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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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Fall has arrived





After a few weeks in Alabama, I returned home earlier this week to find that autumn was in full swing. Temperatures are in the 50s and 60s during the day and it has been damp.

 I've got a lot of chores to catch up on, mostly getting the pots inside and some pruning.

 A quick look around the garden - 
Persian Ironwood (Parrotia), much more colorful this year than last. 


Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), planted last fall. 

Mountain Gordlinia, just planted about a month ago, showing vibrant red leaves. 

Ginkgo 'Princetown Sentry', planted last fall in the front garden, just gets better and better. 

Another view of the gingko, with the Sourwood (Oxydendrum) in the foreground. 


Acer 'Sango Kaku' (Japanese Maple)

Japanese Stewartia


Burning Bush (Euonymous 'Rudy Haag') under the Sourwood tree

One of the potted Japanese Maples - 'Dancing Peacock' 

Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

Dwarf Birch (Betula 'Trost's Dwarf') 

Geranium 'Rozanne' and Pennisetum 'Hameln' 

Snakeroot (Eupatorium 'Chocolate'), Aralia 'Sun King' and hydrangea
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Catawba')

Japanese Blood Grass ( Imperata cylindrica)



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Jane StrongOctober 18, 2019 at 4:25 PM

    So much beauty. Best ever pictures of fall color I've seen this season, maybe ever. You must collect these trees that show color?

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    1. Phillip OliverOctober 19, 2019 at 7:49 AM

      Jane, fall color is a chief factor in selecting a tree for me.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowOctober 20, 2019 at 4:04 AM

    Your fall color is spectacular. What a beautiful sight to come home to.
    I did cringe a little when I saw the Burning Bush. It has become an invasive in our area. It pops up in the woods and along roadsides here. Scary.

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