We just returned from a trip back to the UK where we visited several iconic garden spaces—Hidcote, Kiftsgate, Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Highgrove, RHS Wisley, and Westonbirt Arboretum—as they settled into their summer colors. Two are are owned by the National Trust, three are private gardens (as much as you can call The Prince of Wales a private citizen) and two are national repositories for trees and plants. The curious thing is that each seemed to have something to teach us about our own garden at Willow Greens Farm.
This warmed the old cockles. While I appreciate the effort (and $$) that went into Hidcote, Kiftsgate touched my heart more. Those delphiniums! Thanks for sharing your garden journey with us.
Thanks! Also, Kiftsgate had better cakes and sandwiches. The National Trust seems determined to make us think that a sausage roll is a proper lunch. Sausage rolls for a kid’s birthday party in the village hall, yes. Sausage rolls on a grand day out, I think not
What a delight to read about these two contrasting gardens! I especially loved your descriptions of Kiftsgate, which I've never heard of before. I'll have to add it to the list! Hope there are more British garden recaps coming soon!
Thanks! We plan to mix in reviews of the remaining gardens throughout the year. And yes, Kiftsgate is one of my favorites. If you search on YouTube there is an interesting, if not somewhat dated film about the garden and the family.
This warmed the old cockles. While I appreciate the effort (and $$) that went into Hidcote, Kiftsgate touched my heart more. Those delphiniums! Thanks for sharing your garden journey with us.
Thanks! Also, Kiftsgate had better cakes and sandwiches. The National Trust seems determined to make us think that a sausage roll is a proper lunch. Sausage rolls for a kid’s birthday party in the village hall, yes. Sausage rolls on a grand day out, I think not
Wish I had your skill and understanding of gardening. Thanks for taking me along on your beautiful trip.
You are too kind. If I have any garden knowledge it just comes from hanging around gardeners and copying what they say!
What a delight to read about these two contrasting gardens! I especially loved your descriptions of Kiftsgate, which I've never heard of before. I'll have to add it to the list! Hope there are more British garden recaps coming soon!
Thanks! We plan to mix in reviews of the remaining gardens throughout the year. And yes, Kiftsgate is one of my favorites. If you search on YouTube there is an interesting, if not somewhat dated film about the garden and the family.