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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...
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Book review and give-away - "The Speedy Garden"

Congratulations to Eve on winning the book! Stay tuned for more contests in the future.

We all know that most gardening requires some patience - especially vegetable gardening. But wait one minute, here is a new book that offers crops that are ready to eat in a few days, weeks and even hours. Food journalists Mark Diacono and Lia Leendertz profile these tasty delights, show you how to grow them and provide recipes.

Beginning with "Soaks and Sprouts," the authors describe the best techniques for sprouting seeds in sprouting bags or trays. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflowers, radish, mustard and clover sprouts are just a few that are profiled with tips on storing them and using them in recipes. 

Micro greens include coriander, fennel, basil, and other leafy greens that can be grown in trays in as little as seven days and are ready for salads and flavorings for other foods. Edible flowers are also covered - nasturtium, daylily, chives, marigolds, and lavender. 

 A chapter on "cut and come again salad leaves" demonstrates a method of growing greens in containers and harvesting the leaves so that the plants will sprout again. "Quick Harvest Vegetables" covers carrots, turnips, radishes and other fast growing crops.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. JTFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I am always excited to learn something new about plants and gardening. I just read the other post about root cuttings and found it interesting. I am crossing my fingers and toes and hopefully I will win!

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  2. caitcaitoFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I could so use this book!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 6, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Hi Phil,
    As an ancient gardener, I remember the admonishment of George Burns, who said "I'm so old, I don't even buy my bananas green." So this seems like a good book for me! Best to you,
    Shenandoah
    shenandoah@hushmail.com
    http://gardenaginginplace.com

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  4. EveFebruary 6, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Looks like a fun book! I'm in!

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  5. JenFebruary 7, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    I can never have enough gardening books or cookbooks. Plus, I'm going to be giving edible gardening a more serious try this season... I'm in!

    ReplyDelete
  6. EveFebruary 12, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Whooo Hoooo! Can't wait to get it! I'm gearing up for lots of veggies this year!

    ReplyDelete

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