Gardeners in North Cornwall

Ed Thompson, Duchy Gardens

Duchy Gardens is run by me, Ed Thompson, with trusted colleagues joining me during busy periods or for projects that need additional specialist skills.

I have worked in gardening, landscaping, estate management and conservation for more than 30 years. After gaining a degree in wildlife conservation at Writtle College in Essex, I began my career in estate management in the early 1990s, working in forestry, wildlife and conservation while developing a particular interest in tropical, subtropical and indoor plants.

I later spent two years volunteering in an indigenous forest reserve in Malawi, gaining a wide range of practical experience. After returning to wildlife, landscape and conservation work in the UK, I became self-employed as a gardener and landscaper in Cornwall in 2010 and began trading as Duchy Gardens in 2024.

My work covers garden maintenance, soft landscaping, horticulture, coastal planting, wildlife conservation, tree maintenance and felling, pressure washing and soft washing. I am qualified in chainsaw use, quad bike use and PA1 / PA6 herbicide and pesticide handling and application. Where a job requires another specialist trade or skill, I bring in trusted people to work alongside me.

I currently look after around fifteen to twenty gardens. Several are large properties requiring a wide range of work throughout the year, while others are medium-sized and smaller private gardens. I enjoy getting to know a garden over time and helping it develop, whether that means regular maintenance, improving planting or taking on a particular project.

If you would like to discuss your own garden, call me on 07875 069217 or send an enquiry.

If you are looking for local planting inspiration, we also recommend visiting the Grade II listed gardens at Pencarrow House & Gardens at Washaway.

Local Garden Knowledge in North Cornwall

Based in Wadebridge, Duchy Gardens works throughout the Camel Estuary and across North Cornwall, including Padstow, Rock, Polzeath, Trebetherick, Port Isaac, St Tudy and Blisland.

Gardens in this part of Cornwall can present very different conditions, from sheltered inland properties to exposed coastal gardens. Years of working locally means we understand the effects of salt-laden winds, changing weather and local growing conditions, and can choose and maintain planting accordingly.

Garden Maintenance in Polzeath

Polzeath gardens often need careful, regular maintenance because of their exposed coastal position, salt-laden winds and strong seasonal growth. Duchy Gardens works with private gardens, coastal properties and holiday homes in Polzeath, Rock, Trebetherick and the surrounding Camel Estuary area.

We can help with lawn care, hedge cutting, border maintenance, planting schemes, seasonal pruning and ongoing garden care. The aim is to keep gardens healthy and attractive throughout the year while choosing and maintaining plants that suit their location.

If you are looking for reliable garden maintenance in Polzeath, please contact Duchy Gardens to discuss your garden.

You can also visit Duchy Gardens on Facebook and Instagram for examples of previous work and updates from gardens I am currently maintaining.

Seasonal Garden Care

We update our advice throughout the year to reflect what gardens need most in each season.

Current Seasonal Focus: Autumn Garden Care

Autumn is an important time for preparing gardens for the colder months ahead. As temperatures begin to fall and summer growth slows, attention turns to tidying borders, caring for lawns and planning new planting.

Lawns: Repair worn areas, keep edges tidy and deal with moss or drainage problems where necessary.
Borders: Remove spent annuals, tidy tired growth and divide suitable established perennials.
Planting: Cooler conditions and increasingly moist soil make autumn an excellent time to establish many shrubs, trees and perennials.
Bulbs: Autumn is the ideal time to start planting many spring-flowering bulbs.
Coastal gardens: Check exposed plants and supports before stronger autumn and winter winds arrive.
General maintenance: Keep paths clear, collect fallen leaves where necessary and plan pruning and maintenance work for the winter months.

Regular autumn maintenance helps gardens remain attractive as the seasons change and puts them in a better position for healthy growth the following spring.

Winter Garden Care

Winter is a useful time for protection, pruning and planning. With growth slowed, attention can turn to structural work, caring for suitable trees and shrubs, and preparing gardens for the year ahead.

Spring Garden Care

As growth begins again, lawns, borders and planting all benefit from early attention. Spring is a good time to tidy winter growth, refresh planting and prepare gardens for the busier growing season.

Summer Garden Care

Summer garden care focuses on maintaining healthy growth and keeping gardens looking their best. Watering, mowing, hedge maintenance, deadheading and seasonal pruning all become important as growth accelerates.