…delavayi Sassafras randiensis is the third (Taiwanese) species of sassafras. This one new to me. Exceptional bark formations and larger leaves than either of the other two species. Sassafras randiensis…

…best. Rhododendron ‘Tinner’s Blush’ Rhododendron ‘Tinner’s Blush’ Interesting new growth on Huodendron tibeticum. Huodendron tibeticum Huodendron tibeticum Also interesting new growth on Sassafras tzumu. Sassafras tzumu Sassafras tzumu Sassafras tzumu…

…full flower. Why does ours not produce suckers like this? Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum Podocarpus nivalis ‘Ruapehu’ on a rockery bed. Podocarpus nivalis ‘Ruapehu’ The rare Ceanothus cuneatus…

…Sassafras tzumu Sassafras tzumu Clethra pringleyi is another (the second) new species which we have missed in flower. Clearly tender, this plant has taken a while to get going. Clethra…

…has had a bite or two. Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum Chimonanthus praecox a lovely yellow. Chimonanthus praecox Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’ showing a nice mixture of colours. Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’ Cotinus…

…campbellii ‘Valentine’s Torch’ Magnolia campbellii ‘Valentine’s Torch’ Then to Tregrehan. Sassafras randaiense in flower which I had not seen before. Sassafras randaiense Sassafras randaiense Cupressus chengiana. Cupressus chengiana Pseudotsuga wilsoniana…

…Sassafras tzumu is odd. A new leaf or two stands upright (initially) from each twig. Sassafras tzumu Magnolia ‘Genie’ still full of flower. Magnolia ‘Genie’ Rhododendron calendulaceum – Sandling Orange-Red…

…out. Rhododendron maddenii A veritable carpet of old leaves under Quercus acuta. Quercus acuta Loads of small root suckers 10 yards away (at least) from a small Sassafras albidum planted…

…it is 10-12ft high with no notable features! Schinus polygamus A sucker from Sassafras albidum beside the path. The main trunk grows through a dense camellia clump so this is…

…shed. Euonymus morrisonensis Sassafras tzumu with reasonable colour. Sassafras tzumu Microtropis petelotii looks identical to Euonymus tonkinensis. What is the story here and which is the correct name? Reference books…

…Sassafras albidum suckers prolifically it has not done so much with us as the trunk is surrounded by camellias. Here is a sucker 15ft or more from the trunk beside…

…the original Sassafras albidum above the Auklandii Garden. However, as usual, there are distractions along the way: Magnolia grandiflora ‘Symmes Select’ Magnolia grandiflora ‘Symmes Select’ had a flower out during…