Hidcote pt. 2
I am continuing my last post with more photos of Hidcote, this time focusing on the outer perimeter of the garden. Like most gardens, these areas were less formal in design. Along the outer fences, you get serene views of the English countryside with nary a building in sight. One such vista occurs at the top of a long avenue called the "Long Walk". This expanse of lawn surrounded by hornbeam hedges is a stark contrast to the previous garden rooms that are packed with plants. The angle of the hedges gives an optical illusion, making the avenue appear longer than it is. Once you reach the summit, an open gate leads to a view of the countryside - One can choose to walk back down the way they came up or take a route back through "The Wilderness" which runs alongside The Long Walk. The Wilderness is a woodland area with winding grass pathways that meander through mature trees and densely planted shrubbery. If you walk to the opposite side of the Long Walk, you will stro...
The bloom pattern on the dogwood is peculiar. I hope someone could comment an explanation. I love how you match up Euphorbia 'Martinii' and pansies in a pot. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteDogwood is so beautiful. There's one on my street, just finished blooming, but still a nice round tree. Oh, borage! I wouldn't count on it keeping to itself in a pot. The seeds will still end up all over the place. My original two plants have multiplied each year, but they're where I don't mind.
ReplyDeleteHere if the top growth (flowers and foliage) on the top of a tree is sparse, it's not enough water. But of course my climate is very different! Was your last rainy season a dry one? The Dogwood is magnificent nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy seeing all the plants we don't see here: Daphne, Rhododendrons, Spruce, herbaceous Peony.
That combo of the Euphobia and Viola is striking, too.
Oh, wow, that pink dogwood is just incredible! You have so many beautiful blooms. I am full of envy.
ReplyDeleteYou have a good showing for what's effectively early spring there, Phillip. I love the dogwood even with its sparse top. The Picea is gorgeous too and, like HB, I was struck by the Euphorbia/Viola mix. While you're understandably annoyed with the cold, wet conditions up your way, I can't help being envious as our drought situation grows uglier by the day.
ReplyDeleteBorage ! I pulled up 3 of them today. The seedlings are easy to ID and pull though and the bees love the flowers so I make sure I always have a couple around. Love your E. martinii with the pansies--a knockout combo !
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, your Clematis montana 'Freda' is so thick and lush looking. It's clearly very happy in that spot. And I agree with others that your euphorbia / viola combo is something special. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I especially like the Euphorbia and Pansies together.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
I am looking forward to your open garden again! I know we need all this water, but really, THIS much? The blooms and combinations are beautiful. Our pink dogwood did that same thing one year, but came back the next. This year it is full of blooms to the top. I wish I knew the answer....
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing that your barberry doesn't pop up everywhere. Around here they are considered invasive. The clematis growing up in yours looks great with the barberry.
ReplyDeleteWe have a magnolia that does what your dogwood does in years where there is a late frost or freeze. Maybe yours was frost bitten.