Head Gardener Update: A Spring to Remember

This spring at Trentham has brought record sunshine, vibrant blooms, and a host of new developments across the gardens. From the success of our Spring Bulb Festival to exciting progress in our Next Chapter Project with Tom Stuart-Smith, the team has been busy adapting and thriving despite the dry conditions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the season just gone and what’s to come.

A Warm and Wonderful Spring

This spring has been one of the best in recent memory—not just for the flowers, but also the sunny, dry weather. While lovely for visitors, the lack of rain tested the team’s irrigation skills to the limit. Stats may say it was the hottest and driest, but anyone in the garden could tell it wasn’t your average spring.

Despite the challenges, we kept everything watered and delivered another successful Spring Bulb Festival. The pots are now back in storage, to be cleaned and replanted this autumn in preparation for next year’s display.

Tulips Shine in the Long Borders

The Long Borders tulips put on a strong performance after two years of mass planting. Although I was hoping to skip replanting this autumn, the incredible feedback from visitors means we’ll definitely be adding more for next spring.

Adjusting Planting Strategies in a Changing Climate

Our new plantings from the winter and early spring have required special attention. We usually rely on natural rainfall in these months, but with so little moisture, we’ve had to adapt quickly—highlighting the ever-changing nature of horticulture.

Next Chapter Project: Resilience Through Design

We’re excited to be moving full steam ahead with our Next Chapter Project in partnership with Tom Stuart-Smith. Phase 1 groundworks are underway in the northern sections, involving the removal of the topsoil and replacing it with a coarse sand and grit layer.

This approach helps plants handle both winter wet and summer drought, and our early trials show that the sand mix holds more moisture than you’d expect—something Tom predicted from the start.

Over 11,000 plants will be going in this October, and while working around Trentham’s busy footfall is a challenge, the positive feedback from visitors has been hugely encouraging.

Lakeside Walk: A Garden in Tune

The Lakeside Walk is evolving beautifully, thanks to the dedication of Mike and Ethan. They’ve been closely following Professor Nigel Dunnett’s original designs, working tirelessly to reduce weeds and introduce new plant material. The results are showing, with the Sunny Meadows buzzing with pollinators and the Woodland Meadows offering a serene, shady retreat.

David Austin Rose Border: First Blooms and Big Plans

Our David Austin Rose Border is celebrating its first flowering season after a full refresh. Out of 235 bare-root roses planted (47 varieties!), we’ve only lost one. The companion planting is thriving, and we’re currently planning a vibrant bulb layer to go in this autumn – expect Alliums, Eremurus, and Erythroniums.

We’ll be officially launching the border on Sunday 29 June 2025, with talks from both our team and the David Austin experts.

Wisteria and the Trellis Walk: The Best Display in Years

If you visited in May, you probably saw the Wisteria in full bloom over the Trellis Walk – and what a show! It’s been the best display in years, thanks to a combination of hot weather, removal of invasive climbing roses, and (surprisingly) the soil excavation for the new rose border last year. Despite our nerves during the dig, it’s safe to say the Wisteria has bounced back better than ever.

In-House Designs Flourish Across the Estate

It’s been a real pleasure to see the Gardens Team’s own design work flourish, particularly in areas like the Kingfisher Hide, Upper Flower Garden, and Balustrade Borders. Despite the dry spring, these spaces are maturing beautifully and showcasing the team’s creativity and horticultural skill.

Model Gardens and Potager: A Hidden Gem Reimagined

Tucked away next to the play area, the Model Gardens and Potager have undergone a complete refresh thanks to Jolene and Paul. With new plants and vegetables sourced from our own Blue Diamond Garden Centre, the space is now bursting with life.

A Pictorial Annual Meadow has also been sown here to boost biodiversity and deliver a colourful summer display. Don’t miss this hidden gem on your next visit!

Floral Labyrinth: A Living Tapestry in Progress

Our much-loved Floral Labyrinth is another area getting some TLC. Mark and Iain have been revisiting Piet Oudolf’s original planting plans – splitting, dividing, replanting, and managing weeds to restore the structure and vibrancy of this unique space. You may spot some bare patches filling in—just waiting on that much-needed rain.

Looking Ahead

Spring may be over, but the energy and excitement across the gardens at Trentham are only building. Whether it’s new planting schemes, design innovation, or simply getting stuck into the soil, there’s always something happening here, and we can’t wait to share what summer brings next. And if you’d like to savour those long, golden evenings, check out our new Evening Explorer Ticket: wander the gardens from 5 pm to 8:30 pm (last entry 7:30 pm) for just £6 per person on selected Monday – Thursday dates through June – August.

Thanks for reading, and see you soon in the gardens!