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Iford Manor (Bradford-on-Avon, England) Part 1

At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory.  Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey.  First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front.  We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...

Some rhododendrons

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The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm also had a nice little garden tucked off to one side. There were some beautiful rhododendrons. Just spectacular!

 rhododendron2 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Stunning! I guess they don't need to be tucked under the trees like they do at LaRue's!

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  2. Oh my, these are just glorious. I just love rhodies. Unfortunately I have never been able to grow them. I can't figure out why. When I drive through town this time of year I see them blooming their heads off here and there. These photos make me want to try again.

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  3. Hi Phillip, these rhododendron are spectacular, indeed! I just love them!
    Your post reminds me of our visit at Stourhead an amazing garden in England, where I saw the most mature and stunning rhododendrons in my life. I am sure you would have enjoyed a visit there as well.
    Anyhow, back to the rhodies in the nursery. How could you restrain yourself from buying them all?
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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  4. Yowza! Those rhododendrons are incredible! Now you need some at your new place, am I right?

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