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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (Weymouth, England)

After seeing a string of English-style gardens, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens provided a welcome change of pace. Located in a sheltered woodland on the Jurassic Coast, this 30-acre garden is filled with rare semi-tropical plants.   As we entered, we were greeted by this little guy (a golden pheasant) - The entry area included a restaurant with a wrap-around porch and a gift shop - Entering the main gardens - This hill was quite a trek - I was out of breath when I reached the top. Once there, you get an overlook with a view of the ocean - This property was once home to a castle that was once a monastery. This is how it looked in 1890 - The gardens were developed by the Fox-Strangways family. Most notably, William Fox-Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester, was a diplomat and botanist, who introduced many exotic species to the garden. The genus Photinia stranvaesia was named after him.  In 1899, Lady Ilchester printed a catalog which documented over 5,000 plants in the garden....
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More Japanese Maples

It seems I was a bit premature on my post about Japanese maples a few weeks ago. The "Boskoop Glory" was outrageously beautiful then but now all of its leaves have fallen. In the meantime, the "Bloodgood" that was rather drab next to it, has suddenly intensified.



 
In the back, next to the garage, is one of the most beautifully colored Japanese Maples and I don't know the name of it. It also sits next to a "Bloodgood" variety. The brilliant yellow and orange leaves next to the crimson of the "Bloodgood" is what I'm guessing must be like a religious experience!

The Japanese Maples have never disappointed me with their fall color. You keep thinking that the color isn't going to be spectacular but you just have to be patient. It will come!

Happy Thanksgiving!



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. GailNovember 20, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    I thought the same thing Phillip and then surprise it was gorgeous. Your photos make me Autumn happy! Have a delightful holiday. gail

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  2. Teresa/ thegardendiary.comNovember 20, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    So so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. RandyNovember 20, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    Phillip,
    They are just gorgeous. The two I planted in the front yard are suppose to get 20 feet. One is 'Atropurpureum' and I'm not sure of the other. Each year they struggle thru the summer and I wonder will they live. This is the third year so they should take off I hope. My 'Virdis' turned orange this year for the very first time!

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  4. UnknownNovember 20, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    On the other coast, we too thought there would be little color this year, but patience is rewarded! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)November 20, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    They look beautiful Phillip - both colour and the trunk form of the bloodgood.

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  6. scottweberpdxNovember 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    There is really nothing quite like them for that amazingly intense color during autumn...I totally look forward to them every year.

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  7. LostRosesNovember 20, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Phillip, those colors are just lovely! We haven't got a leaf left, well, maybe one or two. Enjoy the beauty around you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. Anne BoykinNovember 20, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    Hi Phillip, Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  9. LesNovember 21, 2012 at 3:01 AM

    Are Japanese maples ever ugly?

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  10. organicgardendreamsNovember 21, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    Hi Phillip, I can only echo what you said in your post: Your Japanese maples are spectacular! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
    Christina

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  11. AnonymousNovember 23, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Oh Phillip, they are lovely. You know what a weakness I have for Japanese maples. Alas, all of mine have now lost their leaves. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.~~Dee

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  12. AnonymousNovember 25, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    I have several varieties of Japanese Maples. One at the end of the driveway I dug up as a seedling that came up under a large one at my old house. Which I knew the variety. I have 3 young Bloodgood's I purchased on close out this year. One is still full with leaves. I think they are going to be nice when they get established.

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  13. Patrick's GardenNovember 26, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Jap maples live up to their billing as beautiful all season especially during the fall. Your images are da bomb are very much appreciated by me.

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  14. sherryocalaNovember 27, 2012 at 7:24 AM

    Oh, Phillip, how I would love to have a Japanese maple. I remember them from my previous life up north, but apparently they can't tolerate our heat. I wonder if one would enjoy life as an understory tree in a vacant spot under my oaks in total shade. How I wish...

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  15. Dig, Grow, Compost, BlogNovember 28, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    Oh my, I'm so jealous of all that color. I do have 'Bloodgood' and count on it being the last one to show some great color. It's looking good now. I remember when you put that gravel down around the maple. I think it looks great now!

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  16. AnonymousDecember 4, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    Fabulous!!! My favorite season to garden, not many bugs, sun on my back not beating down on my head, weeds are slower growing.....

    Are you going to be on tour this spring? would love advanced notice so I could make arrangements.

    xoxox

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  17. UnknownDecember 21, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    So so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!

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