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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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Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses

I am taking advantage of a sunny, off-day from work to trim back our ornamental grasses. If you didn't do this in the fall, this is a good time - you want to cut them back before new growth starts in the spring. I always wait until late winter because I think the grass add lots of character to the winter garden.

This is a simple enough job but clean-up can be a hassle. Here is a tip to make the job go faster and less messier.

Use a thick string or whatever you have to tie the grass together before you cut it (bungee cords are great for this too). Then, after you cut the grass, it will fall in a bundle instead of going all over the place! I use my hedge trimmers for this job and it works great.



 






Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. SkeeterFebruary 21, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 22, 2014 at 3:46 AM

    I do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SwimrayFebruary 22, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    And do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
    -Ray

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  4. Jane ScorerFebruary 23, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2014 at 4:04 PM

    Thanks for the great tip!

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  6. ProfessorRoushFebruary 24, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    Yes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!

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  7. AaronFebruary 24, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    Which ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?

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  8. Phillip OliverFebruary 26, 2014 at 7:17 AM

    Aaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)

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  9. AnonymousMarch 3, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    Good one Phillip!~~Dee

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  10. Edith KentMarch 5, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    Never tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.

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