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 had not made the connection.

Back outside on the patio, which was surrounded by 'Lady Hillingdon' roses that were blooming -

A view of the house from the back -

More wisteria! -

A bench designed by Gertrude Jekyll -

(Visited May 11, 2005)

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy