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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 Slow Thaw

 


Although we've had temperatures in the 40s all week, it is taking a coon's age for the snow to melt. I did some work in the garden today and surveyed the damage. Fortunately there isn't much damage and we were lucky here in Vancouver to not get as much ice as areas south of us.

This morning, as I was pulling out of the driveway, I noticed a big limb had broken on the strawberry tree. 

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus)
 

The  Honey Bush (Melianthus) was laying completely on the ground. I had intended to prune this anyway so I cut it back to the ground.  

Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

Last year, I remembered that the Hebe 'Sunset Boulveard' was damaged badly by the cold so I had covered it before the onslaught last weekend. It looks to be fine -

Hebe 'Sunset Boulevard'



 

The Pieris looks like it isn't fazed at all by any of this -


 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonFebruary 19, 2021 at 7:04 PM

    I'm glad to see you weathered the snow and ice relatively well. I love that Pieris.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 20, 2021 at 8:54 AM

    It is good that you didn't have too much damage. Still awaiting those 40 degree days here. Maybe tomorrow. :)

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  3. Hoover BooFebruary 20, 2021 at 4:47 PM

    Snow at least is moisture. Hopefully not too much damage yet to discover. 40's F, Brrrr!!!

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 21, 2021 at 10:10 AM

      I know - I was glad we got the snow. At least it keep everything insulated and like you said, moisture!

      Delete
  4. chavlinessFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:13 AM

    It's sad about that big strawberry tree limb. Hopefully the shrub isn't looking too awkward without it. You got to love Pieris for their cool, stoic unfazed nature.
    It seems my Pieris put on a good display of blooms every OTHER year. Have you noticed anything like it in yours?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 21, 2021 at 10:12 AM

      The limb was large but it didn't affect the look of the entire tree. Fortunately, it was a limb located right on the back bottom. All of my Pieris have bloomed well every year so far.

      Delete
  5. chavlinessFebruary 21, 2021 at 9:13 AM

    It's sad about that big strawberry tree limb. Hopefully the shrub isn't looking too awkward without it. You got to love Pieris for their cool, stoic unfazed nature.
    It seems my Pieris put on a good display of blooms every OTHER year. Have you noticed anything like it in yours?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rainy Day GardenerFebruary 21, 2021 at 6:26 PM

    I'm glad you came out without too much damage. You did get quite a bit of snow - wow!

    ReplyDelete
  7. RobinLMarch 2, 2021 at 6:19 PM

    I’d be at a complete loss trying to gardening your climate there! And yet you learned quickly, as I imagine it’s quite different than Alabama was.

    ReplyDelete

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