Sunday 22 February 2015

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.

18 comments:

  1. English gardens look so orderly in a natural sort of way. - Margy

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    1. I think the look comes from early 20th century designers and long before that to peasant cottage gardens.

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  2. Those port wine coloured roses growing around the old fence look very nice. Kelmscott is not a garden I have visited but I have read about it. I have however had the pleasure of visiting Wightwick Manor, near Birmingham - another Arts and Craft extravaganza!
    Kirk

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    1. The house wasn't bursting with artifacts but you got a strong impression of how they would have lived, worked and enjoyed their home. Wightwick was and still is on my list. Unfortunately our route which had to incorporate much loved relatives just wouldn't bear another side trip. WM liked to use rustic fencing to mimic medieval gardens.

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  3. Beautiful, I love the mix of flowers in there. If I tried that at home it would just look like weeds took over lol.

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    1. Just call it a "wild" garden reminscent of Gertrude Jekyll and no one will be any the wiser.

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  4. So peaceful and so beautiful.
    I have copied the William Morris quote and saved it - wonderful for a cushion in a bedroom!

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    1. Here is a link to the complete poem http://www.burrows.com/founders/bed.html

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  5. My kind of garden - and that deep red rose is to die for.

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    1. I am going to see if I can find out its name.

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  6. Holy cow!! Those borders knocked me over! Just look at that shot with the purple blooms against the fence! Heaven!!! Just stunning...I'm going back up to have another look Susan!!! Nicole xo

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    1. I loved his use of fences. Now I want some in my own garden .

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  7. it is easy to see where WM got his inspiration from now - so pretty!

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    1. Apparently he was watching birds in his strawberry patch and was inspired to create the Strawberry Thief design.

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  8. I would enjoy this garden and house as I love the arts and crafts period. Lovely gardens that make me swoon with those roses.

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    1. I'd love to have an Arts and Crafts house.

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  9. Oh to have such a lovely country retreat. What artist wouldn't be inspired?

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