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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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A beauty of a bush

Aptly named - Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) - I've always been puzzled as to why I never see it in nurseries or other gardens. This was one of the first shrubs planted in the garden so it has to be around 15 years old. 

The heat is ruining the blooms. The bottom photo is from last year when it was prettier.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. aquablueroseApril 2, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Phillip,

    It is vey beautiful! I heard about the heat you are experiencing. I am so sorry! I am praying all will be well with your beautiful garden soon.

    gerri XXXX

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  2. LesApril 3, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    I tried to offer this years ago, but it was a very hard sell. In bloom I could, but during the other 50 weeks of the year, no way.

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  3. Becca's DirtApril 3, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    It sure does brighten the area. Have a nice day.

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  4. Dee/reddirtramblingsApril 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    It is very pretty. I've never seen it for sale or grown here for that matter. Love yours and its blowsy way of showing itself.~~Dee

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  5. scottweberpdxApril 3, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    Even if it's an off year, it's a beauty, to be sure!

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  6. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 3, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    Love how it pops out of the hedge.

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  7. Casa MariposaApril 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I saw beauty bush more when I lived in the south but rarely up here in northern VA. I love big, rambley blooming bushes. :o) Yours is gorgeous!

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  8. Lisa at GreenbowApril 5, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    This is indeed a beauty. From a distance it reminds me of my Wedding bouquet Spirea. The heat has left here for the time being. Hopefully things will slow down so we can enjoy the rest of the early bloomers.

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