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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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Sebright Gardens



I've wanted to visit Sebright Gardens in Brooks, Oregon since moving here and finally got the chance this week - many thanks to my friend Linda who invited me on this excursion. It has been eons since I've ventured beyond the house and workplace and it was fun getting away. We also stopped at the Rogerson Clematis Garden and I will share photos of it later.

Sebright Gardens specializes in hostas, epimedium and ferns. I was mainly interested in seeing their display gardens but of course I could not escape without buying something. I did practice restraint, however, and only purchased one epimedium and one fern. I did look at the hostas but so many varieties was frankly overwhelming and I gave up.

The bright midday sun was discouraging for good photos and I'm afraid these are not the best. Hopefully they will give you an idea of the wide array of plants. I was astounded by trees and shrubs, most of them unfamiliar to me.









The retail area for visitors doesn't fully include all of their plants. Many have to be requested in advance or through mail order. Here is a glimpse of the hostas in a holding area, off limits to the public -




And hostas in the greenhouse - as far as the eye can see! -


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. ElaineJuly 16, 2023 at 7:35 AM

    I agree with you on the number of hosta cultivars out there. The specimens at Seabright look incredibly lush and happy. I admire your restraint as it must have been hard to not bring any back. Lovely display gardens.

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  2. danger gardenJuly 16, 2023 at 9:29 AM

    But you didn't tell us what you bought!

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM

      Oh yeah - Epimedium 'Waterfall' and Golden Zebra Fern

      Delete
  3. Kris PetersonJuly 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM

    What a beautiful nursery!

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  4. Hoover BooJuly 17, 2023 at 4:37 PM

    Oh my! No wonder you've been wanting to visit. Such beautiful Hostas--as well as everything else.

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