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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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Rain and a bit of fall color

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Miss' in the foreground and Calamagrostis 'Karl Forester' in the background


Rain is finally arriving in the Pacific Northwest and cooler temperatures as well. At noon today, we've had a slight drizzle and a whopping .02 inches. Hopefully more and heavier rain is on the way. It is sorely needed.

Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' (Blood Twig Dogwood)


Fall color so far has been scant but there is some to savor.

Sumac 'Tiger Eyes' (Rhus typhina) is the star of the show at the moment.

The leaves fall quickly and another sumac in a pot has already lost most. The rain will most likely ruin these leaves but they have been beautiful for many weeks.

Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) is the most colorful tree at the moment. In the foreground is Smoke Bush 'Golden Spirit' (Cotinus coggygria)


The Serviceberry (Amelanchier grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance') has been rewarding and a wonderful view out my office window. 


Betula 'Trost's Dwarf' (Birch)


Dogwood 'Celestial Shadow' (Cornus kousa) and
 Japanese Maple 'Bihou' (Acer palmatum)


Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis)


Catalpa bignoinoides 'Aurea' with
Parrotia in the background and 'Karl Forester' grass in the front



Some color from heathers outside our front window


Hopefully, more fall color is on the way. So far, no hint of it on the ginkgo but leaves on the sassafras and black tupelo are slowly beginning. 


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonOctober 21, 2022 at 7:01 PM

    Lovely fall color, more than we get over the entire fall.winter season. Two one-hundredths of an inch is all we got during the most recent storm but I hope you'll be lot luckier over the course of the weekend. I also hope the rain will be sufficient to get the area's fires under control.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverOctober 21, 2022 at 10:49 PM

      My heart goes out to you Kris - I know lack of rain is tough and you have it much worse than us. So far, almost 1/2 inch at 10pm tonight. I'm thankful but it has been a long time coming.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 22, 2022 at 6:14 AM

    Sumac is so reliable and truly unmatched with its brilliant fall display: it never cease to take my breath away.
    Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Miss' is gorgeous. I should give this dwarf variety a try.
    chavli

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  3. AnonymousOctober 23, 2022 at 6:55 PM

    Lovely - that Tiger Eye is just phenomenal!! I just planted a couple of Little Miss in a client's garden. Seeing your photo made me so happy I took a chance on them!

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