Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Surprise bloom

This bromeliad always takes me by surprise when it blooms. It is like a surprise lily - it just magically appears one day. I caught a glimpse of pink this morning on the patio and there it was.

I've had this plant for years. I keep it in the house during the winter and put it outside in the spring. I always water it inside the leaves. That's all I do and I'm familiar with the rules of growing one. 

I'll post another photo when the flower opens. It is quite dramatic.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post

Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 23, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    I just love surprises in the garden. This is a beauty. I have never had a bromeliad rebloom for me. Lucky you. Can't wait to see it in full flower.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anne BoykinSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Hi Phillip, That's exciting to see a surprise bloom, especially one so beautiful. I know you're enjoying the cooler temperatures.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Janet, The Queen of SeafordSeptember 24, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Love it!! So fun when a plant blooms unexpectedly. I look forward to seeing it open.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Casa MariposaSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I love surprise blooms. They are the sweetest. Happy Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. RandySeptember 25, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    How pretty, you know I should get some for winter color in the house. Do they tolerate the dry air inside during winter?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Phillip OliverSeptember 25, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Randy, they do. I've not had any problems with them inside.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts