I first saw photos of the Teacup Garden—and learned of it's changing themes—when it was in a blue period, maybe with a Mediterranean bent, there most definitely were agaves. I don't think I could tell you exactly what this year's look was meant to evoke, other than lush beautiful plantings.
On my right when I entered the garden was this low table. I was quite taken with the planting of Dietes grandiflora 'Variegata' in the turquoise container with a moss top dressing. Simple perfection.
A pulled back view of that area.
Here's the planting in the center of the courtyard, where the teacup fountain is located. Don't worry, I'll go in depth here a bit later.
The lefthand side...
I couldn't resist climbing the stairs to look down on the garden...
Once I was at the top I was distracted by an agave that looked like it had just landed
Throughout my Chanticleer coverage you'll notice photos of the same area, but the quality of the light will be different. In this instance I first shot at 10:30 in the morning (above), but now I'm walking back through the area around 4:30.
I just had to capture how much personality this Agave americana variegata had.
Looking towards the Teacup Garden again...
There is the namesake fountain in the center.
You may be wondering what the garden looks like during the winter, I know I was. According to the USDA Zone Hardiness Map, Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a Zone 7a, with wintertime temperatures sometimes falling to the 5 to 0F range (brrr!). The garden is closed now (opening day is March 27, 2024), but I came across a video from the week of November 10th that shows the gardeners breaking down these (and other) plantings and beginning to winterize the garden. It was fascinating to watch.
Another view of the stairs that led up to the agave, and more lush plantings.
This staircase leads out into the rest of the garden, and we'll go there shortly, but I have a few more photos of this area to share first.
Looking through the central planting and back out to the entrance space I shared in last Friday's "kick-off" post.
It's fun to think this little fountain is the feature around which this entire section of the garden is designed each year.
I was prepared to not like the fountain itself (a teacup, really?), but it won me over.
Senecio vira-vira and Gomphrena globosa ‘Audray White’.
With this view back towards the stairs I think I've now shown the fountain from all four sides.
One more look backwards, before...
...we start down the stairs out of the Teacup Garden. But wait! We must stop to take a closer look at this pairing beside the stairs.
I love the fern (is that a Hart's tongue fern/Asplenium scolopendrium?) and aspidistra pairing in the large urn.
And of course my eyes were drawn to the Pyrrosia lingua growing epiphytically on a decaying piece of wood.
Looking back, so beautiful!
I've just turned that corner and I'm headed towards the Tennis Court Garden, which will be the subject of next Friday's post.
But before we wrap up today, there are hanging orbs to appreciate...
A close-up.
And another shot in better light...
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And now I know why it's called the Teacup Garden. I don't care for the fountain, but the plantings, they're spectacular! I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like to live there....
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the fountain just doesn't come across well in photos? I know I didn't appreciate it at all until seeing it in person.
DeleteOh my gosh, that place is huge! My eye kept being drawn to one form that was repeated throughout the garden - the arching foliar sprays of bananas, palms, agaves, etc. Almost as if they were recreating a multitude of fountains in vegetative form. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteIt is! (for some reason I thought you'd been there?) So many bits of arching foliage, interesting to think of them as fountains...
DeleteI don't think I've been there. But, if it happened more than ten years ago, anything is possible.
DeleteWhen I think of Chanticleer, it's always the Teacup Garden that comes to mind. I was startled the first time I learned that it changes dramatically from year to year but then that became a fundamental part of its charm. On this occasion I was surprised to see Dietes grandiflora grown in a relatively small pot but that may be a good way to manage it. I have the non-variegated form in my back garden (self-planted I think) and so far it's behaving itself but I remember struggling with it in my former garden. I like the Senecio vira-vira too - it needed the assist from that Gomphrena to stand out.
ReplyDeleteAs to the fountain itself, I'd love to have one just like it, except I think the raccoons would have a field day.
Did you click on the video link? I now understand that since it gets completely dismantled each autumn it seems a natural to rebuild it in the spring in a different way.
DeleteThank you for these lovely Chanticleer posts, Loree. I have such great memories of the place. I'm holding off a bit on my coverage to think about it...what a special garden. I do think I want to visit in spring and summer, too. Sigh. <3
ReplyDeleteI would love to revisit in different seasons! Unfortunately I don't think that's in the cards, so I've been binge watching their weekly videos to give me an idea what the garden looks like then. I can't wait for your coverage!
DeleteThis section is only one part of an amazing garden.
ReplyDeleteExactly. And that's why I'm devoting Friday's blog posts to covering different sections of the whole.
DeleteIncredible to see my triangle palm in the teacup garden -- they really don't spare the effort, something that comes thru in the video you linked. Love the agave stand! Chanticleer and Great Dixter internships are the gold standard, what amazing hort. standards.
ReplyDeleteI wish you could have been there for this Fling Denise, I would have loved to see what popped out to your artistic eye.
DeleteI am loving this Friday review of the gardens you saw during the Fling. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying it! Friday's just for Chanticleer though, next week I'll share private gardens from the Fling on Monday and Wednesday.
DeleteThe wagon pulling away full of massive bromeliads was astonishing!
ReplyDeleteA banana forest... when usually there's just one: its a great look.
And finally, the hanging orbs... the entire scene really: the balcony above, the door shutters bellow and the bench. I'd be sitting there endlessly taking in the view.
Chavli
Wasn't it? That was my favorite part of the video. I did sit on that bench for a bit, I promised myself I would remember to sit and take in the views of the garden. Afterall, if there was a chair in a spot it must be there for a reason.
DeleteGarden of dreams! Magical.
ReplyDeleteIt is that, many people's dreams that they then translate to reality.
Delete"Afterall, if there was a chair in a spot it must be there for a reason."
ReplyDeleteAnd there are so many enticing chairs at Chanticleer, with views worthy of a long sit-down! But also so much to see when wandering around. How I envy those who live near this incredible garden, and who can visit whenever they wish.
Your comment about the agave looking like it had just landed cracked me up. It really did!
Can you imagine having a free afternoon and thinking, "ah, I'll stop by Chanticleer!" how fantastic that would be. Glad you see that in the agave too.
DeleteIt's worth considering a move to the Philly area. ;)
DeleteReally? Like all joking aside would you? I can't imagine living in the mid-Atlantic states, even with Chanticleer. I am a West Coast girl.
DeleteI often "try on" different locations in my mind. I've mentally tried on PA a few times in recent years. I grew up in the Southeast, so it's not as much of a stretch for me to imagine being on the East Coast again. Of course I've tried on Portland and Seattle too -- but only in the summer! ;)
DeleteThank you for sharing the loveliness! It's hard to believe this is zone 7a, it feels so lush and practically tropical in a few spots. I'm off to watch the video.
ReplyDeleteThe gardeners definitely pull off the illusion of a warmer climate.
Deleteartinnature here. Hi Loree, I visited Gossler Farms and met Roger for the first time on Monday. What a wonderful host he was! He told tales of his recent New York garden and art adventures. I asked how the NY Gardens compared to Chanticleer. His response? Chanticleer is beyond compare, it is in a league of its own.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be back to Gossler Farms, trying to decide when to go, for the Witchhazels, Magnolias, something else?
While I was walking around Chanticleer Roger was texting me photos from NY, what fun! Indeed Chanticleer is in it's own league. Although I also fell under the spell of Wave Hill.
DeleteWhy not go for the witchhazels and the magnolias?