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...
You do have a nice collection of Asters. I have a few but I don't know the names of most of them. I have to cut them back because they don't get full sun but they do bloom nice anyway.
ReplyDeleteYou grow such beautiful plants. What's your secret? Food? Selection? Expertise? TLC?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first moved to northern California from San Diego I went a bit mad for Asters-they were pretty much an unknown down in zone 10. This was 30 years ago, and in a former garden , but in the last few years I've been increasing my aster inventory. I concur with your opinion of 'Purple Dome' - I have 3 which is a big commitment in my small garden.
ReplyDeleteYou have a spread sheet? I thought saving the plant tags in a box (for 20 years) was a good system... My hat off to your commitment to organization!
ReplyDeleteI do love Aster: little care and great rewards as it light up the garden in Autumn. I should consider later booming varieties to extend the bloom period even later into the season.
What a wonderful selection! I especially like your Woods Purple, and I really like how it looks with the neighboring plants. It is a beautiful combination.
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