Gardening Year at Charleston: July

About

July: A riot of colour - 22 July 2025
We will begin the workshop by taking a look at some of the key moments in the gardening year at Charleston and exploring where the garden is placed at the height of Summer. Our Head Gardener Harry Hoblyn will talk you through the key flowering plants on display in the garden at Charleston and explain how the garden will be managed throughout the rest of the season in order to ensure there is colour through until Autumn.

He will walk you through the borders in the Walled Garden at Charleston and investigate plant spacing and layout, integration of annuals and biennials, and how to manage bulbs in a complex successional planting matrix.

We will discuss the importance of making continuous cutback and edits throughout the Summer - and - take a look at different deadheading techniques. We will explore how to effectively stake taller plants (such as sunflowers) and how to best maintain feeding routines for dahlias and vegetables. We will take a close look at the vegetable garden as it hits its peak and discuss how to manage weeds. Participants will have an opportunity to try their hand at taking semi-ripe cuttings on Mediterranean-style shrubs, such as Cotton Lavender.

The workshop includes an exclusive tour of the modernist home and studio at Charleston, providing a glimpse into its rich artistic history. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including a delicious lunch made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Please bring your own secateurs, suitable outdoor clothing and boots for all weathers, and a notebook.

Join us for our other seasonal sessions:

The Gardening Year at Charleston: Winter

The Gardening Year at Charleston: Spring

The Gardening Year at Charleston: Bridging the Gap