Iford Manor (Bradford-on-Avon, England) Part 1
At the end of our trip (after seeing almost 30 gardens), our tour director, Bruce, asked us to give him a list of our top 5 favorite gardens. I had to think awhile for my 3-5 choices, but I immediately knew that my top two were Tresco Abbey (which I have not covered yet) and this one - Iford Manor. For the #1 spot, I go back and forth, but after being home for a few months, Iford Manor brings me my most pleasant memory. Actually, the two gardens are similar in style (Italianate). Since I'm doing these in order, it will be some time before I get to Tresco Abbey. First, a little about the house. The property was once home to a wool factory and dates back to the Domesday book (1086). The present house was built around 1720. The house overlooks the Frome valley with a small river flowing in front. We began our tour on this bridge where we met the Lord of the manor - Just kidding - the owner is William Cartwright-Hignett. That is him in the center of this photo with our gro...
Beautiful photos of a beautiful garden, Phillip! However, given that your bench shot shows that a geranium has taken over, it looks as though you haven't given yourself many opportunities to sit down and enjoy it ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is true. I wanted to cut it back and Michael insisted we leave it.
DeleteGorgeous, Phillip! You do August right! I am tempted to get a Vitex now that you've shown it here and in your July favorites.
ReplyDeleteJerry, you should. I love it.
DeleteOh, my! So beautiful. I remember when you put those steps in...
ReplyDeleteThe bench shot in particular is romantic and magazine worthy: I'm glad Michael insisted :-D
I see your Phormium is fully recover since a couple of winters ago. Right above it in the far left corner: are those 'red twig' dogwood branches in the large pot?
Chavli
I have cut the phormium down close to the ground for the past two seasons. Now that I know it will rebound, it is painless. Those twigs are a variety of different things, spray-painted red by Michael.
DeleteHow beautiful, you've created a masterpiece! I especially love the path photos #3 & #5. So lush, your garden looks like it appreciates the mild summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYour garden is so lovely, Phillip! Each path draws your eye further in...so lush. Debbie Crockett
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie! I loved your garden.
DeleteI've been following you and your garden for a while via your emails, and it just gets more beautiful every year! Thanks so much for sharing your gardening passion!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sandy!
DeleteLove these photos. An inspiration for a Vancouver Island gardener. What is the purple flowering bush, very tall, in photo #8? Love your use of colours. Divine!
ReplyDeleteThank you! That is a chaste tree (vitex).
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