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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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Operation Azara



The snow and ice melt has been slow going but it looks like it might finally be out of here this weekend. There has been some sunshine today but temps are only 36 so the ground is still covered.

Every time we have weather like this, the two plants that suffer the most are my favorites (of course!) - the Azara (Azara microphylla) and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). I had major damage on the Strawberry Tree from the heavy snowfall we experienced in April 2022. The poor thing has emerged from that onslaught nicely although it still looks out of whack. This time, there was no damage that I can see.

The Azara had been staked with heavy-duty supports following that 2022 snowfall after it was literally laying on the ground. This time, it remained vertical. However, the long branches were splayed in every direction -



I knocked the ice off the best that I could but was worried that the branches would break on Thursday night considering we were under the threat of yet another ice event. So, I braved the elements, got out the tall ladder and started pulling the branches together. I secured them with the outer layer of a flexible hose. The flexible hoses do not last, in my experience, but I'm glad we saved them. Michael had earlier removed the inner, rubber hose with the intention of using it as a tie but it desintegrates when exposed to the sun. Fortunately, the outer lining is more durable, and it is being put to good use. 

So the poor Azara lives on! That is, until we see what the next storm will have in store for it.  



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 20, 2024 at 4:35 AM

    Ice is always the worst winter condition to deal with. It is good that you got out there and did what you could do to hopefully prevent disaster.

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  2. Kris PetersonJanuary 20, 2024 at 11:44 AM

    May it survive and prosper!

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  3. tz_gardenJanuary 20, 2024 at 1:15 PM

    Ice is the worst. I'm sure it's much better to look out and see it safely tied up than being splayed out on the ground. I hope you're in full melt now!

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  4. Hoover BooJanuary 22, 2024 at 3:54 PM

    Lovely, elegant shrub. Best of luck getting it through this tough winter.

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