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Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens.    Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...

Street Views


I rarely get photos from the street. In this case, I was across the road talking to my neighbor and took some photos on the way back. We got 1/2 inch of rain on Monday and the garden responded nicely.







Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Breath taking view! Am I correct in seeing no sidewalk? The only access point is by the mailbox? (I wish you had added a photo of the "before" view, from the time you had just purchased the house. I'm certain it's unrecognizable).
    Chavli

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    Replies
    1. Correct, the only access from the front is by the mailbox. There is a side entrance from the driveway. If I did it over again, I would have liked to move the main entrance down a little toward the middle and made a curving path to the front door instead of the straight path that is there now. I will rustle up an old photo.

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  2. Beautiful shots, Phillip! The lighting was perfect.

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  3. Wow! I found myself saying "Oh my gosh" out loud when I saw the first picture. Amazing colors, textures and varying heights. Just right! It is truly beautiful. Your neighbors are lucky ducks.

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  4. Your neighbor who lives across the street must have one of the best views in town. I'd sit outside in the street with a cup of coffee every morning enjoying your garden instead of my own!

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