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Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens.    Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...

Rambling Rector - the rose that almost ate our garden



The rose that almost ate the garden - Rambling Rector. You may recall I tried to remove it a few years ago and gave up. Severely pruning it back, it just came back with a vengeance and was back to the top of the pergola by the end of summer. They call it "Rambling" for a reason!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What can one say, but "Wow!"

    Is it fragrant?

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  2. Aaron, actually no, it is not. The garden is very fragrant though with other roses and the privet scent is very strong. I love it.

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  3. The things we find out about our plants when it's too late to do something about it. It is beautiful, but how does one tame a rose?

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  4. Wow! I have heard of the Rector, and his reputation for devouring all that lies before him, but never seen him in action,so to speak ! He lives up to his reputation ! Mind you, what a handsome chap he is !

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  5. I can hear it lurking around trying to devour you too! Quick, run to the west coast and don't tell it where you've gone. It's the only way to save yourself!

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