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...
Happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to Cheekwood, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteWish you'd let me know that you were going to be in my neck of the woods...
(PS - Yes, the Tulip display was spectacular. I think they claimed 100,000 bulbs this year, but I didn't try to verify that fact.)
It's been some time since we've visited Cheekwood, but fond memories were rekindled by your post! Larry
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to go even more. Its on my list of things to do. I also wanted to see the tulips this year but sure something else will be nice to see later on. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteWhen the Sharps moved from Cheekwood, they bought land in northern Williamson county. There they built a very modern house and left the landscape natural--the total opposite of Cheekwood. In later years, Mrs. Sharp gave this land to Cheekwood except for her house and a few acres. The property is now operated independently as a nature center, Owl's Hill. Each are beautiful in their own way, but I have always loved Cheekwood.
ReplyDeleteA place where everyone loves to visit, even day by day! I once visit the Cheekwood gardens when my sister moves in Nashville and the beautiful memories of being here is one of the best! The tulip border and the thatched cottage are one of the corners I attract with! Exquisite!
ReplyDeleteSebastian of
Tropical Life Style
Cheekwood is special to me. I was sent to Nashville for a conference at about the same time I was contemplating a career change. I hated the conference and on the second day played hooky and went to Cheekwood, and the visit pushed me closer to starting a new life.
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