Head Gardener Update: A Summer of Colour, Resilience and New Beginnings

What a few months we’ve had! Periods of intense heat have certainly tested us all. Working in such conditions has been challenging for the gardening team, but the hot, dry weather has also put our plants and wildlife under considerable pressure.

As gardeners, we know these extremes are becoming more common, which is why it’s so reassuring to see our resilient planting projects performing exactly as we hoped. The work we’re undertaking with Tom Stuart-Smith in the Italian Garden, along with the establishment of Otter’s Meadow on the East Lakeside Walk in collaboration with the late Professor Nigel Dunnett, is proving just how important it is to garden for the future.

Despite the prolonged dry spells this year, we have not had to water any of these new planting areas – quite an achievement considering they were only planted last autumn. The sand and grit growing medium retains moisture remarkably well during hot weather, while our choice of more resilient plants means the new planting is establishing well and, in places, thriving. When rain does arrive, the free-draining substrate absorbs and stores moisture effectively, reducing runoff and making every drop count.

Italian Garden Progress

While we’re on the subject of the Italian Garden, I’m delighted to say that the ground preparation for Phase Two is now complete. This phase covers the central sections of the garden. The existing topsoil has been removed and replaced with a minimum of 200mm of sand and grit. We’ve also refreshed the lower pathways, leaving the area looking smart and ready for the summer.

The next exciting milestone comes in mid-September, when around 25,000 plants will arrive ready for planting. It’s a hugely exciting project and one we’re all looking forward to seeing develop over the coming months.

Roses Stealing the Show

You can’t talk about the garden at this time of year without mentioning the roses. As a team, we couldn’t be happier with how our David Austin Rose Border is performing.

Considering it’s not yet two years old, it has developed into a spectacular display filled with colour, fragrance, pollinators and inspiration. It really demonstrates the value of recognising when an area of the garden isn’t performing as it should, and having the confidence to make a change.

Flower Meadows

At the far end of the rose border, you’ll also spot one of our newest additions for 2026 – the annual meadow, sown with the Classic Mix from Pictorial Meadows. It’s now bursting into flower and provides a wonderful backdrop that will continue well into late summer and autumn.

Encouraging Nature Along the Lakeside

One of the quieter successes we’ve noticed this year has been our ongoing work to increase biodiversity around the lakeside.

Over the past few autumns, we’ve been introducing yellow rattle into our longer grass areas. Often referred to as the “meadow maker”, this fascinating native wildflower naturally suppresses vigorous grasses, allowing a greater diversity of wildflowers to establish.

This year, we’ve really started to see the benefits, with yellow rattle becoming well established and a much richer mix of wildflowers beginning to emerge. It’s incredibly rewarding to see nature responding so positively – a fine example of working with nature rather than fighting it.

The Potager is at its Best

If you haven’t visited the Potager recently, now is the perfect time. It’s overflowing with seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs, with plenty of produce ready to harvest.

It really showcases just how productive ornamental kitchen gardens can be during the height of summer.

Seasonal Highlights

While it’s fantastic to see our newest projects flourishing, some of Trentham’s more established gardens are looking equally spectacular.

The Floral Labyrinth, designed by Piet Oudolf over 20 years ago, is reaching its summer peak, with sweeping herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses creating movement, texture and colour throughout the garden.

If you’re looking for a little shade on warmer days, take a stroll through the Woodland Meadows on the West Lakeside Walk. Designed by Professor Nigel Dunnett, this area is full of beautiful contrasts in texture and form, providing a calm and cooling retreat beneath the trees.

Looking Ahead

While summer is still in full swing, we’re already looking ahead to the seasons beyond. Over the coming months, we’ll begin designing and procuring the bulbs for our 2027 Spring Bulb Festival, ensuring another spectacular display for visitors to enjoy next year.

Alongside this, it’s business as usual for the gardening team. Mowing, weeding, edging and caring for the gardens remain a daily priority, as does supporting Trentham’s busy programme of events. And, with the forecast suggesting the warm weather is here to stay for a little while longer, we’ll also be keeping a close eye on the gardens as they continue to cope with the summer heat.

We hope you enjoy exploring the gardens over the coming weeks and months. Whether you’re discovering one of our newest planting schemes, taking in the fragrance of the rose garden or finding a shady spot along the lakeside walks, there’s always something new to see.

Despite the challenges that changing weather continues to bring, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch the gardens adapt, mature and flourish with each passing season.