Are you tired of Filoli yet? I don't think I could ever be, but maybe I've devoted a little too much time to this magnificent estate. I'll wrap up the gardens in this post and we'll start fresh next week! 
Beyond the formal gardens lie an oasis of more informal plantings; Acres of amazing little outdoor rooms, each one more amazing than the last. If the structure for the grounds was laid by the Bourns, the Roths added the finishing touches (Mrs. Roth was an avid gardener) .
The Summer house is incorporated into the side of the walled garden which contains the most sheltered area. Remember nothing is safe out here from all of the hungry animals!
The wedding place within the walled garden was where the only wedding at Filoli was held. It was built for Berenice Roth and I think it's such a shame they don't open it up to others. Don't you want to get married here?
The following pictures barely begin to explain how breathtaking the rose garden is. After stepping through the last arch of the walled garden, every person on the tour gasped.
A profusion of color and textures...
Where are you even supposed to look or smell! Roses, lavender and other herbs overwhelm the senses.
I really think this is what heaven looks like. Not shown in the pictures are the gorgeous mountain views beyond.
I love these wild jumbled rose bushes the best.
Does anyone know what these striped roses are; Sandra? They had a heavenly scent.
The gardens get progressively informal the further you are from the house. These wild flowers were the last part of the gardens before entering the nature preserve. Notice all of the fencing. I hope you enjoyed these glimpses of Filoli through my eyes (and camera)!
Thanks to ChipSF for the drawings of the gardens from the time of the Roths.
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11 comments:
Not tired of Filoli. I love those wavy clouds of plants with the bushes trimmed in so many textures. The gardeners must never sleep.
It's hard to get tired of such a beautiful place.
Stefan, I'm so sorry that Filoli was such a let down. Your disappointment shows in every post.
:-)
Wonderful pictures, thanks for sharing the beauty. It's incredible.
Those topiaries among the lavender are surreal and beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
See? I told you not to miss the gardens. This has been a fabulous tour Stefan. If I can't go abroad this year I may go to Filoli.
The rose may be 'Rosa Mundi' which is a striped red & white. or it could be 'Lancaster & York'. (remember the war of the Roses?)
I would need to see a really close up to be sure.
The best gardens are a combination of anticipation and surprise. Sounds like Filoli has it all!
The images are almost unreal. It looks like a painting...
Such beautiful photographs! you have outdone yourself.
I'm delighted to find someone whose enjoyment of Filoli rivals my own! It has been my great pleasure to find your posts about your visit and savor each photo & comment. So glad you included the drawings and plans, too! I became a member just to be able to relish the changing colors and plantings throughout the year. Be sure to come sometime in March for the daffodils & tulips! You'll melt!!
gawddd what a place. I love it.
rustedwood.blogspot.com
Photos are great. It is often difficult to convey the feeling of a garden. You have done it so well.
Digs Inside & Out
www.digs-pdx.com said...
HI THERE! I just found your delightful blog - thanks for the post on Filoli - I am heading down that was from Portland in a few weeks and it is on my list of things to do....
The rose is "Fourth of July" - it is a climber to about 10 ft-ish (in my garden) - blooms for about 3-4 months and puts on great hips in the fall. All in all, a great and cheerful rose!
Again, thanks for the post - you have a new follower!
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