Skip to main content

Featured

Ashington Manor Farm (Yeovil)

After a two-night stay at The Swan Hotel in Wells , we departed for Exeter. Along the way, our first stop was Ashington Manor Farm, the home of the husband and wife garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman.  Roses are a specialty of the Bannerman's, but sadly, we were too early to see any. That disappointment was curtailed by touring their magnificent farmhouse, which we were invited to roam around at leisure. And Julian Bannerman, who did most all the talking, was a very entertaining man.  Gathering at the front door - We actually entered at the side of the house, right off the patio, which led to this room, where the Bannerman's greeted us. The massive table was filled with books they had written as well as magazine articles about their gardens. As we were listening to Julian's speech, I happened to notice Isabel Bannerman's book "Husbandry" on the table and immediately recognized it as a book I have at home but have not gotten to yet. At the time, I ha...

A few early blooming rhododendrons





The rhododendrons are just beginning to bloom. The first one is the beautiful red 'Taurus'. This is one of the first I planted and it has improved every year. This is the first time it has had this many blooms.



 
'Blue Baron' is one I found at Home Depot after first moving here. It is a puny shrub but that color makes me weak.




Another small one is 'Ramapo'. It is planted next to the front steps. True to the description, it is staying under 2 feet.

'Ramapo'


And finally, 'PJM', the very first rhododendron to bloom. It has been blooming about two weeks now.


'PJM'




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver

Comments

  1. These photos make me want to dash out and purchase some early blooming Rhodies. I too love that blue one.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Azaleas were once widely planted in SoCal because they were familiar plants to the many people who moved here from elsewhere, but have been vanishing--too vulnerable to our increased heat and higher water bills. The Rhodies in your garden are marvelous. It is a treat to see them.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment