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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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Getting ready for a garden tour

I can't believe it is March 10th and I am behind on garden chores already. Usually by now, I have completed the things I did today weeks ago. We are scheduled to be on the garden tour in 5 weeks (5 weeks!!!) and that should be enough to set a fire under a person.

Yesterday, I managed to get some outdoor painting done and today I had the morning to do the following -

Cut back the monkey grass - As you can see, there are some thick areas. The band that runs in front of the house (second photo) was planted here when we moved in and since that time, it widens more every year. I've even dug lots of it up and it doesn't faze it any.



Since mowing it down has always been difficult, I thought I would try using hedge trimmers. That didn't work well at all so I ended up using the mower and to my surprise, the electric mower did a great job. I adjusted it at the highest setting which is much higher than the old gas-powered mower. 



A few weeks ago, I cut back the ornamental grasses but forgot this stand of miscanthus -



I did use the hedge trimmers for this and it just takes a second. 

 Thank goodness for daylight savings time. At least I can work in the evenings. At this rate, I will probably be out there every evening for the next 5 weeks. 

 In other news, about a million black birds stopped by the neighborhood this morning. They didn't stay long.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 11, 2013 at 4:41 AM

    Most of the blackbirds in our area are already on territory. The females are beginning to come in too. I got to be out in the garden most of the afternoon yesterday as it got up to 64 despite the 23mph wind gusting up to 36mph. The wind has been horrid this winter and spring doesn't seem to be much different. Best of luck with your tour preparations. I know they will be delighted with your garden no matter if you get it allfixed up to your expectations.

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  2. F CameronMarch 11, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Your garden will be beautiful! Enjoy the excitement and don't wear yourself out.

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  3. C. C.March 11, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    Glad to hear the electric mower worked on the monkey grass! I bought an electric mower last summer and have been concerned that it wouldn't be tough enough.

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  4. organicgardendreamsMarch 11, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    Hi Phillip, how exciting that you are particapting in a garden tour event. Your garden is certainly worth seeing! Actually judging about your photos I think your garden would be ready for a garden tour right now, but I understand that as an owner you probably see it differently ;-). Hope you are keeping it fun to get the garden ready and not killing yourself!
    Christina

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  5. CyndiaMarch 11, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    As always, your garden will be gorgeous! I love it every time I see it. Can't wait to see it again!

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  6. ProfessorRoushMarch 11, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    So...green... there. I need to move South Phillip. Good luck and I'll look forward to hearing more as the garden tour gets closer.

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  7. UnknownMarch 11, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Hi Philip,
    As others have said, take it easy - you already have a star garden! Is your monkey grass liriope or mondo grass? I have some kind of liriope, but it doesn't spread. I'd love to mow it, but my mower may not cut as high as yours. It looks great after mowing! Best to you, Shenandoah

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  8. Leslie KimelMarch 11, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    It's so awesome that your garden is going to be featured on a tour! I know it will look perfect. I'm a new reader to your blog and I've been so impressed by your beautiful pictures.

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  9. EveMarch 11, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    Haha! Don't wear yourself out Phillip! I'm thinking of how much things are going to change in just 5 weeks! The trees are flowering and greening up around here already! Good luck! Still planning to make the trip!

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  10. Sue EllenMarch 11, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    From the pictures that I have seen of your garden, everyone on your tour will be in for a treat. I would love to see it in person! Looking forward to seeing your garden through the seasons.

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  11. Cindy, MCOKMarch 12, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    Holy moly, Philip, that's a lot of blackbirds! Mondo grass is a thug here and I keep a close eye on my neighbors' plantings to make sure they don't migrate!

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  12. CarolMarch 13, 2013 at 5:13 AM

    I can understand - I would be all upset if I thought people were coming to tour my garden in 5 weeks. We are staring to see green here in south Texas but it still looks pretty sad right now. Really ready to get to digging in the dirt! Post pictures please when you get everything like you want it. Gardens are never finished! Carol

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  13. LesMarch 15, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    I have got about 8 weeks before my garden tour, but I have not been resting up. Major pruning and planting taking place.

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