage and cranberry roll, or butternut and feta cheese tartlet (menu may be subject to change).

A selection of our famous homemade cakes and mince pies; plus wines, continental beers, mulled cider or scrummy hot chocolate with marshmallows are available until 3.30pm.

Our seasonal events wouldn't be complete without our regular programme of garden walks and festive workshops.

The walks cost £15 and are guided by a member of our garden team. The walks are every Thursday during the Fair at 11am and finish with a warming lunch in the tea room.

Alternatively you are welcome to visit the garden under your own steam for £3 (or free on production of your National Trust membership card).

We have a packed programme of festive workshops, with each day including lunch with wine for £49. Choose from:

• Christmas hanging baskets - 19th November
• Make an Advent or Christmas wreath - 24th November
• Christmas tree decorations from the woodland - December 2nd
• Christmas wreath making - December 7th & 8th

Note that pre-booking is essential for the workshops on 01252 844611. See our Events Page for more details.

We look forward to welcoming you to West Green House during our Christmas season, November 18th to December 20th.

We wish you well for the rest of 2015 and in all your festive celebrations.Thanks for reading and for all your support this year.