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Iford Manor (Part 2)

(Continued from Part 1) ... I knew that Iford Manor was my kind of garden when I saw the statue of "Dying Gaul" perched on top of a wall. We can't afford one for our garden but we do have a little version inside the house - The garden continues uphill with areas that are naturalized as well as manicured  -  A very theatrical area with some of the statuary from Peto's travels - Peto loved curved benches. In addition to Italian gardens, he was influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement. Some think that his love of curved benches came from the paintings of Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Some copies of his works were found in Peto's files - "Expectations" by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema Small buildings also dotted the landscape - The largest building was the cloister which housed more of his classical treasures - There is even a Japanese garden - Various pathways and woodland trails led to a road above the gardens. This set of stairs was roped off, but there were more ...
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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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