Tips for spring & early summer from Gary Long, Head Gardener at Trewithen

Head gardener at Trewithen Gardens, Gary Long, provides you with his top tips for trees and shrubs in spring and early summer:

  1. Mulch using organic matter to help prevent weeds and retain moisture.
  2. Feed trees, shrubs and roses with a balanced fertilizer such as Growmore or blood fish and bone. With Rhododendron pay attention NOT to mulch right up the stem/trunk. This could kill the plant, leave at least a 10 cm (4") gap.
  3. Check tree ties regularly to make sure they are not too tight and digging in or worked loose over the winter.
  4. Keep weeds under control, little and often is the key.
  5. Tie in climbing and rambling roses, making sure the stem is bent around the support to increase the chance of new shoots producing flowers lower down the stem.

Lawn care:

  1. Mow regularly lowering the height of cut gradually to the summer height.
  2. If composting clippings, spread in thin layers to speed up the composting process.
  3. Use "feed and weed" products to eliminate weeds and encourage lush new green growth.
  4. Edge lawns with either shears or a "Half moon".

Member's Gardens

Members' Gardens

Our members have some truly beautiful and interesting gardens. Take a look to see some of the wonderful things growing.

Become a Member

You can take out CGS membership as an individual or as a family and there are lots of benefits.

Upcoming Events

  • May
    01

    Self Drive Visits to Scorrier House, Redruth and Trevince, Gwenna

    Spring is one of the best times to visit Scorrier with its bluebells, camellias and rhododendrons. Originally built in 1780 by John Williams as a mine office, the gardens, where William Lobb was once employed, were planted later. In addition to the gardens, Caroline and Richard Williams are kindly permitting us to view the formal herbaceous border, conservatory and large walled garden where vegetables are grown.

    Newly opened to the public following Richard and Trish Stone’s ongoing restoration, Trevince comprises 25 acres of parkland, a one-acre walled garden, an ornamental woodland walk, an orchard and pinetum, and a collection of endangered conifers. Current renovation projects relate to a brick summerhouse in the Pond Garden and citrus cultivation.

    To download a booking form for this self-drive visit, please click here.

  • May
    7 - 11

    Garden holiday to Worcestershire Gardens and The RHS Malvern Spring Flower Festival

    Show gardens, top quality nurseries, specialist plant exhibitors and the beautiful Floral Marquee make RHS Malvern a wonderful event to experience.

    Other highlights include visits to Spetchley Park Gardens with its stunning flowering shrubs and spring bulbs; White Cottage & Nursery with it snake’s head fritillary meadow; Morton Hall and its Tulip Festival; Perrycroft Arts & Craft Garden, designed by Charles Voysey, set on the steep side of the Malvern Hills with spectacular views of the Black Mountains; and a day at RHS Chelsea Gold medallist John Massey’s Ashwood Nurseries complete with garden tour. 

    Dinner, bed and breakfast will be at the popular Three Ways House Hotel in Mickleton, home of the famous Pudding Club. 

    To download a booking form for this garden holiday, please click here.