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...
That's an ingenious solution and well worth it to help that beautiful shrub shine. Deutzia is another plant I love but it's so far outside my zone it's not something I'd even try to grow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!
DeleteYou are absolutely right ! This is one gorgeous plant albeit tree ? .. I would have thought the same things as you did .. in the family of deutzia so why not a small shrub? However what a beauty to "out grow" your expectations ! Great ideas for staking too.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is a stunner Phillip.
Thanks!
DeleteYou remember correctly - the one at Joy Creek was MASSIVE! And, as I recall, also had to be supported. I believe they had it growing over an arch, entering the Terrace Garden. I'm sorry I missed your open garden. I bet anyone who didn't didn't miss the Deutzia much. You have so many other wonderful plants to admire!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna - I could not remember exactly where it was or what it was growing on.
DeleteI understand this shrub can be pruned hard every year. Do you prune it?
ReplyDeleteYes but not hard. I plan to do so after bloom for sure. I have it in a limited space spot anyway so it will need it.
Delete