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Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens.    Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...
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More snow and a cheese ball recipe


We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning despite the weather forecasters predicting that Clark County would get little to none. That seems to be the norm now and I've learned not to rely on their forecasts. There are so many variances and elevations here that it is extremely hard to predict.

Most of the snow had melted by the afternoon but snow flurries are falling again as I write this.




Last night was Oscar night and we had a nice spread of snacks and desserts. We had some friends over and they brought some goodies as well. This is a cheese ball recipe that is one of our favorites.

Pineapple Cheese Ball

2  8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup minced celery (optional! We don't include this)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp. minced onion
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1  20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans

First, make sure the pineapple is well drained. I put it in a strainer and press the juice out. I then put it in a thick towel and wring it several times. 

 In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, celery (if using), bell pepper, onion, seasoned salt and crushed pineapple. Divide the mixture in half and form two balls out of the mixture. Roll each ball in the pecans. Chill until ready to serve.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 26, 2019 at 3:13 AM

    Your garden looks good with a coating of snow. All of the evergreens stand out being flocked. It is amazing how much every plant has grown in the short time you have been there. I like the rock wall across the top of the hill. Your garden has developed a great personality. MMMMMM that cheese ball sounds good. I will make it for a Euchre party we are having soon. I always like to make something different.

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  2. outlawgardenerFebruary 26, 2019 at 6:59 AM

    Ugh! Let's hope that's the last of the snow. It does look very pretty, though.

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  3. chavlinessMarch 1, 2019 at 8:42 AM

    This white stuff may be pretty for a while, but I am ready for it to go away and for the days to warm up a bit. Garden projects are calling me... My favorite to win best actor won. Yay.

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