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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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Climbing Pinkie



An interesting season this is turning out to be as June has arrived and we are still getting rain and it is yet to surpass the 80 degree mark. The garden is behind by about two weeks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (or I don't think so) but it makes scheduling garden tours a bit tricky.

Looking back at garden photos from last year, I see that by late May, the roses were in full swing. This year, they are just beginning near the end of the first week of June.


The one rose that has been blooming fully is 'Climbing Pinkie'. Introduced in 1952, this polyantha rose is said to be popular in the United States and Australia but not as well known in other countries. It is a sport of the shrub variety 'Pinkie', introduced in 1947 (a seedling of 'China Doll'). Often described as a "mannerly climber", it does project an elegant statement when grown on a structure. It can also be grown as an arching shrub although I've never seen it used this way.

This rose is almost thornless and it is a fast grower. The one seen here in our garden is just 3 years old, having been planted on March 10, 2019. It reblooms through the summer although not as heavily as the first flush. The medium-sized semi-double flowers have a very light fragrance. Disease resistance is pretty good but it does drop lots of leaves during windy periods and Michael gripes about them messing up the pergola floor. It is easy to forgive for the stunning floriferous display it provides out our back windows.





Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonJune 5, 2022 at 4:22 PM

    'Climbing Pinkie' is gorgeous, Phillip! I have a single climbing rose ('Joseph's Coat'), which is laughable by comparison. It's interesting that the weather in your part of the country is taking a tropical turn. Today's LA Times claimed that California's inland areas will be extremely hot this summer, although the coast should "only" be about 10 degrees warmer on average.

    I saw an article on your beautiful garden in the latest edition of Fine Gardening - congratulations!

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    1. Phillip OliverJune 5, 2022 at 8:05 PM

      Thanks Kris! I have 'Joseph's Coat' too but it hasn't done much yet.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowJune 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM

    That is one handsome rose, swoon worthy. I have never had such a prolific rose.

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  3. PatJune 15, 2022 at 8:53 AM

    Is this your garden or a tour as mentioned in your header. Either way...very impressive!!!

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  4. hbJune 15, 2022 at 7:17 PM

    I need it!

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