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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...
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Autumnal Equinox 9/23/23


Today is the official first day of fall - the Autumnal Equinox when the sun passes directly over the equator and progresses southward.  Weather-wise, it certainly feels like fall with the temperatures only in the 60s today and our first major rain event beginning tomorrow.

The garden looks good considering it is soooooo dry. The rain is needed badly. I glanced through the Farmer's Almanac while Michael was shopping for fabric this morning and the winter forecast for the Pacific Northwest is colder and dryer. On a brighter note, next summer is supposed to be cooler.









Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonSeptember 23, 2023 at 7:05 PM

    Your garden is looking very colorful on the first day of fall. Enjoy that rain! I'm envious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbara H.September 23, 2023 at 9:38 PM

    Phillip, your gardens are always so beautiful. These pictures look like paintings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patricia CSeptember 24, 2023 at 8:48 AM

    So fabulous. Just love your garden and your posts. Always inspiring. Always gorgeous. Cheers, Phillip

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2023 at 10:10 AM

    I'm envious of your variegated Dogwood wolf-eyes. I fell in love when I saw it in your Alabama garden. The pink and gray phormium in front complements it beautifully.
    Chavli

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverSeptember 24, 2023 at 8:57 PM

      It has really gotten much bigger here than it did in Alabama!

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  5. Angie @ Garden FeastSeptember 25, 2023 at 10:28 AM

    Your gardens are always so beautiful. Our Equinox came with my favorite kind of fall weather-- rainy and cool. Perfect for reading. And after the drought we had, it was a welcomed change.

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 27, 2023 at 4:28 AM

    Your garden looks so lush even if it has been so dry. My garden is quite parched. Plants look wilted for the most part. I am looking forward to cool and rainy. I hope this fall brings the rain at least.

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