At Filoli House and Gardens

The Sunken Garden

It's so refreshing to be outside and to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. At Filoli, everywhere you gaze, there's a flower or tree or piece of pottery that will call your attention. How I wish I took notes of the names of the flowers, but I must remain content with the colorful images I had the pleasure of taking. Though none can equal seeing the gardens and house up close.

The Chartres Garden

The gardens change with the seasons. We just missed the tulips and wisteria. We're now into May when roses, foxgloves, peonies, lavender and violas captivate the landscape. There are so many varieties of roses (about 500) that we had a field day just looking for the Mr. Lincoln rose. In the process I found the Johann Strauss rose but I was most impressed with these October roses that are in full bloom and overwhelming its bush (shown below).

The October Rose in the Rose Garden

The Knot Garden is always a highlight. The intricate geometric design weaves the red purple dwarf barberry with the silvery santolina and green germander hedges. I am intrigued with the play of colors and maze like planting.

The Knot Garden

The entire garden encompasses 16 acres and includes a swimming pool and pavilion, a walled garden, the Yew Allée which is my favorite feature but is bare of foliage at the moment. I saw one of the volunteers in the cutting garden putting together a colorful bouquet of flowers for the House.

A vase of flowers in the Ballroom

I love how the borders are planted in layers with trees, flowers, and shrubs. It seems to grow as one. And they are carefully picked to blend. What a beautiful sight!

Foxgloves by the Garden Shop

The House contains 36,000 ft. of floor space on two floors. The second floor is closed to the public. The reception room is impressive with its 12 panel Chinese Coromandel screen from the late 18th century or early 19th century but is not original to the house. The silver vault in the pantry once held the family silver.

The Reception Room

There's also a Café and a Garden Shop where you can purchase potted plants and gift items.

The Garden Shop

For information about hours, blooming calendar, events, directions to Filoli and more, check this link: http://www.filoli.org/.
86 Canada Road
Woodside, California
650-364-8300

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Images by Charie

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