From Astragalus' Garden in the USA

[Maggi Young]

Forumist Anne Spiegel, known here as astragalaus, was a very popular speaker at the SRGC discussion weekend which took place last weekend  -  today Anne has visited Ian Christie's garden, with John Mitchell of the RBGE. (I think her husband MAY have been on a golf course?!!)  Ian Christie had  the great good fortune  to stay with Anne when he was a touring speaker  in the US and has kept his photos of her garden until now.   Cliff "Ranunculus" Booker has also visited Anne and he has called Anne's garden one of the most beautiful and inspiring he has ever seen - we have aslo seen many of Anne's own pictures in the "Crevice gardening - in defence of rock" thread -  it is a lovely place, for sure! 

We'lll start of with two pix from today in Kirriemuir!


Anne with John Mitchell


Ian Anne and John

[Maggi Young]

now to begin Ian's pictures from Anne's garden

[Maggi Young]

and

[David Nicholson]

I've said in the Discussion Weekend Thread it was a great pleasure to meet Anne and Joe in Peebles and although  it was my first meeting with her I felt I had I known her for ages as result of her posts in the Forum. He talk was wonderful and I wish had her energy, her eye for placing rock and her skill.

[Maggi Young]

more photos  by  Ian the Christie kind from the glorious rock garden of Astragalus in Wappinger Falls, NY.

[Maggi Young]

and

[Maggi Young]

Couldn't resist  copying these comments from Facebook about Anne and her garden  ....
Cliff Booker A magnificent horticultural achievement.

Ian Christie Yes indeed Cliff Booker quite stunning we had a great time there, cheers

Christine Boulby I so enjoyed her talk, made loads of notes for seed ex time too.  I can't believe that garden, looks fantastic!

Tim Ingram Would so much like to know more... having seen Anne's pictures on the Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum, heard about her garden from Cliff, and read 'Land above the Trees' (by Ann Zwinger), which Anne has recommended. Must have been a thoroughly stimulating Discussion Weekend!

Cliff Booker This unbelievable rock and crevice garden has practically doubled in size since our visit in 2010 - and it was quite amazing even then.  We all strive in our gardens and spend many hours to achieve our horticultural aims, but dear Anne takes this expenditure of time and endeavour to unimaginable levels and, with the assistance of husband Joe and a one day a week helper has created an alpine utopia in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Julia Corden Fantastic lecture and amazing garden

[ruweiss]

What a beautiful place, thank you for showing.

[ian mcdonald]

I think a new category of "mountain gardening" should be applied.