Garden Maintenance, Landscaping and Planting
Ed Thompson
Duchy Gardens is currently myself, Ed Thompson, supported by colleagues as and when needed during busy periods or for specific projects.
After gaining a degree in wildlife conservation at Writtle College in Essex, I started my career in estate management in the early 1990s. My early background was in forestry, wildlife and conservation, and at the same time developing an interest in tropical, subtropical and indoor plants. These interests led me to volunteering in Malawi for two years in an indigenous forest reserve where i gained a lot of practical skills. Then after returning to wildlife, landscape and conservation work in the UK I eventually became self-employed as a gardener and landscaper in Cornwall in 2010, and I started trading as Duchy Gardens in 2024.
My specialisms include soft landscaping, horticulture including coastal planting, wildlife conservation, tree maintenance and felling, pressure washing, soft washing. I can basically do all aspects of garden work and grounds maintenance, bringing in specialists for certain tasks on occasion. I’m qualified in chainsaw use, quad bike use, and PA1 / PA6 herbicide and pesticide handling and application.
I currently maintain around fifteen to twenty gardens, several of these are large properties with a wide range of tasks that keep me busy all year round, others are medium or smaller gardens that form a large part of my work. I really enjoy my work and I’d love to meet with you and discuss your property and what you’d like Duchy Gardens to maintain or take forward.
While we manage private coastal gardens and estates across North Cornwall, if you are looking for local planting inspiration, we highly recommend visiting the Grade II listed gardens at Pencarrow House & Gardens at Washaway.
Local Expertise in North Cornwall
Based in Wadebridge, we work all around the Camel estuary in North Cornwall, you will also see us in Padstow, Rock, Polzeath, Trebetherick, Port Isaac, St Tudy and Blisland. Years of experience in these gardens means we know how to get the best of what can be difficult regions to grow plants.
Please visit the Duchy Gardens Facebook and Instagram pages for examples of the work I’ve done over the last 15 years and updates from the gardens I’m currently working in.
We’d love to hear about your garden – contact us here to start the conversation.
Seasonal Tips
We update our advice throughout the year to reflect what gardens need most in each season. Below you’ll find our current focus, along with guidance for the rest of the year.
Current Seasonal Focus: Spring & Early Summer
As temperatures rise and daylight increases, gardens move quickly into a period of strong growth. Keeping on top of a few key jobs now will set everything up for a healthy and colourful summer.
Lawns: Regular mowing begins, along with feeding and edging to keep things tidy
Borders: Clear out winter debris and refresh planting where needed
Planting: A great time for perennials, shrubs, and seasonal colour
Hedges: Light trimming to maintain shape without stressing new growth
Soil care: Mulching and feeding helps retain moisture and support plants
Watering: Start early habits, especially in coastal or exposed gardens
A little consistency at this stage makes a noticeable difference later in the season.
Summer Garden Care
Summer is about maintaining what spring has established. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, becomes essential. Lawns may need less frequent cutting in hotter periods, while borders benefit from deadheading and light pruning to keep colour going.
Autumn Garden Preparation
Autumn is the time to prepare for colder months. Cutting back, planting bulbs, and protecting more delicate plants helps gardens recover well and return stronger in spring.
Winter Garden Care
Winter focuses on protection and planning. With growth slowed, it’s a good time for structural work, pruning certain plants, and preparing for the year ahead.
