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Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens.    Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...

Containers in the Garden by Claus Dalby - a book review


Publication Date: April 12, 2022 (Cool Springs Press)

In his first English-language book, Danish floral designer Claus Dalby shares his passion for creating colorful containers. 


Dalby's containers are simplistic in design. He uses minimal plants per pot and often only one plant species. When massed together, however, his displays create a stunning effect. 
 
 
His garden in Denmark encompasses fifteen hedged garden rooms themed by color.  Large groupings of pots are positioned in tiers in displays by walls, fences and doorways. The pots change with the seasons and tulips, dahlias, daffodils and annuals are central players. He covers every color theme and notes some of his favorite plants.

 

 
 
Although the "how-to" aspects of planting and maintaining a container are not in-depth (his potting soil mix is a professional blend not available to the average customer), the photographs are beautiful and reason enough to recommend the book.



 

Photos courtesy Cool Springs Press

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