Skip to main content

Featured

Hidcote - pt. 1

I'm just now getting around to organizing the photos from my trip to England back in May. As I've said a million times, this was the trip of a lifetime, and I had an incredible time. This was a 3-week trip organized by the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) during which we visited 35 different locations. Most all of these were gardens but there were also a few castles and villages thrown in, as well as the icing on the trip - the Chelsea Flower Show. This tour focused on the southeast region of England, notably the Cotswolds and Cornwall. I've watched so many programs and read so many books about England and the gardens there that I was afraid it would tarnish the image I had built up in my head. I'm pleased to say that it not disappoint. The trek from London to Bath by train was not the best first impression. However, as we gained distance from the city, the rolling green countryside gave me glimpses of things to come. After arriving in Bath and finding my hotel, I m...
3 comments
Read more
Labels

Linda Ernst's Garden



In my previous post about Joanne Fuller's garden, I mentioned that we also toured her next-door neighbor Linda Ernst's garden. It too was fabulous. They share a gate in their back garden. In the following photo, you can see the open gate. The banana tree is on Joanne's side. Doesn't it look great behind Linda's wall?


We saw Linda's back garden first since we entered through the gate. The first thing I saw was a gorgeous 'Zuni' crape myrtle that had recently been planted. It was full of blooms. Apparently I did not get a photo of it. There was so much to see, I was overwhelmed.

Lots of vibrant colors and beautiful plantings. Notice the purple glass panels on the left wall? Linda does glass work. To the right is her studio -


Leaving the back garden, we entered the side garden which used to be a driveway.  The rose is a David Austin variety and Linda said it was a very good one (sorry I don't recall the name) - 



The neighbors on the other side put in a border of flowers that Linda maintains -


A view from the neighbor's side -


Advancing closer to the front garden -






Looking into the front garden from the side. The large tree is an Azara, the biggest I've ever seen -


Stunning pots and very good-looking hostas -


Overlooking the front garden (which is elevated from the street). The lush planting really gives a calming and cooling effect, especially on a hot day like this -


Ending the tour with this beautiful hydrangea - Aspera 'Plum Passion', a Dan Hinkley introduction. It was stunning -



Thanks to both Linda and Joanne for sharing their gardens, especially on a hot day! Both are very inspiring and open by appointment for HPSO members.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2023 at 7:13 AM

    It is a gift to live next door to another avid gardener especially when you share garden sensibilities. These are vibrant summer gardens with great shade areas.
    I bet the scent of the Azara when it blooms in late winter is intoxicating.
    Chavli

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kris PetersonAugust 28, 2023 at 10:53 AM

    So wonderful when neighbors collaborate/cooperate like that! This floriferous garden is right up my alley. I appreciate that shallow rock-filled water feature in your first shot too.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts