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

  • June
    03

    Self-drive visit to Bonython, Helston and Cross Common Nursery, The Lizard

    At Moyclare, planting began in 1927 by Moira and Louis Reid. Meandering paths lead through woodland shrubberies, herbaceous borders and sunny corners. The pond and lawns are surrounded by camellias, rhododendrons, mature trees, shrubs and many rare treasures from the Southern Hemisphere.

    Penmilder is a 2.5-acre south-facing garden with delightful bluebell woods and an apple orchard, which is particularly pretty with primroses and daffodils in the spring. 

    Sisters, Adrienne and Trish, are developing South Bosent with wildlife in mind. It comprises several themed gardens, woodland plantings, large mixed borders and a four-acre meadow. Other features include a mini-lake, waterfall and rill on the terrace, and several plant collections, all designed to provide year-round interest. Along with thousands of planted bulbs throughout the garden, a bluebell wood runs alongside the stream pathway.

    A booking form for this self-drive visit will be available in March 2021.

  • June
    13 - 15

    Garden Holiday to Highgrove and the Cotswolds

    Join us on this tailor made CGS group holiday to Highgrove and the Cotswolds.

    This gardens holiday made by Brightwater Holidays will include a guided tour and lunch at Highgrove, visits to the gardens of Hidecote Manor, Kiftsgate Court and Eastleach House.

    Dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4* Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel.

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