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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...
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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden.


I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them.

There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back.

'Ryusen'


I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back. 

'Sango-Kaku'


I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaining blood-red leaves were lingering when I returned. Still, not enough for a good photo. Michael tells me that it was beautiful. 

A scattering of leaves from 'Skeeter's Broom'

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonNovember 17, 2024 at 6:51 PM

    Beautiful maples, even if you didn't catch all of them at their peak!

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  2. AnonymousNovember 18, 2024 at 7:56 AM

    The fallen leaves are just as gorgeous when skirting the earth bellow! That last photo is spectacular.
    I hope you'll post about your trip in Japan.
    Chavli

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  3. tz_gardenNovember 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM

    Welcome home! I just got back from a 2 week trip to Cambodia and Thailand and still feeling wobbly and jet lagged. Japan sounds wonderful, I've always wanted to visit. The colors are brilliant on Skeeter's Broom - WOW!

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    1. Phillip OliverNovember 18, 2024 at 10:30 AM

      Welcome back home to you too. I didn't think I was affected by that but I just slept until 10am today and I haven't done that since I was a teen.

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    2. Ardith FergusonNovember 19, 2024 at 7:39 PM

      The Skeeter's Broom is so stunning! Beautiful colors throughout your garden. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

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