The Gardener’s Diary: Summer at Kilver
It’s a busy time in the garden. As the summer heat sets in, watering becomes a priority and so we turn our focus to maintaining plant health, encouraging blooms, and making quiet improvements behind the scenes.
Here's what we've been working on and what’s coming up:
This summer has been particularly dry, making regular watering essential - especially for newly planted areas. A consistent watering schedule is far better for plant health than letting containers swing from dry to soaked. Showers often miss the mark, with many plants creating a ‘rain shadow’ that leaves their roots thirsty. Tree ferns are a great example: their trunks and shallow roots need constant moisture, particularly when in pots and exposed to the sun. A regular feed also helps container plants stay healthy and resilient.
Deadheading annuals and perennials is another key task this time of year. Removing spent flowers, dead leaves or any signs of disease not only keeps things looking tidy, but also encourages continued blooming. Taller plants and those with heavy flower heads, like dahlias, should be well supported - there’s nothing worse than seeing your best blooms snapped in a breeze.
At the lake, the transformation following last year’s dredging has taken hold. The scars from excavation are fading — turf is down, borders replanted — although the rock pools still need regular clearing. We plan to drain and desilt them this winter to complete the restoration.
Our newly revived Vegetable Garden is already producing potatoes, beans, carrots, lettuce, and our radishes are thriving. The lawn has now germinated and we’ll soon open the space to visitors.
We continue to treat box blight through summer, applying Top Buxus feed and a copper solution.
Now’s also the time to think ahead to spring. We’ll be adding more tulips to the parterre and planting dwarf narcissus in the rockery, which is a reliable splash of early colour.
Summer is a useful time to reflect. As some borders tire, I make plans to clear and refresh them. A good garden is always evolving and that’s all part of the joy!
— Chris Inchley, Head Gardener
