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Iford Manor (Bradford-on-Avon, England) Part 1

At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory.  Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey.  First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front.  We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...
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First day of spring

It actually feels like the first day of summer with temperatures in the low 80s. I'm exhausted after working all weekend weeding and applying mulch. I'm ready for a long soak in the tub!

I did manage to get some photos first thing Saturday morning.


Crabapple


















Loropetalum




Loropetalum



Viburnum "Mohawk"


Viburnum "Mohawk"



Yoshino Cherry



Pansies















































Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. ChristineMarch 20, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Love the crab apple and Viburnum "Mohawk"!

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  2. Tallulah's Antique ClosetMarch 20, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    I luv all the pretty blooms! Thanks for sharing beautiful pic's.........Julian

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  3. CarolineMarch 20, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Gorgeous! Happy Spring!

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  4. Randy EmmittMarch 20, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Phillip,
    I knew something was going on when the American Toads started calling. Never though much about Viburnum, this one is awesome!

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  5. Gardener on Sherlock StreetMarch 20, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Beautiful flowers. A just reward for all your work today. Happy spring.

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  6. DMarch 20, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I'm so jealous, Phillip. ;) The blossoms are all so gorgeous. We have had 50, rain, 50, rain, wind, 50... I'm drowning. The good news is that we do have some blossoms... best focus on those. Enjoy your week.

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  7. Anne BoykinMarch 20, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Love your blooms! It's wonderful to be outside this time of year. I'm in Georgia Zone 7b and lovin' all the trees and shrubs in bloom.

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  8. EveMarch 20, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    SO PRETTY Phillip!!! I'm loving life right now as well, and there is still so much to come! Your photos are beautiful!

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  9. AnonymousMarch 20, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Sounds like a wonderfully productive day in the garden. Remember 'no pain, no gain' applies to gardening! I'm thinking of a nice massage to ease these tired overworked muscles!
    Your garden is looking fabulous!

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  10. LarryMarch 20, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    A real treat for us northerners still dealing with cold and possible snow this next week... beautiful as always! L

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  11. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)March 20, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    All lovely but I particularly like the crab apple.

    Enjoy your Summer temperatures.

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  12. WayneMarch 21, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Those are some pretty pictures! It's hard to believe your that far ahead of us northerners. :-)
    I'm just happy to finally see some grass!

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  13. JackieMarch 21, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    How wonderful that those beauties came out in grand style to welcome spring!

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  14. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 21, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Your garden is really coming alive Phillip. It makes my heart go pitty patter seeing all those trees and shrubs blooming. It won't be long for our garden to spring forth. Happy Spring.

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  15. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    It just seems like every flower tree has been more vibrant this spring. Hope it is a sign that we'll have a great summer.

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  16. AnnelieMarch 21, 2011 at 5:24 AM

    80s??? My goodness, here in MA we only reached the 40s.
    No wonder you have so many blossoms to show off.
    Gorgeous!

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  17. MashaMarch 21, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Such beautiful plants! I am sorry you are exhausted, but the garden looks all the better for all your work. Enjoy spring!

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  18. LolaMarch 21, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Beautiful blooms Phillip. Tried to get pic of magnolia but failed. Maybe next yr.
    Busy planting veggies & flowers. Spring is always a busy time of yr.

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  19. Hamilton HouseMarch 22, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    We're enjoying 50-60 degrees here in Baltimore. Great photos, I especially like the Yoshino, Bill

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  20. RoseMarch 22, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    So beautiful! I love the crabapple--mine are still at least a month away from blooming here in Illinois; I can't wait. We've had unusually warm temperatures the past few days, and I've actually been able to work in the garden for awhile; I can certainly relate to your sore muscles:)

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  21. LayaneeMarch 23, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    I must get a Yoshino cherry, I must!

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  22. ~~RhondaMarch 25, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Beautiful! The cherry blossoms are heavenly! Thanks for sharing your garden via your blog. I always enjoy visiting. ~~Rhonda

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