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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Chanticleer ~ Gravel & Ruin Gardens

Tulipa 'Rem's Favourite' and white Allium neapolitanum framed by arborvitae, and looking down on a pergola covered in Wisteria sinensis 'Amethyst' ~ the Gravel Garden at Chanticleer.
Tulipa 'Rem's Favourite' and white Allium neapolitanum framed by pillar Arborvitae look down on a pergola covered in Wisteria sinensis 'Amethyst' ~ the Gravel Garden at Chanticleer.
We are continuing our tour of Chanticleer gardens in Wayne, PA, USA.  Last April, the Gravel Garden and Ruin gardens were clothed in tulips, alliums, grape hyacinths and daffodils for my visit... And they make me remember why spring is my favorite season!

A young Tilia americana shows off its green bark by the blue stone in the Ruin Garden. Green fern shoots and Euphorbia bracts echo this color.
A young Tilia americana shows off its green bark by the blue stone in the Ruin Garden.  Green fern shoots and Euphorbia bracts echo this color.
Tulipa 'White Triumphator', Tulipa 'Moonlight Girl' and Tulipa 'Paul Scherer' shine in the April sunlight in the Ruin Garden.
Tulipa 'White Triumphator', Tulipa 'Moonlight Girl' and Tulipa 'Paul Scherer' shine in the April sunlight in the Ruin Garden.
Dry sink containers are scattered at the top of the Gravel Garden, and along the stone step that descend done the slope. A green circle lawn (on left) is edged with six pillar Arborvitae, which act as the vertical exclamation points at the top of the hill.
Dry sink containers are scattered at the top of the Gravel Garden, and along the stone steps that descend the slope. A green circle lawn (on left) is edged with six pillar Arborvitae, which act as the vertical exclamation points at the top of the hill.
As you move to the left, you passed the circle lawn and soon find yourself at the top of the gravel staircase. The beautiful wisteria pergola curves around the lawn at the bottom. Once you descend the densely planted steps to this lawn, you will find a nice place to view the ponds further down the hill.
As you move to the left, you passed the circle lawn and soon find yourself at the top of the gravel staircase. The beautiful wisteria pergola curves around the lawn at the bottom. Once you descend the densely planted steps to this lawn, you will find a nice place to view the ponds further down the hill.
Wisteria sinensis 'Amethyst' on the pergola at the bottom of the Gravel garden stairs.
Wisteria sinensis 'Amethyst' on the pergola at the bottom of the Gravel garden stairs.
Clumps of Mexican feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima) create a cloud to frame the bulbs of spring: purple Allium 'Early Emperor', blue Muscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis', yellow Tulipa linifolia (Batalinii Group) 'Bronze Charm' and white Tulipa 'Madonna', among others.
Clumps of Mexican feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima) create a cloud to frame the bulbs of spring: purple Allium 'Early Emperor', blue Muscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis', yellow Tulipa linifolia (Batalinii Group) 'Bronze Charm' and white Tulipa 'Madonna', among others.
Several daffodils fill these beds, including Narcissus 'Pacific Coast' seen here with the allium. I love the curve to this strong stone path and the full, fluffy planting woven through it. But the whole picture would look like a mess without the strong pillar verticals to frame this view up the hill. Excellent design working with Chanticleer's depth of planting makes for a wonderful garden experience!
Several daffodils fill these beds, including Narcissus 'Pacific Coast' seen here with the allium. I love the curve to this strong stone path and the full, fluffy planting woven through it. But the whole picture would look like a mess without the strong pillar verticals to frame this view up the hill. Excellent design working with Chanticleer's depth of planting makes for a wonderful garden experience!

See more of the Chanticleer Series on WMG!

9 comments:

  1. AngieMarch 19, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    There is a real mediterranean feel to this garden. Those verticals really do their job. I would love to have meander up those steps.

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerMarch 20, 2013 at 9:25 AM

      Angie,
      This garden was one that I kept reflecting on after my visit. It was different than other gardens I have seen, and I did really enjoy just looking around. From my reading, I would compare it to Beth Chatto's Dry garden. I think my photos did not do this garden true justice... you will just have to try to come over and see it yourself someday!
      ~Julie

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  2. PaulineMarch 19, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    That is a fantastic Wisteria, the perfume must be amazing!

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  3. JasonMarch 19, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    My God, that wisteria is incredible. I saw forget-me-nots among the bulbs, another favorite.

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  4. Donna@Gardens Eye ViewMarch 19, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    How lovely a view of spring as mine is snow white...I look forward to seeing this view of spring soon.

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  5. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    I am really enjoying these images of Chanticleer. When do you think the best time to visit is? Studio G also featured an article about this garden that you may enjoy if you haven't seen it already. Here is the link to the article I read earlier today http://www.studiogblog.com/destination_gardens/gardens-to-visit/chanticleer/.

    Susan

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerMarch 20, 2013 at 9:22 AM

      Susan,
      I have only had the pleasure of visiting Chanticleer for one visit, so I cannot give you personal advice of the best timing. Chanticleer does have a bloom guide on their website that would be helpful though!: http://www.chanticleergarden.org/inbloom2012.html

      Decide what flowers, shrubs or trees you would really like to see in bloom and go at their appointed bloom time! I am looking forward to another visit this spring to take my family along. It is a garden with good design and attentive gardeners. I do not think anytime would be a bad time to visit! I look forward to going in different seasons in future years. :)
      ~Julie

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  6. VWMarch 20, 2013 at 2:03 PM

    Lovely wisteria! I'm amazed that there actually is a proper place for arborvitae in this garden - it's not my favorite shrub but looks great here.

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  7. scottweberpdxMarch 20, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    So lovely, lots of inspiration to be found!

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