At the behest of S, Megan and I revisited this wonderful garden in order to give her a second opinion of its composition. In a year that has witnessed burgeoning growth, I was pleasantly surprised to see the state of the woodland garden. A mere year ago it was just getting started after witnessing a devastating collapse of one of the surrounding stone walls – an original from the mill that this magnificent property has utilized to glowing results!
The original wall of the mill affords fleeting moments of dappled sunlight – and was especially enchanting during the ‘Gloaming’ hour. This is my personal favourite aspect of the property – the woodland garden filled with an array of charming nativplantings – including a rather healthy specimen of Diphylleia cymosa that grew too big for his britches here and went off to keep S company as she rebuilt this garden from the ground up. Tonight I sent Roscoea purpurescens her way as well – there’s only one way to create a collector’s garden, and that’s one rare and choice plant at a time! Besides, it doesn’t take a lot of convincing where S is concerned!
My last visit was in the Springtime, when the lower garden was a riot of colours: pink, white, yellow, purple – a virtual rainbow of colour. Now, the brighter colours have given way to more muted shades of green – a compliment to its woodland setting.
A charming trailing Campanula has seeded itself into a smaller retaining wall, adding the perfect touch of charm and whimsy!
A striking Athyrium specimen caught my eye: I wish I could have gotten closer, but its deep burgundy midrib suggests A. ‘Ursula’s Red’ – a true connoisseur within the genus!
Subtle placement of bright, bold foliage pulls the eye along the length of the border. Hosta have all done remarkably well this year with the abundance of moisture we have received!
The blue and purple garden, filled with Iris, Nepeta and Lavandula never ceases to stop me in my tracks. I have once again come away thinking I must give N. subsesssilis another go! I pulled it out in a fit of frustration two years ago when it decided it was going to try and push the boundary of the Shaded Walk! In such case, there is absolutely no room for friendly discussion – the shady characters are going to win out each and every time! Nonetheless, it is a splendid plant! It just needs plenty of room!
Happy, soothing thoughts Teza!
A moss, grass and sculpture bed flank the magnificent view of the Grand River!
A wonderful potage is home to raised beds of herbs, and includes the only rose I would grow: Rosa glauca with its wonderful powdery grey blue foliage.
A most delightful visit as always! Thanks for the invitation S!
1 comment:
What a magical place Barry, a secret garden I would love to have.
Post a Comment