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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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Garden Blogger's Bloom Day - March 2020



Anenome nemerosa 'Royal Blue'

 Spring is us upon us but Mother Nature is still throwing curve balls as evidenced by my post yesterday. Most plants are ahead of schedule despite this weekend cold snap. Next week's forecast shows temperatures in the 60s and lots of sun. I am psyched.

 Earlier in the week, I returned from Alabama, where it was cold and very, very wet.  Mud was everywhere and walking across the lawn there was like stepping on a saturated sponge. Our winter here in Vancouver, Washington has been mild and drier than normal. Upon my return, I had only one day before returning to work at Yard n' Garden Land (I would like to request that you consider adding us to your Facebook and Instagram likes). 

 Most of my bloom day photos were taken on my day off last week. Anenome nemerosa 'Royal Blue' (above) is right outside the front door along the sidewalk and it continues to stun me with its vivid blue color. A cheerful plant if there ever was one!

 Earlier in the week, they were forecasting terrible freezes down in the mid 20s for this weekend. Fortunately, that has changed but I was getting ready to throw covers over some plants, including this beauty - Clematis armandii 'Snow Drift' -

Clematis armandii 'Snow Drift'

 The late winter camellias are also doing nicely. I did not get a shot of "Mathotiana' which has the most blooms but I did get one of 'Nuccio's Bella Rossa' which is my currently my favorite red.

Camellia 'Nuccio's Bella Rossa'

 Spirea 'Ogon' is also quite spectacular at the moment -


Spirea 'Ogon'

 I believe all of the Pieris are blooming. I've shared many photos of 'Valley Rose', 'Mountain Fire' and 'Passion Frost' but I don't recall photographing this one. These are the first blooms on 'Little Heath' -

Pieris 'Little Heath'

 The spurge (Euphorbia) is almost ready to open -

Euphorbia characieas wulfenii


This is a short Bloom Day post but hopefully there will be much more to share next week.
Gardener's Bloom Day is hosted by May Dreams Gardens. You can go there to find links to other blogger's websites all over the world. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. ksMarch 15, 2020 at 8:13 AM

    I may need to aquire that Anemone nemerosa ! Anemones are one of those bulbs I often forget about but so so easy-I need to correct this !

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 15, 2020 at 10:15 AM

    Beautiful blooms Phillip. My little Anemone nemerosa have been blooming but they are all shut up due to the COLD weather. Brrrrrr the wind is blowing too.
    I think Pieris is one of the most beautiful spring bloomers. I love the draping blooms. I can't get one to grow here. I have tried several different ones, no grow. Your southern roots are showing with that Camillia. I like them too. They look like roses when blooming to me. That Spirea is a beauty too. Happy GBBD.

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  3. Anna KMarch 15, 2020 at 10:22 AM

    Oh, I'm with Kathy - that Anemone is a stunner! I have a couple of white ones, but that blue is on par with the Hepaticas I have. So very lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SwimrayMarch 15, 2020 at 7:54 PM

    Your Anemone makes me want to ditch my anemone bland for that blue.
    -Ray

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  5. Kris PetersonMarch 15, 2020 at 10:24 PM

    Athat Anemones is gorgeous. I am very, very envious of that Clematis too. I hope you do indeed get some sun and warmer temperatures. Please feel free to redirect any rain this way.

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  6. CommonWeederMarch 16, 2020 at 6:49 AM

    What a beautiful array! I saw that blue anemone at a greenhouse a couple of weeks ago and was just stunned. It is so lovely. I am planning to add some to my garden.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hoover BooMarch 16, 2020 at 4:09 PM

    You have some beautiful flowers despite it still being winter. As everyone else said, stunning blue Anemone. 'Nuccio's Bella Rossa' has the most perfect symmetrical flowers. Sadly, mine did not survive. Always tempted to try another.

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