Gardening Group

Castle Wood and Jackwood House Garden

20th September 2025

On Saturday 20th September, six volunteers made the most of the good weather to carry out some important seasonal tasks in both Castle Wood and Jackwood gardens.

We began in Castle Wood’s rose garden, where half an hour was spent deadheading, weeding, and sweeping the steps. Regular deadheading keeps the roses flowering for longer, encouraging more buds while preventing the plants from putting energy into seed production. Weeding and step-clearing not only improve the appearance of the garden but also reduce competition for nutrients and make the area safer and more welcoming for visitors.

From there, we moved on to Jackwood Terrace to give the wisteria its summer trim. This climber puts on a huge amount of leafy growth over the summer months. By cutting back about two thirds of the thick new shoots, we keep the plant in balance, prevent it from overwhelming nearby structures, and encourage stronger flowering next spring. Thinning also improves air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases and supports a healthier garden environment overall.

It was a productive morning but we only managed one third of the length of the terrace, so we will return. However, it showed how small, seasonal jobs can have long-lasting ecological benefits for the health of the garden and the enjoyment of its visitors.