…Sea fret and drizzle while the rest of neighbouring Europe hits over 40°C. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ is already turning an autumnal pink in the drought. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’…

…in the foreground (three ‘japonicas’ in two days!). silver fir silver fir silver fir Camellia ‘Mary Costa’ just starting to show at the top of the bush. Now a popular…

…the jury is out. Not in leaf at all yet and no catkins. Betula utilis ssp.jacquemontii ‘Silver Shadow’ Betula utilis ssp.jacquemontii ‘Silver Shadow’ Betula utilis ssp.jacquemontii ‘Silver Shadow’ Betula utilis…

…‘Ice Queen’ – not sure I have ever seen a pure white ‘red hot poker’ before. Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’ Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’ Olearia virgata, I think, in flower in the…

…debate the silver medal remains silver and the queues to come aboard the train are 200 yards long which obscures the hostas which do not sell at all. Bowdens put…

…like cinnamon. Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’ Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’ Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’ Then we get to three original michelia plants above the greenhouse which used to have lead…

…at 4ft tall after a cold winter. Hydrangea lobbii Hydrangea lobbii Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’ leafing up nicely. The silver variegation is irregular. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver…

the frames. Quercus x schuettii ‘Silver Shadow’ Quercus x schuettii ‘Silver Shadow’ Quercus x wavei ‘Chimney Fire’ has turned a lovely red too. Both are new oaks to go out…

…enormous. Magnolia ‘Atlas’ Magnolia ‘Atlas’ This is the Queen Mother’s magnolia planted by her in the 1970s. Not particularly unique but nice enough. Queen Mother’s magnolia Queen Mother’s magnolia Another…

…for the Queen – Photo Courtesy of Sally. Queen’s Visit – Photo Courtesy of Sally. Then we get to the royal visit. The RHS say they will bring the Queen…