The Newt (Somerset, England)
After Stourhead , the second garden on the tour that day was "The Newt". Talk about a change in garden styles! As I review my photos, I can appreciate the beauty and style of this garden, but I must confess, it was one of my least favorites. I remember mostly the heat (it was one of our warmer days), the glaring sun with few trees in sight, and the commercial feel of the whole enterprise. But then again, this was mainly a vegetable garden and I was having an "off" day (I had just toured Stourhead, where I missed some of the main landmarks). The entrance took us through an area with gift shops and display areas (nice thing about photos is you see things you missed - I had not noticed the intricate ceiling design) - We did have an actual tour guide at this one, and he led us through the entire garden - Down a winding, blinding white walkway, towards the large vegetable garden - Leaving one vegetable garden, we headed up a grassy avenue with water features. Along th...
How wonderful to have a nearly blank slate.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you don't have to remove everything and you still have pretty much a blank slate to work with. I am with you about the chain link fence. UGH... I know I know, I installed some here but it was only because I couldn't afford a wooden fence all around our garden. Had to keep the dog in... That apple tree might bloom nice in the spring. I don't know if that is enough to keep it but all sorts of wild animals, butterflies, bees etc don't mind rotten fruit.It is exciting to see the "before" pictures. I hope your belongings arrive soon. I would be worried too. It seems like they should have given you a date for arrival?? Good luck.
ReplyDeleteA lot of birds use the tree right now, just for sitting. The movers said Feb. 10 but said it could be up to 3 weeks. So I will give them a few more days.
DeleteWelcome to Washington, Phillip and Michael!
ReplyDeleteI read a couple of you previous post with the pictures of conifers; I adore dwarf confers and it looks like you are taken by them as well. I had seen the transformation of your previous garden, in Alabama, and I can't wait to see how you transform this garden. And by the way, Primroses are a welcome sight this time of year even if they never look as good outside (after the slugs dined on them) as they do in the nursery:-)
Maybe you can give me some advise when selecting some!
DeleteI enjoy all your posts and am looking forward to seeing your plans for your new garden space unfold!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have that much privacy!
ReplyDeleteI like my neighborhood and my property, but the only development is only around 10 yrs old and most people seem content to have expansive lawns, so there's not nearly enough privacy for my tastes.
I've been experimenting with adding screening shrubs, but I was overly optimistic when I began. I now realize that good screening takes time ... particularly if you're looking to create a mixed wildlife-friendly naturalistic hedge with an emphasis on native plants!
Phillip, I am so excited to see what you'll do with your blank slate. I know it will be stellar. As you said, you're so lucky to have such nice screening hedges. Do you know if that wisteria is one of the invasive varieties? Are the Asian ones even invasive up there? I hope not! I'm with you about chain link fences. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is invasive. I am not sure yet about the invasive factor. If I replace that fence, I don't know how I will get the wisteria off of it!
DeleteLike everyone else, I'm excited to see what you do with your space over time. I'm happy that you're enjoying your new digs and hope you're not too homesick for the south.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll whip that garden into place in no time! I'm always bothered by trees with other trees sticking out of the sides of them like your cherry laurel/apple tree. I always think "why did you let that happen? you could see them growing together, be bold and cut one down!" I'm serious, I always notice it. Ha ha!
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