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Lacock (Wiltshire, England)

After leaving Special Plants Nursery , we headed to Lacock, an English village that is virtually locked in time and owned by the National Trust. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and many of the town's structures were built in the 14th century. The village has been used for many film locations, including some of the Harry Potter f ilms, Downton Abbey , Pride and Prejudice , Cranford , etc.  In addition to the residences (I cannot imagine living there with all the tourists), there were many gift stores, pubs, church and best of all, a chocolate shop. I had a delicious traditional sausage roll. St. Cyriac's Church - (Visited May 9, 2025) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Bring On The Fall Color

Gingko 'Troll'

The Fall colors seem to be coming sooner this year. The Stewartia was the first tree I noticed, and it changed weeks ago. Others, such as many of the Japanese maples and dogwoods, haven't changed yet.

Stewartia pseudocamellia



Bluestar (Amsonia hubrechtii) is the most colorful fall perennial.



I would say the most colorful shrub is the Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'). It began to change color weeks ago and it has really grown this year. 



The best year so far for Fothergilla 'Jane Platt'. This has been an extreme slow grower but it is finally filling in.


A colorful grouping with the amazing Miscanthus 'Little Miss',  Joe Pye Weed and Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum). 

Miscanthus 'Little Miss' is the most colorful ornamental grass in the garden.



Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) changes color from the inside out.

Wiegela 'Wings of Fire'


Looking down the garden pathway with Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' in the distance.
Notice the mushrooms - I've never seen so many as I have this year.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. tz_gardenOctober 24, 2024 at 8:54 AM

    Wow, this is fantastic! I love the Gingko. You're a true artist with color and texture. Little Miss in front of the green doesn't even look real. And the orange Stewartia in front of the purple blooms, my goodness. I'll say it again, your neighbors are so lucky!

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  2. Kris PetersonOctober 24, 2024 at 10:44 AM

    Lovely splashes of yellow and orange! That last shot is beautiful, mushrooms included.

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  3. Ardith FergusonOctober 24, 2024 at 5:21 PM

    Your photo of the Miscanthus is fantastic! I love your compositions in the garden and on film.

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  4. Ardith FergusonOctober 24, 2024 at 5:22 PM

    Your photo of the Miscanthus is fantastic! I love your compositions in the garden and on film.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 27, 2024 at 6:30 PM


    Wonderful fall colors, Philip.
    How tall is your Stewartia pseudocamellia and how long did you have it?
    Chavli

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  6. RobinLOctober 31, 2024 at 4:30 PM

    Oh my goodness, I swoon from all this gorgeous fall color! But I am an absolute nut for autumn. Well done Phillip!

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