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The Newt (Somerset, England)

After Stourhead , the second garden on the tour that day was "The Newt". Talk about a change in garden styles! As I review my photos, I can appreciate the beauty and style of this garden, but I must confess, it was one of my least favorites.  I remember mostly the heat (it was one of our warmer days), the glaring sun with few trees in sight, and the commercial feel of the whole enterprise. But then again, this was mainly a vegetable garden and I was having an "off" day (I had just toured Stourhead, where I missed some of the main landmarks). The entrance took us through an area with gift shops and display areas (nice thing about photos is you see things you missed - I had not noticed the intricate ceiling design) - We did have an actual tour guide at this one, and he led us through the entire garden - Down a winding, blinding white walkway, towards the large vegetable garden - Leaving one vegetable garden, we headed up a grassy avenue with water features.  Along th...
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Coleus "Kong"


Earlier this summer, I was looking for a colorful annual to go in a large pot next to our back door. The spot is shady and under a small porch roof. I was going to go with the old stand-by - impatiens - but saw this at the nursery and decided to try it. It has been spectacular.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. debsgardenOctober 10, 2015 at 9:26 PM

    I plant to use more coleus next year. The coleus I planted in the arbor garden this summer, like your 'Kong,' is still going strong. It is shrubby and quite beautiful.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowOctober 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    Those big colorful coleus are certainly worth growing. They are so sturdy, not a bit fussy about light or water. Just give them room to grow.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 12, 2015 at 8:04 AM

    I love all the Kong coleus series for the shade garden. They are simply the best.

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  4. AnonymousOctober 12, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    Wow. Very eye catching.

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  5. outlawgardenerOctober 16, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    Beautiful coleus. Will you be bringing a lot of your pots and garden ornaments with you to your new digs in P town?

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    1. Phillip OliverOctober 16, 2015 at 7:50 AM

      I don't think I will bring any plants. Some pots and one or two statues but I am leaving the majority. :(

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  6. RobinLOctober 17, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I'm a big fan of coleus, but I don't grow this one very often. But when I did, it was huge and lovely! I've always had good luck taking cuttings of coleus over the winter, and they make pretty house plants while you wait.

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  7. Casa MariposaOctober 24, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    I've become a big fan of coleus lately. Such tough, undemanding plants. Kong is a beauty. :o)

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  8. HoehoegrowOctober 27, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    I keep meaning to try 'Kong' as I do love coleus, but, here in the uk they take so long to get going, and are still little toddlers in July, even when planted under heat in February. Kong is a lovely size, and looks so healthy. Coleus remains somehow under the radar , a lovely annual which gets overlooked. Is it just out of fashion, or does it get overlooked when it is compared to annuals with big, showy flowers ?

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