Budock Vean in Bloom – Behind the Scenes with our Head Gardener
With acres of natural beauty to care for, Phil is in charge of maintaining the wild, peaceful charm of Budock Vean’s gardens. From the vibrant display pots bursting into bloom in summer to the quiet magic of hidden woodland walks, Phil knows every corner of the grounds – and the hard work it takes to keep them looking their best. We caught up with him to hear what’s happening behind the scenes, what he loves most about the space, and what guests can look forward to in the months ahead.
How would you describe the gardens at Budock Vean in three words?
Natural, wild, peaceful
What’s your favourite thing about this time of year in the gardens?
This time of year is one of the most challenging in the gardens at Budock Vean, as the stunning spring-flowering shrubs begin to fade and make way for the next wave of growth. But it’s also rewarding – the display pots and hanging baskets are really starting to shine now, bringing vibrant colour and fresh energy to the grounds.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, we’re focused on the sub-tropical valley garden. There’s a lot of clearing going on as we work to open up the space and create better views all the way down to the foreshore. Even if you don’t walk through the garden, we want to offer glimpses of its beauty from different angles.
Do you have a favourite plant or tree here?
I’d have to say the Euryops. They’re incredibly reliable, flowering for around 10 months of the year with bright yellow daisy-like blooms. They add a cheerful splash of colour and need hardly any maintenance
What’s one hidden gem in the garden that most guests miss?
Just below the croquet lawn, there’s a lovely little woodland walk that often goes unnoticed. It’s a peaceful, tucked-away spot with a secluded seating area and a few very old apple trees. In spring, the whole area is blanketed with bluebells and wild garlic, creating a beautiful carpet of blue and white flowers – it’s a magical sight if you happen to stumble upon it.
What’s the biggest challenge of maintaining a garden like this?
Time is definitely the biggest challenge. With so many acres to manage, it can feel impossible to stay on top of everything. The key is finding a balance – keeping some areas neat and tidy, while allowing others to stay wild but carefully managed. It’s all about working with the landscape, not against it.
Do you garden at home too — or is Budock Vean enough?
At the moment, I don’t have a garden of my own – just a small courtyard – but to be honest, that’s more than enough after a full week working at Budock Vean!
Any eco-friendly gardening tips for people to try at home?
Try not to be too heavy-handed with weeding. Many so-called weeds produce lovely flowers and are great for pollinators and other wildlife. Just keep an eye on them and cut them back before they go to seed – it’s all about balance.
What kinds of wildlife are most active in the gardens right now?
At the moment, we’ve got ducks with ducklings on the ponds, plenty of squirrels darting about, and a variety of small birds filling the gardens with song throughout the day. And if you’re lucky – and patient – you might spot the kingfisher down at the foreshore, hunting in the bay.
What’s one thing you’d love guests to know about the gardens?
If you’re a regular visitor to Budock Vean, keep an eye out – over the next 12 months or so, you should start to notice a real transformation in the gardens. We’re working hard behind the scenes, and the changes will soon start to show.
To find out more about the gardens at Budock Vean Hotel and Spa, please visit our website.
