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Ashington Manor Farm (Yeovil)

After a two-night stay at The Swan Hotel in Wells , we departed for Exeter. Along the way, our first stop was Ashington Manor Farm, the home of the husband and wife garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman.  Roses are a specialty of the Bannerman's, but sadly, we were too early to see any. That disappointment was curtailed by touring their magnificent farmhouse, which we were invited to roam around at leisure. And Julian Bannerman, who did most all the talking, was a very entertaining man.  Gathering at the front door - We actually entered at the side of the house, right off the patio, which led to this room, where the Bannerman's greeted us. The massive table was filled with books they had written as well as magazine articles about their gardens. As we were listening to Julian's speech, I happened to notice Isabel Bannerman's book "Husbandry" on the table and immediately recognized it as a book I have at home but have not gotten to yet. At the time, I ha...
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Planting Fall Vegetables


I can't remember a September as nice as this one. It is usually blazing hot and dry, even into October. This year (and I hope this doesn't curse it), temperatures have stayed in the 70s and low 80s and we've had regular rain. And, best of all, no humidity. This is how Fall is supposed to be!

I've managed to get some fall crops in the ground at an appropriate time. The raised beds I have at my mother's house is 20 miles away so I can't tend to them like I should. Two weeks ago, I planted radish seeds and seedlings of lettuce, cabbage and onions. I think seedlings are the way to go. I planted lettuce seeds last year and I'm not good at thinning them out. We had plenty of lettuce but it was a crammed mess.


Other fall crops that can be planted now are carrots, collards, turnip greens and other greens. The cooler nights help them grow well and if a freeze should threaten, they can be covered to protect them.

I've also planted lettuce in containers in the small vegetable garden at our house since the tomatoes are still taking up most of the beds.

The summer vegetable garden was more successful than last years. The cantaloupe "Ambrosia" did well again although last year we were still getting cantaloupes up until late October and this year's vine is about done. I'm guessing the wetter weather has affected them since they prefer drier soil.

My last attempt at cucumbers was disastrous but this year was better. I also grew a row of okra and purple hull peas. Less successful was the eggplant - I think there were a total of 3 eggplants. Also, another failed attempt at squash, which promptly died. I also tried watermelon and got 2 melons but I think it about over too.

Radish seeds sprouting

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt TherapyText and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Randy EmmittSeptember 26, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    Phillip,

    Those plants are looking pretty good. Great weather the past few weeks huh. We planted seeds 2 weeks ago also, hope the acorns don't cover them up.

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  2. GailSeptember 26, 2011 at 5:19 AM

    it has been beautiful and it's been a blessing to have the rains return. gail

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  3. Rosedale GardenSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    I planted cucs 3 times this year and the hot weather just scorched them after they came up. Squash same result. I have an area that gets late afternoon shade, may move my garden there next year. I still have hummingbirds as of this morning. Mary

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  4. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)October 2, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Good luck with the vegetables!

    Do you grow artichokes?

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  5. LolaOctober 5, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Great looking plants. I hope they produce a lot. Some of mine came up & some didn't. I think it was a bit too warm yet here.

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