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...
I think I must have one of those blue barons!
ReplyDeleteOh be still my heart. I think I have fallen in love with the Baron. Unfortunately my heart is already broken. I haven't ever been able to grow Rhodies. I think our soil is all wrong for them. Sigh. Gosh everything is begining to look a lot like a garden. Pan is holding court beautifully. Fun Fun... I hope you and Michael are having a good Easter. Your first in your new home. A lot of firsts coming along this year.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I only grew one successfully in Alabama. As you probably know, they like acid soil and excellent drainage. If you try one again, be sure to plant it high and mound your soil up on top of the ground around it. That is what I did in Alabama.
DeleteHappy Easter to you and Michael. I am reading about your new adventures in the PNW with interest. My daughter is now up in Bellingham WA and wants me to come up and help make a garden...her new place will be a challenge for this Huntsville AL gal. Looks like you are having fun, fun, fun. The sun is not quite like the sun we get down here even though the zone is similar, right?
ReplyDeleteAnn, you will love it here. I do have a lot to learn about certain plants but I think you will find that gardening is much easier here! The sun is different. It never gets directly overhead but rather goes across the Horizon at an angle. It is very bright, blindingly so. I think it is the clear atmosphere that intensifies yet. On the other hand, plants that like shade in Alabama can survive in the sun here.
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DeletePan has a new home! It is great to see your garden beginning to shape up. Happy spring in the Pacific NW!
ReplyDeleteSuch fun to see you expanding your garden beds! Pan looks right at home. A caveat about Spanish Bluebells - use with caution as they're very prolific here and impossible to get rid of. On the other hand, if you really love them, I'll be happy to give you lots!
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know that!
DeleteI'm glad that your buddy Pan has found his new home. Have you found many unfamiliar plants in the local nurseries, or are they all pretty well known?
ReplyDeleteRobin, many unfamiliar ones to me! It is a new learning process for sure.
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