Skip to main content

Featured

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...
5 comments
Read more
Labels

Coleus "Kong"


Earlier this summer, I was looking for a colorful annual to go in a large pot next to our back door. The spot is shady and under a small porch roof. I was going to go with the old stand-by - impatiens - but saw this at the nursery and decided to try it. It has been spectacular.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. debsgardenOctober 10, 2015 at 9:26 PM

    I plant to use more coleus next year. The coleus I planted in the arbor garden this summer, like your 'Kong,' is still going strong. It is shrubby and quite beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowOctober 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    Those big colorful coleus are certainly worth growing. They are so sturdy, not a bit fussy about light or water. Just give them room to grow.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 12, 2015 at 8:04 AM

    I love all the Kong coleus series for the shade garden. They are simply the best.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 12, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    Wow. Very eye catching.

    ReplyDelete
  5. outlawgardenerOctober 16, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    Beautiful coleus. Will you be bringing a lot of your pots and garden ornaments with you to your new digs in P town?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverOctober 16, 2015 at 7:50 AM

      I don't think I will bring any plants. Some pots and one or two statues but I am leaving the majority. :(

      Delete
  6. RobinLOctober 17, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I'm a big fan of coleus, but I don't grow this one very often. But when I did, it was huge and lovely! I've always had good luck taking cuttings of coleus over the winter, and they make pretty house plants while you wait.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Casa MariposaOctober 24, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    I've become a big fan of coleus lately. Such tough, undemanding plants. Kong is a beauty. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. HoehoegrowOctober 27, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    I keep meaning to try 'Kong' as I do love coleus, but, here in the uk they take so long to get going, and are still little toddlers in July, even when planted under heat in February. Kong is a lovely size, and looks so healthy. Coleus remains somehow under the radar , a lovely annual which gets overlooked. Is it just out of fashion, or does it get overlooked when it is compared to annuals with big, showy flowers ?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment