Skip to main content

Featured

Wells Cathedral, Swan Hotel, Wells Street Market & Vicar's Close

After a day of touring Stourhead and The Newt , it was back to our hotel in Wells - The Swan. This is an older hotel with a bewilderingly complex floor plan. Narrow hallways, multi-level staircases, and endless turns, it was like something out of the Winchester widow's house. I was unable to locate my room after checking in and had to seek assistance.  The previous night, I had dinner in the hotel restaurant, and had fish and chips with traditional mushy peas. It was delicious.  Before leaving for Stourhead that morning, I walked down the street filled with quaint shops. A street market was in the process of setting up - Proceeding down the next few blocks leads you to Wells Cathedral and the surrounding area - Down a side street to Vicar's Close, Europe's oldest street with original buildings intact. Dating back to the mid-fourteenth century, the 27 residences were built for Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury. The houses are mostly occupied by students. I thought it was a bit of ...

April Beauties

Azalea "Coral Bells"

A florist azalea that I received when my father died 14 years ago.

Unknown azalea

Chinese Snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)

Deutzia gracilis

Epimedium rubrum

Solomon's Seal, Jacob's Ladder, Epimedium

Leatherleaf Viburnum
(Viburnum rhytidophyllum)

Persicaria microcephala Red Dragon

Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)

Bridal Wreath Spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia)


White Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Alba')

White Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Alba')



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. When Azaleas and the flowers that accompany bloom, the most humble abode becomes fairyland and well-tended gardens like your own are at their most spectacular. White Wisteria on a rustic arbor is a crowning touch.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful views of my favorite season! After touring your garden, I obtained my own bit of Persicaria 'Purple Dragon.' It is growing well, and I love it! Epimedium took a while to get established, but now it is spreading well in the woodland garden and has become a favorite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Epimedium does take time to get established but when it does, it is lovely. One of the best ground covers for dry shade too.

      Delete
  3. It is so exciting to see your garden abloom. I know in a couple of weeks we too will have some of the same blooms. Love your azaleas. I haven't had luck with them in my garden. I planted what is supposed to be a native last year. It might have made it through the winter. It is barely showing a bit of life on the tips. Here is hope...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have too many azaleas. I now have 2 natives, was just given one by a friend. They do really well for us, I don't know why I have not planted more.

      Delete
  4. It is beautiful Phillip! Love spring.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an enchanted garden...

    It may be a little subtle, but I think the Epimediums are my favorites of this batch of photos...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello, beautiful photos and wonderful plants :) Regards Monika

    ReplyDelete
  7. Spring, you are such a beauty. No wonder we all love you so!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A collection of lovely plants ! Spring has definitely sprung! Your garden looks fantastic! can't believe your Wisteria is out already, wish mine would get a move on!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely Phillip. Just lovely. Happy Spring.~~Dee

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment