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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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Wide Shot Wednesday


Here is a wide shot of the pergola and courtyard area that we've been working on this year. Eventually we want more shade in this area. The pergola itself is already partially shaded by the apple tree on the back right and the hedge of photinia all the way across. In the front area, I've planted a Stewartia, which is visible at the left and a Japanese maple 'Osakazuki' on the right. Not visible in the photo are an Azara and a Black Tupelo (Nyssa).

 Notice everything is wet! July is normally the driest month here but we have already received an inch or two. It was a bit muggy today but the high was only 73. 

 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 11, 2019 at 4:49 AM

    I love this area. It is really coming together. I bet your little pond looks sweet there in the courtyard looking at it from the pergola. How nice to have some wet in July for your garden. Our high yesterday was 96 and I don't have to tell you what the heat index was. UGH... it is to be a cool?? 86 here today. I am not even going to think about the heat index. Seeing all of your plants makes me want to get out there and start planting more.

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  2. Hoover BooJuly 11, 2019 at 9:08 PM

    It's very beautiful. As the trees grow it will get even better.

    Nice flamingo, too!

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  3. chavlinessJuly 12, 2019 at 8:35 AM

    You will have very happy friends and family sitting around the table, under the pergola, sipping refreshments.
    Is it begonia bonfire in the hanging planters? I love it.

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  4. debsgardenJuly 16, 2019 at 8:32 PM

    Your garden has progressed so much in the past couple of years. This pergola area is gorgeous!

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