Chanticleer is a magical place.
I shared a few of my thoughts about it and photos last September, after the Philadelphia Garden Fling. But when I couldn't attend this year's recent Puget Sound Fling, it had me thinking about Chanticleer again.
My words and photos can't do it justice, but it seems like a good time to share a bit. I don't have tags for all the varieties of plants in my photos, but I did my best to ID most of them. Mainly, while at Chanticleer, I wanted to simply take it all in at this special place instead of focusing on the details too much. I definitely want to go back again...
My words and photos can't do it justice, but it seems like a good time to share a bit. I don't have tags for all the varieties of plants in my photos, but I did my best to ID most of them. Mainly, while at Chanticleer, I wanted to simply take it all in at this special place instead of focusing on the details too much. I definitely want to go back again...
The plantings were regal throughout the grounds, including these groupings of Birds-of-Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta), and Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum).
The pathways throughout the grounds were well-maintained and great for visitors of all abilities; subdued, but also beautiful.
The meadow edges were naturalistic, but at the same time artfully arranged.
This grouping of hedges and border plantings was organized, yet comfortable.
The Ruin Garden was fascinating--combining the beauty of historical structures with lush, beautiful, draping plants.
Here and there were surprise combinations, like this potted grouping of succulents.
The naturalistic, yet creatively placed, elements throughout the grounds really appealed to me--like this pollinator house paired with beautiful rocks, mosses, plants, and structures.
The wildlife seemed at peace at Chanticleer, too, like this juvenile great blue heron.
While I don't have all the variety names, here are some individual blooming plants that captured my eye:
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| Tricyrtis formosana |
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| Physostegia virginiana |
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| Lantana camara 'Samantha' |
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| Hydrangea macrophylla |
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| Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel' |
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| Dahlia pinnata with Symphyotrichum spp. |
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| Dahlia pinnata |
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| Colchicum autumnale |
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| Anemone x hybrida |
The water features, perhaps most of all, really captivated me during our visit. Many who reported on Chanticleer after the Fling noted these lovely floating displays of mixed colorful blooms and foliage.
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| Nymphaea mexicana with koi |
The koi fish enjoyed the Waterlilies as much as we did.
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| Nymphaea nouchali |
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| Nymphaea mexicana |
Our time at Chanticleer was enchanting and way too short. I must go back.
To learn more about the Garden Fling--past, recent, and future--visit gardenfling.org.
Missing out on Chanticleer (and Longwood) are my deepest regrets in missing last year's Fling. Thanks for sharing your photos, Beth. The snapshot of the heron is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kris. All the Flings are special in their own ways. I do regret not making it this year, but several minor factors made it difficult. I hope we can both make it next year. :)
DeleteWhat an amazing place to be able to visit. That's the type of garden I could happily spend the day in, all by myself, just being immersed in the planting. I adore those floating displays of colourful blooms!
ReplyDeleteI do wish I'd had more time there. It was truly a delight to be there with friends--fellow gardeners and Flingers. :) But now I want to go back...in different seasons would be fun, too.
DeleteThis is a breath of fresh air, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you say that, because that's how I felt while I was there. It was truly a beautiful September, and the gardens were incredible!
DeleteA wonderful post, Beth. I so wanted to join the Fling last year and this year. Both seemed to offer wonderful gardens.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susie. Every Garden Fling is fun. I'm planning to go next year. I hope you can make it, too. :)
DeleteI haven't seen Chanticleer, but it certainly looks like a place I'd love to visit. I particularly liked your Great Blue Heron; they're good to photograph because they're large and seemingly like to pose. I also enjoyed your close-ups of the blooms--they're gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Yes, I do believe you would love Chanticleer. It was wonderful to see and photograph the heron...they are fun creatures, for sure. Thank you for your kind words. Happy gardening!
DeleteIt's my favorite public garden. Great capture of the blue heron. Good memories all around! Sorry you had to miss the Fling this year, Beth, but I hope we can both make it next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. Yes, the memories of all the Flings I've attended have been truly special. Great times with great people and great gardens. Looking forward to Memphis. :)
DeleteChanticleer is indeed a magical garden, and I'm so glad I got to visit last year.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! The words and photos don't do it justice. I so look forward to seeing it again in a different season. :)
DeleteI just love that photo of the koi coming up to the surface. :-) Thank you for sharing the fun memories.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Yes, the fish was in the right place at the right time. Have you been to Chanticleer, Carla?
DeleteWith so many people singing the praises of Chanticleer, I definitely need to add this to my list of gardens to see. Love the photos you took. The ruin garden looks enchanting and I like the use of complementary colors in the meadow garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Jerry: Yes, it's definitely worth a visit! Thank you. I really didn't take enough photos, and I could have spent days at Chanticleer instead of three hours. It's an amazing place.
DeleteCan you believe I haven't been to visit. You have made me want to go even more. Stunning captures of this amazing place.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's not that far for you...maybe six hours? It's a very special public garden, for sure. Thank you, Donna.
DeleteThank you for brining back my own memories of this glorious garden!
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing, wasn't it Loree? I really want to go back!
DeleteWouldn't it be awesome to have a backyard that looks like that. Sigh. I could do it if I had a whole team of gardeners...and a million dollars. It's fun to dream. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Oh my goodness, yes! And as you say, a team of gardeners to tend it. Tee hee. The million dollars would come in handy, too. :)
DeleteBeautiful heron. And the floating flowers - that would be a fun daily task!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. It was a wonderful trip and a wonderful garden. :)
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