The Newt (Somerset, England)
After Stourhead , the second garden on the tour that day was "The Newt". Talk about a change in garden styles! As I review my photos, I can appreciate the beauty and style of this garden, but I must confess, it was one of my least favorites. I remember mostly the heat (it was one of our warmer days), the glaring sun with few trees in sight, and the commercial feel of the whole enterprise. But then again, this was mainly a vegetable garden and I was having an "off" day (I had just toured Stourhead, where I missed some of the main landmarks). The entrance took us through an area with gift shops and display areas (nice thing about photos is you see things you missed - I had not noticed the intricate ceiling design) - We did have an actual tour guide at this one, and he led us through the entire garden - Down a winding, blinding white walkway, towards the large vegetable garden - Leaving one vegetable garden, we headed up a grassy avenue with water features. Along th...
That's a good story. We often don't know how plants ended up for sale in our local nurseries or on line. Millions growing around the world that were once a single seedling.
ReplyDeleteThat intense color sure wakes up the eyes in a grey spring!
It's pretty and cheerful - just what you want to kick off spring!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is an interesting story. It is a beauty too. Happy Spring.
ReplyDeleteI planted PJM Rhododendrum a few years ago. Very little direct sun made it grow leggy branches, it lost the lovely bronze-colored leafs it had when I punched it, and it produced 5 blooms this year. I'm rather discouraged.
ReplyDeleteChavli
Actually mine is not very dense. I wonder if pruning would help?
DeleteSo commanding with the bright color. I know rhododendrons are common, but I miss them (grew up in Portland, OR now in CA).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Thank you for that! I know they are common, but damn - there is a reason for that. I love that dark foliage contrasted with that nearly fluorescent purple. If I had room, I would totally plant one.
ReplyDeleteAnna K