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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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Abutilon (Flowering Maple)

abutilon-flowering-megapotamicum-maple

Abutilon megapotamicum (aka Flowering Maple)

This is a plant I bought last year at Plant Delights. Abutilons are popular plants for containers and I had never heard of anyone growing them in the ground. At Plant Delights Nursery, they were perfectly happy and healthy in the ground. There are cold hardy varieties that do fine thought and this one survived the winter, even planted on the north side of the house. They are native to Brazil and related to the Hibiscus family. It is loaded with blooms at the moment. Planted in mostly shade, it has produced stalks that have shot up to 2 ft. (they grow 8 ft. tall in their native country and rarely get past 5 ft. here).

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowMay 10, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    I had one of these planted in a pot for several years. I did bring it into the house during winter. It only bloomed during fall. I think it is amazing that it lives outside all winter in your area. Lucky you.

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  2. gardenenvyMay 10, 2013 at 11:16 PM

    That is lovely! Jeannine

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  3. Anne BoykinMay 11, 2013 at 2:32 AM

    Hi Phillip, The flowering maple was one of my mother's favorite house plants growing up in California. Love Plants Delights nursery.

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  4. NicMay 11, 2013 at 5:41 AM

    Very pretty! I have always had to bring mine inside, but even so they are easy and rewarding plants.

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  5. EveMay 11, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    This is such a beautiful photo of a stunning plant! It was so great meeting you and Michael today! A perfect day for a walk in a perfect garden!!!

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  6. outlawgardenerMay 11, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    This is one of my favorite plants!In the ground or in pots, they make it through most winters here. In mild winters, they only stop blooming in December or January and begin again in May. Our humming birds seem to like them,too!

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  7. debsgardenMay 14, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    Beautiful! And now I am ashamed because someone gave me a tiny one, and I didn't really know what it was and did not do my research. I neglected it, and it died. Next time will be different!

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  8. UnknownMay 19, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    I love abutilon, but rarely see them. I spotted some at a botanic garden over the weekend and I think I giggled with joy. Good post about a great plant, and very nice photos to boot!

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  9. ellenAugust 12, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I think I shall have to get one of these. Finally after 14 years on the homestead I am starting to landscape!

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