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

  • September
    6 - 10

    Garden holiday to the Gardens of Kent and Sussex

    This five-day garden tour takes in the finest gardens of Kent and Sussex, and showcases late summer planting. One of the many highlights is an exclusive visit to Perch Hill where we will enjoy a talk by Sarah Raven, a guided tour of her gardens and lunch.

    Other highlights include a guided tour of Christopher Lloyd’s and Fergus Garrett’s Great Dixter, and a visit to Vita Sackville- West’s Sissinghurst. This holiday will also include entry to the magnificent RHS Partner Gardens of Great Comp and Merriments, the award-winning Pashley Manor and West Dean Gardens.

    Dinner, bed and breakfast will be provided at the Mercure Hotel at Tunbridge Wells and we will benefit from the services of a Brightwater Tour Manager.

    If you would like to join us on this garden holiday, please click here to download a booking form.

  • September
    09

    Day trip by coach to Burrow Farm Gardens and Prospect House, Axminster

    Burrow Farm Gardens provide 13 acres of colour-themed planting and lawns that sweep past an ancient oak to the lake. The Anniversary Garden, created in 2010, with its ornamental grasses and perennials, is at its best at this time of year. Other areas include the Terrace Garden, Rose Garden, Millennium Garden, Woodland Garden and Wildflower Meadow which contains two wildlife ponds.

    In contrast, the one-acre plantsman’s garden at Prospect House is hidden behind high walls with Axe valley views. Well- stocked borders of rare and tender shrubs mingle with late summer perennials including rudbeckia, helenium, echinacea, helianthus, crocosmia, grasses and 200 varieties of salvia.

    To join us on this day trip, please click here to download our booking form.