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Iford Manor (Bradford-on-Avon, England) Part 1

At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory.  Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey.  First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front.  We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...
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Soos Creek Botanical Garden


Our final stop on the garden tour was the Soos Creek Botanical Garden in Auburn, Washington. I had never heard of this place and it was spectacular. This garden has only been open to the public for ten years. I do not remember the man's name who created it but he is in his 90s now and still lives in the house on the property. Our tour guide said that he learned many of his gardening techniques and design principles in Europe.

The entrance to the gardens was a huge arch covered by the Golden Hops vine. Before we entered the gates, a dazzling display of dahlias were mass planted next to a nursery that is open on weekends.


And a touch of the whimsical - these clothes ornaments are made of metal -

 


Entering the garden area, I was impressed with the size of the hydrangeas. They were huge and so healthy looking -

 


 




 

 


 A wide vista of a large man-made pond awaits - 







 

The property slopes downhill to a wooded area with a gravel path that takes you down and then back up on the opposite side -











Back up to our starting point and a lunch overlooking the pond. A gorgeous garden and one that I want to visit again.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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  1. Kris PetersonAugust 9, 2021 at 7:16 PM

    Beautiful! We don't see Hydrangeas like that down this way - not ever.

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  2. luv2gardenAugust 9, 2021 at 9:10 PM

    A lovely garden. The second to last photo of Cotinus and Telekia(?) is a stunning combination.

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  3. chavlinessAugust 10, 2021 at 8:12 AM

    I visited this garden years ago; it's so lush and inviting. What's the massive green plant at the side of the pond?

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    1. Phillip OliverAugust 10, 2021 at 8:21 AM

      You know, I'm not exactly sure. I will try to find the name.

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  4. Barbara H.August 10, 2021 at 9:52 AM

    All these beautiful gardens (including yours!) kind of boggle the mind.

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  5. Hoover BooAugust 11, 2021 at 1:45 PM

    Oh my goodness. Looks like heaven when everything here is so dried out and sunburnt. Refeshing!

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