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...
Your garden is looking great, especially the Clematis--awesome. Beautiful Cotinus too, both of them and the Hydrangeas. Early morning is the best time--but fireworks at 7am? Tacky!
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of fireworks either. Sound and fury signifying nothing. Here big new thing is choreographed lit-up drone shows--all for that, not so noisy, no air pollution.
You've got a lot of wonderful summer color, Phillip! I'm envious of your beautiful Clematis and that very floirferous Hebe. I really don't get fireworks, especially those shot off during the daylight hours - we heard those constantly throughout the day yesterday and then of course it sounded like a war zone last night :(
ReplyDeleteYou made an excellent choice with Salvia 'hot lips': its very hardy and a perfect fit to the colorful vignette by the mail box.
ReplyDeleteI'm growing and loving Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' though I was fooled by the name thinking it will be smaller... it's rather robust. And speaking of Hydrangea: how's your cascading hydrangea "fairytrail bride" doing? I'm still looking for that one. Heronswood is having a Hydrangea festival in August. Maybe I'll find it there.
Although Agastache 'Little Adder' is lovely, the star in the photo is the dish of sparkling trinkets. One of Michael's creations?
Chavli
'Fairytrail Bride' is doing okay in a large pot but I don't think it is getting enough sun since there have been few blooms. I've even tried using a reflector to project more light onto it but so far no luck. The pot is too big to move so I may end up moving it out of that pot. It is growing well though. The birdbath with the stones are ones that we given to us.
DeleteHoly cow! Your garden is looking glorious, the combinations you've done just sing. Your neighbors have infinite inspiration. Hopefully the fireworks weren't awful as the day went on.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten I used to have a Ladybird coreopsis at one time until I saw yours. It must have succumbed a winter or two ago. I love the Spreading Beauty hydrangea.
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for blue/purple. Your garden looks lovely, Phillip! And I, too, dislike fireworks, do not get the appeal of spending so much money on BOOMS,
especially when they off until 3 am... Debbie
Debbie, I just found a photo of that hydrangea when it was first planted and it had pink flowers!
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