Gardeners' tips

During the COVID-19 lockdown period, we've been retaining a small number of gardeners, maintaining social distancing measures, to carry out essential maintenance tasks and allowing our gardens to open gradually, safely and in line with government advice.

Making our meadows flower-rich on the Vile, Gower
Broads beans and goose berries in a basket at Snowshill Manor

What's in season: July 

As summer reaches its height, British crops are in abundance, from beetroots to radishes and all the berries you can eat.

July's garden bounty
Gardeners working in the Walled Garden at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Top tips for gardening in hot weather 

When it's hot outside, the experienced gardeners that keep our gardens looking great all year round urge you not to panic. Follow their top tips and your gardens and lawns will survive the heatwave.

Plants growing on a London balcony

How to garden in small spaces 

You don’t need a large outdoor space to create your own green paradise. There's a lot you can grow if you have a patio, balcony or even just a windowsill. Balcony gardener Alice Vincent shares her top tips for gardening in small spaces.

Our gardeners will continue caring for our green spaces

Donate to help look after the gardens in our care 

Coronavirus has caused a sharp drop in our income. This threatens our conservation work at a time when people need access to green spaces more than ever. Your donation today will help us look the gardens in our care and ensure their survival over the coming months.

Donate now
A pile of seasonal produce dug up from a vegetable patch

Make your own compost 

Our gardeners have written some top tips for making your own compost at home. Follow this cost effective, step-by-step guide to help your garden - it will help reduce waste, too.

Give compost a go
See our other how to guides
" I was a Head Gardener for twenty years and you never stop learning. You need to be creative, prepared to try new things and inspire a wide range of people. "
- Ian Wright, lead gardens adviser
The oriental inspired Water Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Listen to our podcast about gardens 

Download or listen to episodes from our podcast series that explore our most important historic gardens and meet the staff and volunteers who care for them.

Listen now

A fragrant dish, recipes using rosewater

White chocolate, rose and raspberry blondies freshly baked and cut into squares

White chocolate, rose and raspberry blondie 

Inspired by the Mottisfont rose garden, these gooey blondies will be hard to resist with their classic combination of white chocolate and raspberries with a delicate rosewater twist.

Iced chocolate and rose cake, yellow and pink rose petals ontop

Mount Stewart’s chocolate and rosewater cake 

This luxurious chocolate and rose cake from Mount Stewart is perfect for any occasion. With a delicate balance of flavours and sweetness, this decadent cake will get everyone talking.

Gardener's essentials

See our range of decorative and practical items for making your garden great

Browse our garden selection