28th March

FJ Williams Profile Picture
FJW 1955-2007
CH Williams Profile Picture
CHW 2015-
JC Williams Profile Picture
JCW 1897-1939
C Williams Profile Picture
CW 1940-1955


2024 – CHW

Still a few decent flowers on Camellia ‘Cornish Snow Michael’ 4 months after we saw the first ones on the same plant.

Camellia ‘Cornish Snow Michael’
Camellia ‘Cornish Snow Michael’
Magnolia cylindrica destroyed in the deluges.
Magnolia cylindrica destroyed
Magnolia cylindrica destroyed
Magnolia ‘Joli Pompon’.
Magnolia ‘Joli Pompon’
Magnolia ‘Joli Pompon’
Staphylea holocarpa var. rosea smashed up by the rain.
Staphylea holocarpa var. rosea
Staphylea holocarpa var. rosea
Another drought casualty now showing up.
Another drought casualty
Another drought casualty
Acacia verticillata looking very fine today.
Acacia verticillata
Acacia verticillata
Acacia verticillata
Acacia verticillata
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’ also spot on today.
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
In the greenhouse a flower on Michelia laevifolia x Michelia maudiae ‘Eternal Spring’.
Michelia laevifolia x Michelia maudiae ‘Eternal Spring’
Michelia laevifolia x Michelia maudiae ‘Eternal Spring’
Huge veined leaves already showing on Hydrangea aspera ‘Titania’.
Hydrangea aspera ‘Titania’
Hydrangea aspera ‘Titania’
Hydrangea aspera ‘Titania’
Hydrangea aspera ‘Titania’
Then a few first flowering in the Magnolia frame:-
Magnolia ‘Slavin’s 44’.
Magnolia ‘Slavin’s 44’
Magnolia ‘Slavin’s 44’
Magnolia ‘Slavin’s 44’
Magnolia ‘Slavin’s 44’
Magnolia ‘Big Pink’ x ‘Werrington’ named ‘Cassandra’.
Magnolia ‘Big Pink’ x ‘Werrington’ named ‘Cassandra’
Magnolia ‘Big Pink’ x ‘Werrington’ named ‘Cassandra’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Pink Stardust’.
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Pink Stardust’
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Pink Stardust’
Magnolia ‘Simple Pleasures’ – as we have seen before – very simple and little pleasure!
Magnolia ‘Simple Pleasures’
Magnolia ‘Simple Pleasures’
Magnolia ‘Simple Pleasures’
Magnolia ‘Simple Pleasures’
Magnolia ‘Old Port’ – an excellent New Zealander.
Magnolia ‘Old Port’
Magnolia ‘Old Port’

2023 – CHW
A Brookland Travel tour today with Andy McIndoe, formally MD of Hilliers, and an elderly group.Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitchii’ at its stunning best.

Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitchii’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitchii’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitchii’
Magnolia x veitchii ‘Peter Veitchii’
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x M. ‘Black Tulip’ – not as large a flower as expected but showing promise with its first 3 flowers.
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x M. ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x M. ‘Black Tulip’
First flowers out on Rhododendron impeditum ‘J.C. Williams’.
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J.C. Williams’
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J.C. Williams’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’.
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’
Camellia reticulata ‘Dr Clifford Parks’
Rhododendron fargesii full out.
Rhododendron fargesii
Rhododendron fargesii
Magnolia ‘Olav Kallenberg’ with its first decent flower above Crinodendron Hedge. (M. ‘Black Tulip’ x M. liliiflora ‘Holland Red’). Another potentially excellent new variety which is clearly smaller growing. We have this name on two 20 year old plants which are near white. This is a newly registered name so confusion here.
Magnolia ‘Olav Kallenberg’
Magnolia ‘Olav Kallenberg’
First flowering here of Stachyurus macrocarpus (BSWJ 14678). Flowers with the leaves and small tassels compared to other species.
Stachyurus macrocarpus (BSWJ 14678)
Stachyurus macrocarpus (BSWJ 14678)
Stachyurus macrocarpus (BSWJ 14678)
Stachyurus macrocarpus (BSWJ 14678)
First flowers out on Rhododendron davidsonianum – early?
Rhododendron davidsonianum
Rhododendron davidsonianum
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tulare’ looking very fine.
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tulare’
Camellia japonica ‘Kerguelen’ with its variegated leaves. Flowers are good!
Camellia japonica ‘Kerguelen’
Camellia japonica ‘Kerguelen’
Camellia japonica ‘Kerguelen’
Camellia japonica ‘Kerguelen’
A pale and drought struck Rhododendron kesangiae struggles into flower.
Rhododendron kesangiae
Rhododendron kesangiae
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’ very fine in the sun.
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
First flowering of Magnolia ‘Spring Peppermint’ from Germany.
Magnolia ‘Spring Peppermint’
Magnolia ‘Spring Peppermint’
First flowering of Magnolia ‘Diana’ from Germany.
Magnolia ‘Diana’
Magnolia ‘Diana’

2022 – CHW

Colder with yet more east wind. It has been dry now for a fortnight.

First flowering here that I have seen of Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata (WWJ 11943) which is startlingly good. The tree has attractive bark and is now about 12-15ft tall with two main stems. Very glossy leaves and clearly tender so grown in a warm and very sheltered spot in dappled shade. I will photograph the flowers again when they are further out. Planted in 2014/5. Acquired from Crûg Farm as a 5-6ft tall specimen which has grown quickly.

Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhodoleia aff. parvipetata
Rhododendron stenaulum (Rh. moulmainense) is flowering sparsely this year but the new growth is already well developed and also most attractive.
Rhododendron stenaulum
Rhododendron stenaulum
Rhododendron stenaulum
Rhododendron stenaulum
Leujocum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’ now full out at Tin Garden. This was full out in Cheshire on 11th February.
Leujocum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’
Leujocum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’ with flower and leaf in the sunshine.
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’
Salix udensis ‘Golden Sunshine’
Magnolia ‘Lili Diva’ darker than it appeared a week ago (no picture in Eisenhut book). The German translation of the Eisenhut book says that this is a sister seedling to M. ‘Spectrum’ and M. ‘Galaxy’ but with a stronger colour than either. The flower shape suggests that we probably have this correctly named.
Magnolia ‘Lili Diva’
Magnolia ‘Lili Diva’
Magnolia sprengeri ‘Westonbirt’ (I think) on the plan. Label now lost. One flower only and clearly a sprengeri which I assume came from Jim Gardiner with the sprengeri ‘Dusty Pink’ nearby. Very good!
Magnolia sprengeri ‘Westonbirt’
Magnolia sprengeri ‘Westonbirt’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Titan’ is clearly the first of the named x brooklynensis varieties into flower.
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Titan’
Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Titan’
Magnolia kobus ‘White Elegance’ full out a week after we first saw flowers showing.
Magnolia kobus ‘White Elegance’
Magnolia kobus ‘White Elegance’
Magnolia ‘Sentinel’ living up to its name I guess as the buds curve like sentries.
Magnolia ‘Sentinel’
Magnolia ‘Sentinel’
Magnolia ‘Sentinel’
Magnolia ‘Sentinel’
Magnolia ‘Amethyst’ – ditto as regards its name.
Magnolia ‘Amethyst’
Magnolia ‘Amethyst’
Magnolia ‘Anya’ slightly wind battered but some flowers opening flat which I had not seen before.
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia ‘Anya’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’ just into flower in several places in the garden.
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
We have often showed Rhododendron formosum at Chelsea but here it is full out already.
Rhododendron formosum
Rhododendron formosum
Michelia ‘Touch of Pink’ now showing colour. It is a touch of purple really at the tips of flowers as I have said before.
Michelia ‘Touch of Pink’
Michelia ‘Touch of Pink’
As is Rhododendron ‘Else Freye’.
Rhododendron ‘Else Freye’
Rhododendron ‘Else Freye’
Three flowers on the Magnolia ‘Pegasus’ which fell over and was chopped back hard two to two and a half years ago.
Magnolia ‘Pegasus’
Magnolia ‘Pegasus’

2021 – CHW
Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’ with its first flower here in Tin Garden. Not named as yet as far as I know. Nothing especially good as yet.

Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’
Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’
Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’
Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’
Magnolia ‘Aphrodite’ (Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia ‘Deep Purple Dream’).
Magnolia ‘Aphrodite’
Magnolia ‘Aphrodite’
Magnolia ‘Antje Zandee’ (Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia ‘Deep Purple Dream’).
Magnolia ‘Antje Zandee’
Magnolia ‘Antje Zandee’
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’ just coming out. The first of the (vaguely) yellows this year.
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’
Carpinus japonica with catkins.
Carpinus japonica
Carpinus japonica
Carpinus japonica
Carpinus japonica
Magnolia ‘Tinkerbelle’ is not at all bad.
Magnolia ‘Tinkerbelle’
Magnolia ‘Tinkerbelle’
Magnolia ‘Black Swan’ has been frosted. Supposedly this is Magnolia ‘Pickard’s Ruby’ x Magnolia ‘Caerhays Surprise’. The pictures on the Burncoose website are quite wrong and need replacing as are the pictures I have seen on bought in magnolias named this. I think we have the correct plant but have not yet seen it perform properly.
Magnolia ‘Black Swan’
Magnolia ‘Black Swan’
Magnolia ‘Black Swan’
Magnolia ‘Black Swan’
Magnolia ‘Anne Leitner’ (Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ x Magnolia ‘JC Williams’) is a fantastic plant on Hovel Cart Road and now flowering properly.
Magnolia ‘Anne Leitner’
Magnolia ‘Anne Leitner’
Magnolia ‘Anne Leitner’
Magnolia ‘Anne Leitner’
Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’
Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’
Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’
Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’
Magnolia ‘Margaret Helen’
The two enormous trees of Magnolia kobus var. borealis in the Rookery looking splendid.
Magnolia kobus var. borealis
Magnolia kobus var. borealis
Laurelia sempervirens in full flower back from Rookery Gate. Strongly aromatic leaves when crunched up but little scent from the flowers.
Laurelia sempervirens
Laurelia sempervirens
Rhododendron ‘Cillicalyx’ just coming out.
Rhododendron ‘Cillicalyx’
Rhododendron ‘Cillicalyx’
Magnolia ‘Genie’ just out in flower below Tin Garden.
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
The chocolate smell of Azara microphylla ‘Variegata’ is overpowering.
Azara microphylla ‘Variegata’
Azara microphylla ‘Variegata’

2020 – CHW
At the start of the pandemic we had the unusual experience of being told to wash our hands by no less than the Prime Minister. Then social distancing and much talk of death, doom, and more death. Nobody in government or (especially) the media saw fit to circulate, publicise or talk about the disease itself and what you can really do to avoid it. The simple missive (attached) which Jaimie obtained from a nursing friend does all these things. Some of it is pretty obvious but much of it was new to me and very relevant to all of us. How could the media have missed this? Panic, newsworthy panic, BBC left wing blame panic of course. Panic before common sense or a cure.One day readers of this diary may be amazed to discover something as obvious as having a hot drink, or any drink, to move the virus from your mouth or tracheae to your stomach where enzymes will destroy it. But, by then, we will have a cure or at least an inoculation system we hope. Or will we? We all get the flu and old people have been dying in large numbers from flu related problems for generations. The miracle cure which Boris hopes our scientists will find may be as simple as the flu jab which many of us have every year when prompted or, as we wish, in a free society.[I am now told that the missive is entirely ‘fake news’ so here is a link to the relevant response for you to make your own minds up. Holding your breath for 10 seconds to see if you cough does not sound as fake as all that to me but probably I have been suckered!]A number of emails about the absurdity of self-isolating in a castle (but it has its upsides) and so off to Old Park Wood to see what has not been frosted last night. The sun is up so early that all signs of frost quickly vanish.The very last of the new Camellia sasanqua collection has flowers. This is Camellia sasanqua ‘Marshmallow’. Does not look much like a sasanqua leaf but I suppose the flower might be despite the timing. Quite pretty but a red marshmallow?
Camellia sasanqua ‘Marshmallow’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Marshmallow’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Marshmallow’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Marshmallow’
The frost has certainly battered the gunneras.
gunneras
gunneras
But one group escapes in the shelter of kitchen garden wall by the dog kennels.
gunneras
gunneras
As expected all the magnolia flowers lower down the hill in Old Park have been wiped out.
Higher up the hill Magnolia ‘Livingstone’ has survived.
Magnolia ‘Livingstone’
Magnolia ‘Livingstone’
These are magnolia flower heads which have dropped to the ground either unopened or totally black under a large Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ seedling on the top ride.
magnolia flower heads
magnolia flower heads
magnolia flower heads
magnolia flower heads
A Cornish Red (type) shows up well.
Cornish Red
Cornish Red
A half decent young pure white Rhododendron arboreum.
Rhododendron arboreum
Rhododendron arboreum
But a rather frosted pink one further on.
pink one
pink one
Magnolia ‘Early Rose’ is no longer early or rose-like.
Magnolia ‘Early Rose’
Magnolia ‘Early Rose’
Magnolia ‘Early Rose’
Magnolia ‘Early Rose’
A good young clump of Rhododendron racemosum from wild sourced seed.
Rhododendron racemosum
Rhododendron racemosum
Jaimie has used the public’s absence to cut back all the hydrangeas by the green gate.
by the green gate
by the green gate

Ross is dragging his timber trunks out of Dry Walls on his own with a swing shovel. I guess the demand for his firewood is increasing and he could well be deemed as a ‘key worker’.

Lizzie put the rubbish out herself yesterday (new first!) at the top lodge and it seems it was collected by the council. Surprising perhaps that this is still happening.I meet a dog walker who works (now at home) organising lorries for a haulage business. She says that only animal feed lorries will be on the road from the business. The others hauling stone/concrete etc are packing up as building sites are all rapidly closing. I am however told that the council is doing night time major roadworks which seems sensible.

Now that Boris has ‘got it’ what drama next? I fear for the occupants of Windsor Castle who I suspect are not as isolated as us!

2019 – CHW
Brilliant sunshine continues. CLA AGM at The Vean plus lunch and garden tour for 60 people.

I think this may be new emerging shoots from Phyllostachys flexuosa although they look plump enough perhaps to be Phyllostachys edulis? Intricate hairs and leaflets at the tip of the new shoots and what colours! They are not identical to the P. flexuosa new shoots at Burncoose.

Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
Phyllostachys flexuosa
One multi-stemmed Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’ is now full out and at its absolute best. It has hardly faded to white although this was what seemed to be happening a week ago.

A second bush which is becoming a small upright single stemmed tree is identical. I have planted Staphylea holocarpa ‘Innocense’ which I think is paler in colour but I cannot at present locate it.
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
Staphylea holocarpa ‘Rosea’
It now really is exactly three months since Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’ first started flowering with us. What a performance from this small tree.
Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’
Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’
Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’
Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’
Unnoticed until now Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’ has sprung into flower. The flowers have yet to open out flat as they will soon to create the best display from this unusual and excellent plant. The leaves usually feature as the flowers are fully open.
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’
Magnolia pseudokobus ‘Kubishimodoki’

2018 – CHW
To Oxfordshire for the Hook Norton board meeting and AGM. A long day but no rows or upset. The new Malthouse Cellar restaurant was looking good and turnover here and in the shop was up 50% in February.

2017 – CHW
A large group tour lasting two and a quarter hours. They kept up well and were genuinely interested non gardeners. A rarity!

The wild origin Magnolia cylindrica is now full out a week after we first looked.

Magnolia cylindrica
Magnolia cylindrica
The first yellow magnolia is showing. Magnolia ‘Sunburst’ is quite a good yellowish green today but will quickly fade to cream.
Magnolia ‘Sunburst’
Magnolia ‘Sunburst’
Magnolia ‘Sunburst’
Magnolia ‘Sunburst’
The two mature pink forms of Magnolia x veitchii are gorgeous against a blue sky.
Magnolia x veitchii
Magnolia x veitchii
Magnolia x veitchii
Magnolia x veitchii
The best Rhododendron macabeanum is just starting. Slight wind damage.
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron bauhuiniiflorum is relatively little known but quite a show at its best. Compact growing and probably one to hybridise with.
Rhododendron bauhuiniiflorum
Rhododendron bauhuiniiflorum
Rhododendron bauhuiniiflorum
Rhododendron bauhuiniiflorum
The biggest of the old Michelias doltsopas is perfect today. Scenting the garden for 100 yards in each direction.
Michelias doltsopas
Michelias doltsopas
Michelias doltsopas
Michelias doltsopas
Alongside it is Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’ with smaller flowers and, surprisingly, a very different scent to its parent. The smell is of cinnamon and Cinnamomum camphora grows nearby whose leaves smell as you would expect when crushed.
Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’
Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’
Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’
Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’
Rhododendron pseudochyrsanthemum is just out below Donkey Shoe. The leaf indumentum and new growth are better than the flower.
Rhododendron pseudochyrsanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochyrsanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochyrsanthemum
Rhododendron pseudochyrsanthemum
An aged Rhododendron impeditum ‘J C Williams’ is 6-8ft tall on Burns Bank and hardly a dwarf grower. Short lived though.
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J C Williams’
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J C Williams’
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J C Williams’
Rhododendron impeditum ‘J C Williams’

2016 – CHW
Easter Monday. After ‘Hurricane Katie’ which raged all last night short sharp heavy showers and another trip to Burncoose to bang more heads together to sort out the exports. Also long letters to the existing providers of our Burncoose admin computer system which is stable but only does half a job and the new company tendering to take over whose promises now all look paper thin. Neither seem to understand that we have an 18 year old website and online ordering system which they have to integrate into their programmes rather than the other way around. Bloody salesmen, do they not talk such bullshit when you pin them down. Then they want more money to adapt their system to accommodate us having promised it would all fit perfectly.The Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling on the drive still looks good amid the gloom.
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling

Hidden away behind it is a rather nice but unexpected Camellia ‘Mary Phoebe Taylor’ which was raised in New Zealand. One of the best dozen x williamsii varieties I think and well up with Debbie, Brigadoon, Anticipation etc.

Parrotia persica has a most extraordinary branch and stem structure in this small widely spreading tree. A few small dead flowers remain but I have again missed them this year; red and insignificant though they are.
Parrotia persica
Parrotia persica
Parrotia persica
Parrotia persica
A couple of smaller clumps of Rhododendron cilpinense have just come out. The pink edges will quickly fade but are good today. Not exactly early for this rhodo as I have said before.
Rhododendron cilpinense
Rhododendron cilpinense
Rhododendron cilpinense
Rhododendron cilpinense
Rhododendron cilpinense
Rhododendron cilpinense
Magnolia ‘Iolanthe’ is now full out after eight weeks of showing some colour. The shape and size of the flowers are similar to Magnolia ‘Atlas’ but the habit of the tree is not.
Magnolia ‘Iolanthe’
Magnolia ‘Iolanthe’
Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole var Talavera’ is also just coming out. This is a Caerhays cross and its sister is ‘Golden Oriole’ var Busaco which has more of an orange tinge.
Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole var Talavera’
Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole var Talavera’
Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole var Talavera’
Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole var Talavera’
Beside it Cornus florida ‘Daybreak’ STILL has all its old variegated leaves intact after the mild winter. Very odd as it certainly is not an evergreen variety.
Cornus florida ‘Daybreak’
Cornus florida ‘Daybreak’
Cornus florida ‘Daybreak’
Cornus florida ‘Daybreak’
The view from the drive across to Giddle Orchard shows the second flush of magnolias. The first two were out a month ago and are now over. Not much sign of visitors taking the route across the field to see them properly.
view from the drive across to Giddle Orchard
view from the drive across to Giddle Orchard
The Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling now with a blue sky behind.
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
Magnolia campbellii Alba seedling
At Hardy and Berts Nursery between the two ferneries there are three magnolias full out and splendid despite hurricane Katie which has blown some petals 200 yards away. Two are clearly sargentiana robusta seedlings but the third has a bit of ‘Lanarth’ in it. You can miss them in a flash from the drive but quite a spectacle today.
three magnolias full out
three magnolias full out
three magnolias full out
three magnolias full out
Now full out too is the better of the two Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings outside the front gate although this one, on the higher side, has larger flowers and more dark pink than its true parent. Still it looks pretty good in a brief sunny period.
Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings
Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings
Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings
Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings

The bluebells beneath this tree are now full out too and quite a blue carpet.

bluebells
bluebells
The Asiatic magnolia season reached its zenith this week and will now fade out with a few New Zealanders still to go. Despite the early start in January the ‘zenith’ was more or less on time as normal. What was different was the extended season and the Lanarths all being over by the end of February. A few yellows are already out in tunnels in the nursery and we have these and many more to now look forward to.

2015 – CHW

TROCHODENDRON araliodes
TROCHODENDRON araliodes

Tour of Old Park and Bond Street with the garden party. Robert Vernon of BlueBell Nursery impressed by the Trochodendron araliodes  of which there are two big specimens in Old Park.

Joined at lunch by Sir Richard Carew-Pole’s garden party including Robert Hillier and Kenneth Carlisle.Sir John Carew-Pole (Richard’s father) started these annual March magnolia trips to Caerhays with my father several decades ago and it is excellent to carry on. The magnolias were perhaps at their best a week ago for Serena’s wedding but still nothing to complain about.

The lower branches were removed
Lower branches removed
MAGNOLIA Caerhays Splendour
M. ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Perhaps the best magnolia in the garden today is what we have criticised as the fourth, and previously worst, of Jaimie’s batch of seedlings the best of which is now named ‘Caerhays Splendour’.   This plant on the drive grew exponentially and is an excellent shape but, when it first flowered two years ago, the flowers were a muddy cream colour. The plant was destined for the chainsaw.  Last summer the lower branches were removed to envigorate the flowering part of the tree and it has. There were still two muddy coloured blooms but the performance of the rest has given the plant a reprieve. Not (yet) as large a flower as ‘Caerhays Splendour’ but well worth its place. The moral of the story is not to judge a seedling magnolia until its second or third flowering.

2003 – FJW
First wet day THIS month. Magnolias have never flowered better. The pink Magnolia sea side of E P R’s quarry may be the best.

1950 – CW
Camellia and Magnolia conference came around after lunch. They saw Michelia doltsopa and floribunda at their best. Magnolias dawsoniana and mollicomata as well. Diva and Robusta good also white Campbellii – also young Robusta very good. Double Camellias and some Reticulatas flowering well. Saluenensis and hybrids going over. Professor [?] Mume excited about 25252TSA11, Also hybrids (double) below Tin Garden.
Daffodils going over. Auklandii hybrids good but sinogrande only just opening, also Krume.

1931 – JCW
The early Kobus is covered with bloom, a few blooms on the nursery Stellata seedling. Mag denudata purpurascens shows colour in the bud of a pale pink. Corylopsis are very nice.

1927 – JCW
Very much as in 1923 across the page it seems to be an average year now.

1903 – JCW
Picked some M de Graaf two days ago, Homer, Herrick, 215 all opening. Reticulata well out, say half, Lulworth open.

1897 – JCW
I found disease in all the Caerhays trumpet daffodils and also in the snowdrops, I consider that we have finished with them.