This is not this blog's first visit to The Hermitage, and if you want more information just click on the links. However, I will say it is an oasis of art, brick, wood, gardens, forest and marsh, set on one of the busiest waterways in the country. The first photo is from the courtyard where the plant sale took place. This border was full of heat loving Sun Coleus, Lantana, Margarita and Blackie Sweet Potato Vine and Magilla Perilla.
Mirabilis jalapa - Four O'Clocks
Lantana camara - Lantana
Seedhead from an unknown Clematis
They were setting up for a wedding in this side garden, and I must say that the gardens looked to be in great condition. Over the years this has not always been the case.
Through the archways you get a glimpse of the wetland restoration project along the Layfayette River. This was quite an undertaking to correct years of erosion that threatened the grounds and gardens. Now you wouldn't know that anything every happened - the marsh has matured, and the natives planted around the shoreline above the normal tideline have filled in.
Quercus virginiana - Live Oak
Maclura pomifera - Osage Orange
This Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is the first sign I have seen that fall is near. If you would stand still long enough in these woods, either the Creeper or English Ivy would likley run up your leg.
You may have already guessed, but I did come home with plants, and in my defense, I know we do not currently have them at work (besides, it was for a good cause). I bought a Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry), Agastache x 'Tutti Frutti' and a Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican Petunia) with a bonus Rain Lily (Zephyranthes) in the pot.
(you can find the rest of the pictures here)
Glad to see you got your Callicarpa! Pretty cool you got a Tutti-frutti too!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great eye, who would have thought to take a photo of the yellowing moss on the brick? This is somewhere I have not visited. Adding it to the list...
Great images, Les. I love that clematis seedhead, the cornice detail, and Japanese maple. The gardens do look great, and I'm glad to hear you got some nice plants too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful and interesting place. American Beautyberry is a great plant.
ReplyDeleteLes, YOur photos of this garden are a joy to look at~~The seedhead of the unknown clematis is lovely; like little bird feathers. Great plants!
ReplyDeletegail
As I was reading through one of my tree books I realized I forgot to thank you for posting the Osage Orange. Certainly different than your thorny guy.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures. I'll have to go down there sometime...I've never been.
ReplyDeleteYou have beautiful photos, but some load slowly - perhaps if you reduced the resolution before posting, it would resolve this issue, and would still display well. All the best. Enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteI learned to look at lichens from my wife. She took a whole role of similar pictures back when you had to pay to get them developed. I like the Osage too. I have fond memories of using the fruit as a projectile when I was young.
Pam,
Thanks for the comment. The Japanese maple was in a container with hand made tiles embedded in the sides and they matched the foliage and the patio.
Sweet Bay,
I have wanted an American Beautyberry for some time now, I just have to do some re-arranging to get it a home.
Gail,
I thought they looked like feathers too.
Phillip,
If Clayton's Natives ever needs a field trip idea, the restored wetlands were replanted with natives. Yolima Carr does speak with groups about the whole project and it is very interesting.
Garden Lily,
I realize I am pushing the envelope on size, but I can't stand small pictures. I will play with the resolution on the next post. Thanks for letting me know.
Les
What a beautiful spot. Thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely garden. It is great the restoration was effective and congrats on your new purchases! Can't go to a plant sale without getting some-come on now-it is expected and perfectly fine.
ReplyDeleteI love that osage orange - I've always found them fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI love unintended plant purchases - they're such fun. I've heard that 'Tutti Fruiti' is a gorgeous color, although I haven't seen one - and I foolishly haven't added an American Beautyberry yet either (only the native coralberry last fall). I'm sure that you'll fit it in somewhere!
Joan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming along.
Tina,
I just have to figure out where I am going to put my new purchases. I wonder of my neighbors would notice if I put them just over the property line?
Pam,
I like picking a few Osage Oranges to put in a bowl for the house. They look like green brains, but smell really sharp and fresh, enough to mask hound dog smells.
Les
Hi Les, you are my go to travelogue and once again have transported us! There is nothing like old brick with greenery, wrought iron and bright foliage to make one sigh at the beauty of it all. The marsh looks like it has always been there, hope that is what will be done in your own area. What a specimen that J. maple is in the pot. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
What a beautiful site (and sights). I want to come live on that patio with the Japanese maple! Just back from a two-day bus trip to Iowa visiting Arboretums, private gardens and nurseries. I only bought one plant and it was really hard to restrain myself. But it's late in the season here and I decided I needed a plan before I plunked down more money.
ReplyDeleteFrances,
ReplyDeleteI am gladly accepting any and all donations to TTG Travelogue fund. I will use these resources to scour the region and the world for great photo opportunities. ... oh, was I daydreaming just now?
Linda,
That patio lead you right up to the front door and I loved how the foliage matched the pots, the floor tiles and the bricks. I hope we will see pictures of your tour. You are very smart to want a plan before putting new plants in. I still do not know where the plants I bought are going to end up.
Les
Les
Lovely, mature garden spaces. Acer palmatum has been waiting all year to talk to the patio bricks.
ReplyDelete