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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...
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Mt. St. Helens

Mt. St. Helens (Washington) 
I finally made it all the way up to see Mt. St. Helens last week. On a clear day, you can see it from various locations around Vancouver (and Portland for that matter). It is about a 1 hour drive from our house, located slightly to the northeast. It is still an active volcano, which is a bit frightening when you think about it. Or I could worry about North Korea's missiles reaching us. Danger lurks all about. I think I will just enjoy the incredible beauty this region has to offer and try not to dwell on the unpleasantness.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
This is a view from a Visitor's Center located just off I-5 in Castle Rock, about 45 miles from Mt. St. Helens.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
Along the drive up the mountain, there are lots of places to pull over and see great views.


Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
The area has abundant wildflowers.


Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
A native Penstemon

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980, it resulted in mass destruction, eliminating entire lakes and totally reconstructed the landscape. It is a fascinating story. The Visitor's Center is filled with artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the event. It is a "must-see" if you are visiting the area.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
Evidence of the big event are everywhere.
Mt. St. Helens (Washington)


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Endah MurniyatiJuly 6, 2017 at 12:33 AM

    Beautiful scenery! Thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 6, 2017 at 3:49 AM

    What a beautiful area. That penstemon is sweet. Such a pretty color.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RebeccaJuly 6, 2017 at 6:36 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJuly 6, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    You got some beautiful shots of this fascinating area.

    ReplyDelete
  5. klaraau01July 9, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place, it's a treat to see it

    ReplyDelete
  6. AaronJuly 10, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hoover BooJuly 11, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Great shots. All the empty area with wildflowers was forest before the eruption. The land is healing slowly--the ash must be hundreds of feet deep in some places.

    Still, it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

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