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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 ...

A bit of snow

Colorado Blue Spruce 'Globosa' and Deodar Cedar 'Feelin Blue'

 

It was snowing hard when I went to bed late Saturday night and we woke up to a nice dusting. It didn't last long and was almost completely gone by the time I made it outside to get some photos. We are getting loads of rain which is good. It still has not really felt like winter though and has just barely hit the freezing mark.
 
And Merry Christmas to me! I've been wanting one of these for a long time -

Pinus contorta 'Chief Joseph'


 


 The new back fence is festive, thanks to Michael. He made the bows and the wreath.

 

Other plants of note -

Beautyberry 'Profusion' (Callicarpa). I didn't think birds liked these berries but I saw some on it last week. Now that I've moved my computer to face out the front window, it is amazing what you see!


Fatsia japonica


Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

African Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Mugo Pine 'Aurea' (Pinus mugo)

New Zealand Orange Sedge (Carex testacea)

Pinus strobus 'Nana Blue Shag'

St. John's Wort (Hypericum inodorum 'Pumpkin')

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' and Persicaria 'Red Dragon'

The big chartreuse plant in the middle is Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa 'Jealousy'). I'm planning on moving it toward the back of the wall soon.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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