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Iford Manor (Part 2)

(Continued from Part 1) ... I knew that Iford Manor was my kind of garden when I saw the statue of "Dying Gaul" perched on top of a wall. We can't afford one for our garden but we do have a little version inside the house - The garden continues uphill with areas that are naturalized as well as manicured  -  A very theatrical area with some of the statuary from Peto's travels - Peto loved curved benches. In addition to Italian gardens, he was influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement. Some think that his love of curved benches came from the paintings of Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Some copies of his works were found in Peto's files - "Expectations" by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema Small buildings also dotted the landscape - The largest building was the cloister which housed more of his classical treasures - There is even a Japanese garden - Various pathways and woodland trails led to a road above the gardens. This set of stairs was roped off, but there were more ...
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Garden videos

Last spring, I made a few videos of the garden.

This is the front garden beginning at the front door and walking around the outside fence along the street -

 

A brief clip of the courtyard area in back -

 

 A longer clip of the back garden -

 

A video of the wall shortly after it was stuccoed but before painting -

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Karin / Southern MeadowsJanuary 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM

    Love your use of space and how the plants all grow so well together. I am sure y'all enjoy the garden immensely!

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  2. chavlinessJanuary 4, 2021 at 9:07 AM

    It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJanuary 4, 2021 at 2:17 PM

      It is funny that you said that because yesterday, as I was taking down the Christmas lights out front, a guy riding a bicycle stopped and said that he used to live here! He wasn't the last owner but the one before the last. We had a great conversation about the house and he gave me some interesting facts about it. He said he loved what we had done with it.

      Delete
  3. chavlinessJanuary 4, 2021 at 9:08 AM

    It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2021 at 10:12 AM

    Wow, what a labor of love. Thank you for sharing these videos of your beautiful garden.

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  5. Kris PetersonJanuary 4, 2021 at 10:13 AM

    You have a truly spectacular garden, Phillip. I saw so many plants I love, some of which I can grow (but not nearly as well) and many that I can't. Thanks for sharing the videos.

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 4, 2021 at 11:45 AM

    I can't get over how established your garden is no longer than you have been here. It is spectacular! So much inspiration. I also enjoyed hearing the birds in the background. I will be looking at the videos again. So much to see.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJanuary 4, 2021 at 2:18 PM

      The rapid growth surprised me too. It is hard to believe it has just been five years but also that five years have passed.

      Delete
  7. sweetbayJanuary 4, 2021 at 12:43 PM

    You have done so much work on the hardscape as well as the garden. It all looks wonderful! Your roses look magnificent. I love the pergola with the table beneath it and the steps leading up to the rounded arch.

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  8. Sandy PJanuary 4, 2021 at 6:58 PM

    I just love everything in your huge yard, so many beautiful garden rooms/spaces and places to relax and enjoy all the plants, shrubs and trees!
    You have so much variety in color, texture, and form, it all goes so well together with your hardscape. Thanks so much for sharing and giving me lots of inspiration!

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  9. Barbara H.January 9, 2021 at 4:37 AM

    I've been saving this for a time when I needed a respite and this morning decided this was the day after the horrors of the week. Love it all, Phillip, and I knew you would "do good" after seeing your Alabama garden but this is spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

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