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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...
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The Late Rhododendrons



'Percy Wiseman'
'Percy Wiseman'

I am behind on my blog posts. So much work to do in the garden this time of year and so much to see.

The rhododendrons are fading but they have all performed nicely this year. Here are some of the late blooming ones from the past weeks -

First up is one of my favorites - Percy Wiseman. This is a color changing rhododendron that
"emerge in shades of peach, pink and cream before fading to creamy white" (the nursery description). I think it is just stunning.


A very popular red variety is 'Jean Marie de Montague' -

'Jean Marie de Montague'

Don't ask me how to pronounce 'Oudijk's Sensation'. I purchased this one last year based on the foliage alone. It has very pretty rounded leaves. The flowers have now faded and I've noticed that the new growth has a reddish tint.

'Oudijk's Sensation'

The rhododendron below came with the house and I don't know the name. It is on the west side of our house where there are no windows. Therefore, our neighbors get to enjoy it more than we do.

Unknown


This one is also an unknown. Don't judge me but it came from Wal-Mart during a weak moment. It was stunning. I failed to record the name but I would swear the name was 'Holden'. However, a Google search shows 'Holden' as being pink (of course, it could have been mislabeled). I love this shade of purple. No name though, which kills me.

Unknown


'Anna Rose Whitney' has been a very shy bloomer. There were only 3 or 4 blooms this year but they were spectacular. The blooms are very large. I'm thinking that the shrub may need more sun.

'Anna Rose Whitney'


'Anah Kruschke' was the first rhododendron I planted. I wanted more of a purple color and this one is more magenta. It was wonderful this year, the best it has bloomed so far.

'Anah Kruschke'

'Anah Kruschke' with Japanese Maple 'Shaina'


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. chavlinessMay 27, 2020 at 8:55 AM

    I can see why you love Percy Wiseman so much: it has gorgeous blooms.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowMay 28, 2020 at 6:37 PM

    Your rhodies are magnificent. All that saturated color is wow.
    What has happened to that wall project?? Did you finish it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverMay 28, 2020 at 7:00 PM

      Yes, it is finished and I keep putting off doing a post. It was so exhausting, I'm just glad it is over. I hope to get an update posted in a few days. :)

      Delete
  3. Endah MurniyatiMay 29, 2020 at 12:30 AM

    They are so beautiful, especially the pinky peach color at the first picture

    ReplyDelete

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