The Garden At Kelmscott

I seem to have worked through my obsession with Hidcote. It wasn't even my favourite garden from the trip. What! She is going to ramble on and on about somewhere else? The favourite will come in a few weeks. Today I'm taking you to Kelmscott Manor, the country retreat of William Morris, known for his association with the Arts and Crafts movement. In homage to the movement I'll keep it simple.

"The garden, divided by old clipped yew hedges, is quite unaffected and very pleasant, and looks in fact as if it were a part of the house, yet at least the clothes of it: which I think ought to be the aim of the layer-out of a garden. Many a good house both old and new is marred by the vulgarity and stupidity of its garden, so that one is tormented by having to abstract in one's mind the good building from the nightmare of `horticulture' which surrounds it." William Morris

"...the windows in this room are large and transomed, and it is as pleasant as possible; and I have many a memory of hot summer mornings passed in its coolness amidst the green reflections of the garden." William Morris

"Morris’s letters refers to crocuses, aconites, ‘snowdrops everywhere’, violets, and primroses, as well as quantities of tulips; also to roses and hollyhocks, scabious and cottage annuals; poppies, Sweet Sultans, China asters and Dianthus Heddwigii." Society of Antiquaries 

The garden at Kelmscott influenced many of Morris's designs

Strawberry Thief

Trellis

Pimpernel-I brought this one home in the form of a tea towel

I will leave it to W.M. to describe the sentiments inspired by visiting this simple garden and the unpretentious, charming and comfortable family home.

"But kind and dear

Is the old house here

And my heart is warm

Midst winter’s harm."

written by William Morris and embroidered, by his daughter May, into a tapestry for his bed.