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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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Southeast Portland Mini-Tour



A recent HPSO Mini-Tour included four gardens in the Southeast Portland area. 

First, Christine Weaver's garden with winding pathways was full of perennials, vines, carnivorous plants and cacti -








Next up is Jeanne DeBenedetti Keyes' naturalistic, waterwise garden with a collection of native plants. The back garden is a lush, Chinese-influenced, walled garden -








The third garden was Renee Moog's enchanting and whimsical 1/3 acre garden with beautiful plantings enhanced with garden art, including glass bottle walls and floors, and a fantastic water feature -












And finally, the Happy Valley garden of Jennifer Buss emphasizes four-season interest, low-maintenance plantings, and some bonsai specimens (unfortunately my phone battery was depleted and I didn't get many photos) -



 (Visited August 17, 2025)

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

    I love the stone figure with the basket on its head for collected treasures!
    Chavli

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 27, 2025 at 10:10 AM

    You have such beautiful gardens in the PNW and people are so generous in opening their gardens. I love the Sempervivium artwork and the excellent use of recycled bottles.

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  3. Jeanne DeBenedetti KeyesAugust 27, 2025 at 1:51 PM

    Great photos, Philip! You captured some very lovely vignettes. You've got a great eye. Thanks for coming out. It was good to see you.

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    1. Phillip OliverAugust 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM

      Thanks Jeanne and thank you for opening your garden. I enjoyed it!

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  4. JerrySeptember 2, 2025 at 8:05 AM

    Wow, I am enchanted with Renee Moog's garden. That shed and the creative way she used bottles. I will have to keep an eye out for future open garden events there.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverSeptember 2, 2025 at 8:20 AM

      Yes, very creative! I enjoyed that one. If you get a chance, do try to go.

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