Skip to main content

Featured

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...
4 comments
Read more

Early Fall?


One of our local meterologists posted today that we are headed for an early fall. Music to my ears! It only got up to around 70 yesterday and we had an all-day marine layer. That hasn't happened in a long time. Today is equally tolerable and there has been some light rain showers.  Summer is my least favorite season so I'm happy to see it go.

On the minus side, August was one of the hottest on record for Portland and it is so dry that some plants in the garden are showing stress despite being watered. Relief is in sight - there is an 80% chance of rain on Thursday.

Some shots from the garden today -


Zinnias and Aster 'Kickin Purple'

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'




Rose 'Buff Beauty'

Abelia 'Frances Mason' (a gift from Paul Bonine!)

Persicaria 'Blackfield'

Juniper 'All Gold'

Vernonia baldwinii (Western Ironweed) 



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post

Comments

  1. Kris PetersonAugust 29, 2023 at 4:59 PM

    Your garden still looks very summery (and absolutely beautiful!) but I hope the prediction of an early fall is true. Summer is also my least favorite season and it's stifling here at the moment - we hit 97F this afternoon. I envy you that chance of rain.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hoover BooAugust 29, 2023 at 8:28 PM

    I see some toasted Hosta, but overall your garden still looks fabulous. 'Buff Beauty' yes she is. 70F! Ahhhh, lovely gardening weather! We had 98F today. Not so Ahhhh. Hope you get a good rain.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JeanetteAugust 30, 2023 at 5:23 AM

    You have a beautiful garden. I, too, am ready for fall. Summer in North Texas as been extremely hot this year.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Patricia CAugust 30, 2023 at 8:07 AM

    You sure know how to knit a garden. Love seeing your posts. They are inspiring. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousAugust 30, 2023 at 8:28 AM

    Those juniper berries are great!
    The Hosta shot illustrates how some are more tolerant of sun than others. I transplanted a hosta to a morning sun-dappled shade and it's toasted. Others with greater exposure look fine, just like those in your picture.
    LOVE the stone Morrell mushroomll!
    Chavli

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment