Hidcote pt. 2
I am continuing my last post with more photos of Hidcote, this time focusing on the outer perimeter of the garden. Like most gardens, these areas were less formal in design. Along the outer fences, you get serene views of the English countryside with nary a building in sight. One such vista occurs at the top of a long avenue called the "Long Walk". This expanse of lawn surrounded by hornbeam hedges is a stark contrast to the previous garden rooms that are packed with plants. The angle of the hedges gives an optical illusion, making the avenue appear longer than it is. Once you reach the summit, an open gate leads to a view of the countryside - One can choose to walk back down the way they came up or take a route back through "The Wilderness" which runs alongside The Long Walk. The Wilderness is a woodland area with winding grass pathways that meander through mature trees and densely planted shrubbery. If you walk to the opposite side of the Long Walk, you will stro...
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...
ReplyDeleteI do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
ReplyDelete-Ray
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tip!
ReplyDeleteYes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!
ReplyDeleteWhich ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?
ReplyDeleteAaron, 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. :)
ReplyDeleteGood one Phillip!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNever tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.
ReplyDelete