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Iford Manor (Bradford-on-Avon, England) Part 1

At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory.  Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey.  First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front.  We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...
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A Good Year For Roses

The front gate with 'Veilchenblau' and 'Dublin Bay' roses


The roses are beautiful this year and they have been long-lasting, thanks to mostly cool temperatures. The odd weather continues - as I write this, it is 61 degrees and pouring down rain. In the middle of June!

More roses in the front garden -

'Sea Foam' with Clematis durandii - 'Lady of Shalott' in the background



'Lady of Shalott' with Baptisia


'Robin Hood'


'The Impressionist'



'Radway Sunrise'



'Dublin Bay' on the front gate with Clematis 'Taiga' and 'Jackmanii Superba'


'Marjorie Fair'


'Coral Cove'

'Robin Hood' with Lithodora

'Westerland'

'Westerland'

'Radway Sunrise'

'The Impressionist'

'Lady Emma Hamilton'

'Alchymist'

'Golden Celebration' and Clematis 'Chevalier'

I have too many roses so I will make this a 2-part post and feature the roses in the back garden in the next post.
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJune 19, 2023 at 8:23 PM


    Every single one of those roses is a jewel, Phillip. I've given up on most of my roses - I just don't have enough water to keep them happy. You got an unseasonal downpour and we got 0.02/inch of drizzle but then we don't usually get a drop of rain between April and October so I shouldn't complain, especially as our temperatures are also cooler than normal for this time of year.

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    1. Phillip OliverJune 20, 2023 at 8:25 AM

      Kris, well in reality, just 1/2 inch but still very grateful. This time of year, there usually isn't any at all.

      Delete
  2. Patricia CunninghamJune 20, 2023 at 7:44 AM

    So gorgeous. Now you're making me want to add roses. You sure know how to curate a garden. Aren't we lucky to have you amongst Pacific Northwest gardening nerds. Inspiring, always. Cheers

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    1. Phillip OliverJune 20, 2023 at 8:25 AM

      Thanks Patricia - to answer your question - YES - and to be away from the heat and tornadoes, even better.

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  3. tz_gardenJune 20, 2023 at 8:23 AM

    WOW! So many gorgeous roses, they are loving your up & down weather. 'Lady Emma Hamilton' is so lovely, is it scented?

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    1. Phillip OliverJune 20, 2023 at 8:28 AM

      Yes it is - as a matter of fact, it is our favorite scented David Austin rose.

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  4. HummingbirdJune 20, 2023 at 10:38 AM

    Oh, Phillip, they are all so beautiful, and we have truly had crazy weather this year. Debbie Crockett

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