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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...

She's blooming

The amaryllis 'Floris Hecker' started blooming on New Years Day and now has 3 gorgeous blooms. I've moved it to the living room where we can enjoy it.

Comments

  1. Hi Phillip, oh that back lighting is pure magic!
    Frances

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  2. Gorgeous! I'm jealous of the beautiful amaryllis! :-)

    Cameron

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  3. That is a gorgeous shot!

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  4. Hi Phillip,
    It is beautiful! Every time I see one I always think it's prettier than the one I saw before it:) Mine stopped blooming quite early this year. Usually the blooms last longer for me. I guess I had a lemon this time:) Great photography, Phillip:)
    Jan

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  5. Gorgeous petals, Phillip - and what substance!

    I have amaryllis in bud - maybe one will be open for Bloom Day on the 15th. Bet your amaryllis will still look good then.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  6. Hi!
    How great that you showed this first in bud, and now we get to see it bloom!
    it looks wonderful with the light.
    Philip

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  7. She is just gorgeous Phillip. I like the different look of your post too.

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  8. Thanks Lisa, you are the first to notice! :)

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  9. Phillip, She's a beauty...and not leaning over at all! I am really enjoying your new camera! Gail

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  10. Nice one. I started a bulb late, right at Xmas time. The bud stalk is going up, but I doubt it'll be in bloom by Bloom Day.

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  11. It glows like a ruby, Phillip! Makes me wish I'd planted mine but I'm afraid it will bloom while I am gone in February. Maybe I'll hold off till March!

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  12. Amaryllis always look so good when backlit. That's a great photo!

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  13. Phillip, tell Miss Floris Hecker she is always welcome to stop by Vicksburg on her way west to Hollywood. What a star and what a great shot you took of this beauty!

    Here's hoping that she is a good omen for starting off your new year with such a bang.

    BTW, I like the "fresh look" of your blog.

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  14. Nice shot Phillip. I still have many of my bulbs dormant and won't be up and running for a while.

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  15. She's a beauty and lovely post. She reminds me of a real flamboyant woman who doesn't mind the glam and fabulous life she leads in her season. I like her grand and bold character.

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  16. I love amaryllis. I suspect mine, bought after Xmas, will bloom by St. Patrick's Day! Frances is right about the lighting.

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  17. Hi Phillip,

    What a gorgeous shot! Really spectacular. I usually give in and buy an amaryllis when they are on sale. Now that I live in Alabama, I planted the one from last year outside, not knowing that a little black kitten who cannot be trusted would come into my life in July! So I doubly appreciated seeing yours.

    Barbara

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  18. Phillip I am so inspired by your garden! You have what my mind's eye has been envisioning for months now. I am new to gardening (last spring the bug bit me in the middle of Bennett'es Nursery in Huntsville). I made it through the rose greenhouses and realized I was absolutely twitterpated. Winter is miserable not getting to enjoy my backyard. I've been daydreaming of Spring and stumbled across your site. So, thanks to your gorgeous garden, I just ordered 29 more roses from Chamblee's (my husband will freak!) I love the purple wall you guys did...how long did it take...and did you use cement to stabalize it, or just the cynderblocks?

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  19. Marci, thank you so much! You will love your Chamblee's roses. I order a lot from them and they always do great!

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  20. Phillip, thanks for bringing some bright color into my day. That is one gorgeous photo.

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