Top Tips from Cornwall’s Expert Head Gardeners

Gardening can be both an art and a science. To help you get the most out of your garden, we asked the Head Gardeners and Owners of The Great Gardens of Cornwall for some of their top tips.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, their advice will hopefully guide and inspire you to better enjoy your outdoor space.

1. Let nature take the lead

Understanding your garden’s unique conditions – whether it’s wind, temperature, or soil – will help you select plants that flourish in your environment.

Catherine Cutler, Interim Head of Horticulture at the Eden Project, champions a low-stress approach to successful gardening: “Grow what wants to grow in your location – don’t fight nature and get failures.” It’s a powerful reminder that working with your environment, rather than against it, makes for happier plants and a more enjoyable experience.

Above: Catherine Cutler, Interim Head of Horticulture at the Eden Project.

2. Pick the right spot for your particular plant

You can select the perfect plant for your garden, but as Richard Morton of Trewidden Garden explains, one of the most common mistakes gardeners make is choosing the wrong spot in which to plant it. For example,“succulents in the shade or a tree species that will get huge planted just outside the back door.” Before planting, research each plant’s needs, such as light, water, and space, to ensure it thrives exactly where you place it.

3. Plan your garden’s structure

Many gardeners focus too much on seasonal blooms and overlook the importance of evergreen structure. Alex Goodyear of Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens encourages gardeners to focus on “structural evergreen statement plants” to keep the garden looking interesting year-round. A garden with strong structure offers both beauty and functionality through all seasons.

4. Use organic matter

Soil health is fundamental for plant success. Richard Morton, Head Gardener at Trewidden Garden, advises: “Add organic matter to your soil to improve its structure and water retention. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure long-term plant health.”

5. Mulch, mulch, mulch!

Mulching is a simple and effective way to preserve moisture, especially in dry seasons. Darren Dickey from Trebah Garden says, “Mulch to preserve moisture.” This not only keeps your plants hydrated but also improves soil structure, promotes healthy root growth, and suppresses weeds.

6. The rule of threes and fives

It’s easy to overthink gardening, but sometimes nature knows best. Sue Nathan, Owner of Bonython Estate Gardens

Above: Sue Nathan, Owner of Bonython Estate Gardens.

7. Don’t underestimate the power of a crisp edge

Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Neil Bennett, Head Gardener at Tregothnan, swears by the power of sharp edges to transform a space. “Even if a lawn looks scraggly from not being cut, as long as there’s a nice edge it will hide a multitude of sins,” he explains. Using a half-moon edger to create clean, vertical lines around borders can elevate the whole look of your garden – and make mowing and trimming much easier. It’s a simple task that delivers a big impact.

8. Give your plants room to grow

It’s important to create a healthy, well-planned garden where each plant has the space it needs to thrive. Jaimie Parsons, Head Gardener at Caerhays Castle & Gardens says “Avoid overcrowding in your garden. When plants begin to outgrow their space, it’s better to step back and reassess. Don’t waste time and money trying to make plants fit where they don’t belong. Give your plants room to grow, and you’ll see better results in the long run.”

9. Don’t overwater

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make. Darren Dickey, Head Gardener at Trebah Garden, shares: “Be mindful of your watering habits. Too much water can damage your plants and make them more susceptible to disease. Water deeply, but infrequently.”

Above: Darren Dickey, Head Gardener at Trebah Garden.

10. Encourage wildlife

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden goes hand-in-hand with reducing chemical use. Supporting birds, insects, and other beneficial wildlife not only adds life to your garden but also helps with natural pest control. Andrew Lawson from Tresco Abbey Garden supports a similar ethos: “No herbicides, no insecticides.” Instead, he recommends using natural alternatives, such as pelargonic acid for gravel paths, and encouraging natural predators. The result? A more balanced, sustainable garden that works with nature – not against it.

11. Design Your Garden Around Your Lifestyle

It’s easy to dream big when planning a garden, but Danny Konik, Head Gardener at Lamorran House Gardens, reminds us to start with something even more important – time. “Work out how much time you have spare to tend to your garden and then design around that,” he advises. “There’s no point designing a high-maintenance garden if you only have 30 minutes a week.” Whether it’s choosing lower-maintenance plants, simplifying borders, or focusing on one area at a time, designing a garden that fits your routine will make it more enjoyable – and sustainable – for years to come.

12. Master Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintaining healthy plants, but it requires technique. Andrew Lawson, Head Gardener at Tresco Abbey Garden, advises: “When pruning heavy branches, always take the weight off first. This prevents tearing or splitting and ensures a clean cut for new growth.

13. When is the best time to prune a Camellia?

The simple answer is never! Gary Long from Trewithen Garden states, “They shouldn’t need pruning other than when we plant too close together, too near a path or entrance or in the way of a view etc. If you do need to prune, please do it when the camellia is still in flower. If you wait until after flowering the recovery will take longer and you may not get flowers for several years.”

Above: Gary Long from Trewithen Garden.

14. Patience is Key

Gardens take time to develop, and their beauty grows over seasons. Sue Nathan, Owner of Bonython Estate Gardens, says: “Gardening is a slow and steady process. Don’t rush the results. Give your plants time to mature, and enjoy the process of seeing your garden evolve.”

15. Bonus tip! Enjoy the Process

Lastly, gardening is about enjoyment and connection with nature. Richard Squires from Antony Woodland Garden loves “being outside in a beautiful environment that changes every day,” and we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, take time to enjoy the beauty of the plants and the peace they bring to your garden.

Top Tips From Our Gardens to Yours

From the serene woodlands of Antony Woodland Garden to the exotic collections at Tresco Abbey Garden, Cornwall’s Great Gardens are a living testament to the beauty and diversity of our climate. These expert tips from our head gardeners reflect the hard work, passion, and attention to detail that go into maintaining these stunning spaces. We hope that this can help you bring a touch of Cornish magic into your own garden and help you nurture plants that thrive year-round.

Visit The Great Gardens of Cornwall to experience first hand how these tips come to life in our stunning collections, from the exotic to the native, and learn more from the passionate gardeners who make it all possible.