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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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Arbutus Gardens



As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise!

Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'.

The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples.














I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrounded by other plants.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2025 at 10:22 AM

    I really need to get down there! It keeps slipping off my radar.
    However, I've got to say that your restraint was admirable, but possibly misplaced when the nursery owner of a stunning garden says he's trying to retire....

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 28, 2025 at 1:02 PM

    The crevice garden in the third photo is interesting and creative. I hope Mr Jacobs has passed his expertise in propagating trees on to others - he looks to be a master at it.

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  3. tz_gardenSeptember 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM

    So pristine, and layered expertly. I'm off to look up that meadow muffin.

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