8th April

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

Yesterday saw the end of the CGS flower show but the cherries on the Caerhays stand had held up well.

cherries on the Caerhays stand
cherries on the Caerhays stand
Despite what I said on Friday our Rhododendron ‘Countess of Haddington’ did win its class.
Rhododendron ‘Countess of Haddington’
Rhododendron ‘Countess of Haddington’
The Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’ has lasted well too but the petals had become recurved which I have never seen on the tree itself.
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Jaimie and Michael with our major magnolia class competitors.
Jaimie and Michael
Jaimie and Michael
The sell off begins at 4pm at the end of the show.
The sell off begins at 4pm
The sell off begins at 4pm
R&A Scamp’s daffodil exhibit this year.
R&A Scamp’s daffodil exhibit
R&A Scamp’s daffodil exhibit
R&A Scamp’s daffodil exhibit
R&A Scamp’s daffodil exhibit
Burncoose wins The Bickford-Smith Trophy for the best trade Exhibit.
Burncoose wins The Bickford-Smith Trophy
Burncoose wins The Bickford-Smith Trophy
Jaimie collects 2 magnolia cups.
Jaimie collects 2 magnolia cups
Jaimie collects 2 magnolia cups
In all there were 40 cups to present which took (only) 30 minutes plus a speech. Here are most of the cup winners on the stage.
In all there were 40 cups to present
In all there were 40 cups to present

2023 – CHW
More pictures of Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana (pure). Jaimie made this cross in 2009. It was planted by the Old Dog Kennels in 2014 and first flowered in 2022.
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ x Magnolia sargentiana
Melliodendron xylocarpum now full out in the Rookery.
Melliodendron xylocarpum
Melliodendron xylocarpum
Over the last two years cock pheasants have decimated the flowers on our clump of Fritillaria meleagris by Tin Garden. Few have survived but, this year, we have fenced the pheasants out.
Fritillaria meleagris
Fritillaria meleagris
Eurya japonica in flower in the Rookery with its highly unpleasant smell.
Eurya japonica
Eurya japonica
Eurya japonica
Eurya japonica
A visit to Cornish Lithium and a celebratory lunch after the signing of the Exploration Agreement.
visit to Cornish Lithium
visit to Cornish Lithium
A good Monkey Puzzle at the entrance of the Innovation Centre on the campus of Falmouth University.
visit to Cornish Lithium
visit to Cornish Lithium
The Cornish Lithium site at United Downs.
Cornish Lithium site at United Downs
Cornish Lithium site at United Downs
White violets at Burncoose.
White violets
White violets
In the conservatory Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ and Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’.
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
The first rose nearly in flower on the lawn.
first rose
first rose

2022 – CHW

I read this nonsense in the newspapers and then Jim Gardiner sent me the attached cutting. One wonders if we are really living in Putin’s Russia when such an act of philistine destruction can be mapped out by the health and safety fascists to a daffodil patch in a public park. Prick of the Year award and one to send to Private Eye for wider dissemination.

cutting
cutting
The memorial granite and plaque has been erected by the recently planted magnolia on the top path in Old Park. A commanding view.
memorial
memorial
More pictures of Jaimie’s Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana (pure). It has faded a bit after opening.
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Magnolia ‘Atlas’ crossed with Magnolia sargentiana
Rapanea salicina ‘Toro’ (syn. Myrsine salicina) by Charlie Michaels Nursery Bed with its unusual and attractive new growth.
Rapanea salicina ‘Toro’
Rapanea salicina ‘Toro’
Rapanea salicina ‘Toro’
Rapanea salicina ‘Toro’
The rare Maddenia hypoleuca flowering away for the second time.
Maddenia hypoleuca
Maddenia hypoleuca
Maddenia hypoleuca
Maddenia hypoleuca
Ilex ficiodea covered in bud.
Ilex ficiodea
Ilex ficiodea
Tetradium fraxinifolium (KWJ 12091) appears to be evergreen although its old leaves now seem to be turning colour prior to dropping.
Tetradium fraxinifolium
Tetradium fraxinifolium

2021 – CHW
Jaimie and Michael visited Tregrehan over Easter weekend and photographed the following:Rhododendron davidii
Rhododendron davidii
Rhododendron davidii
Rhododendron davidii
Rhododendron davidii
A Magnolia sprengeri from Lei Shan
Magnolia sprengeri
Magnolia sprengeri
Acer negundo subsp. mexicanum
Acer negundo subsp. mexicanum
Acer negundo subsp. mexicanum
Debregeasia longifolia
Debregeasia longifolia
Debregeasia longifolia
Debregeasia longifolia
Debregeasia longifolia
The champion tree of Magnolia (Michelia) maudiae var. platypetala
Magnolia (Michelia) maudiae var. platypetala
Magnolia (Michelia) maudiae var. platypetala
Skimmia laureola
Skimmia laureola
Skimmia laureola
Skimmia laureola
Skimmia laureola
Rhododendron veitchianum from Thailand
Rhododendron veitchianum
Rhododendron veitchianum
Rhododendron magregoriae (a greenhouse Vireya species)
Rhododendron magregoriae
Rhododendron magregoriae
Myosotidium hortensia
Myosotidium hortensia
Myosotidium hortensia
The champion tree of Melliodendron xylocarpum
Melliodendron xylocarpum
Melliodendron xylocarpum
Camellia ‘Quintessence’
Camellia ‘Quintessence’
Camellia ‘Quintessence’
Polygonatum vietnamense
Polygonatum vietnamense
Polygonatum vietnamense

2020 – CHW

First house martins sighted by Jaimie this morning.The garden is really rushing out now and we have time to think about a day this week making some rhododendron and magnolia crosses. Meanwhile we use up 40 azaleas from the sales point to infill some of our new (this year’s) plantings with evergreen and deciduous forms. This will save Burncoose having to come and pick everything up from here in two loads rather than just one.

new (this year’s) plantings
new (this year’s) plantings
new (this year’s) plantings
new (this year’s) plantings

The rhododendron season really is upon us and the rain on Sunday night has had a big stimulus on the buds. I need to do some more videos for the website of what joys and excitements visitors are missing.

The CLA ring up to see how we are ‘getting on’ which is unexpected. The Historic Houses association newsletters have been useful in the last two weeks as well. Amusingly the Scottish government has decreed that country houses open and with visitor businesses are not eligible (in Scotland) for the government grants. How remarkably petty and spiteful (but typical) of them! Their chief medical officer’s performance rather sums it up.I attach a communication from Lawrence Banks with photographs. We had been corresponding on the naming of one or two of his magnolias. We have a (still small) Magnolia ‘Anne Rosse’ x Magnolia ‘Purple Breeze’.

First bud showing colour on the new Magnolia (Michelia) ‘Fairy Lime’.

Magnolia (Michelia) ‘Fairy Lime’
Magnolia (Michelia) ‘Fairy Lime’
Another of Alan Clarke’s introductions – a Rhododendron maddenia subsection [?] just starting (CW & J 6342).
Rhododendron maddenia
Rhododendron maddenia
Rhododendron maddenia
Rhododendron maddenia
Rhododendron ‘Damaris’ just coming out on the Main Ride. One of the best yellows 40 years ago.
Rhododendron ‘Damaris’
Rhododendron ‘Damaris’
First flower out on the excellent Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’.
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
Magnolia ‘Lemon Star’
A study today of our eucalyptus species as I write the care article for the website.

Eucalyptus crenulata – 2015 planted – with flower buds showing. Pollarded back by the cold in March 2018.

Eucalyptus crenulata
Eucalyptus crenulata
Eucalyptus crenulata
Eucalyptus crenulata
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’ – 2015 planted – pollarded back by the cold in 2018.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox – 2014 planted and now 35ft with attractive bark. Untouched by cold so far.
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus mannifera var. praecox
Eucalyptus simonosii – 2014 planted and now also 30-35ft or so with wonderful bark.
Eucalyptus simonosii
Eucalyptus simonosii
Eucalyptus simonosii
Eucalyptus simonosii
Eucalyptus simonosii
Eucalyptus simonosii
A rumpled hen pheasant about to lay an egg randomly!
hen pheasant
hen pheasant
The Cornish record Eucalyptus nicholii which is now 50-60ft tall and is a record by height and girth. The branches are too high up to photograph the leaves properly but the trunk is impressive. Not a peeling bark species with a collage of bark colours.
Eucalyptus nicholii
Eucalyptus nicholii
Eucalyptus nicholii
Eucalyptus nicholii
This huge beech tree on the drive once had named graffiti and messages carved in its trunk. In the 1960s they were quite clear and were probably the work of the wartime evacuees here then. Today the carvings have been more or less obscured by the growth of the tree.
Huge beech tree
Huge beech tree
Rhododendron ‘Anne Teese’ just coming out.
Rhododendron ‘Anne Teese’
Rhododendron ‘Anne Teese’
Rhododendron ‘Anne Teese’
Rhododendron ‘Anne Teese’
A large clump of Rhododendron albrechtii with flower and early leaves. I planted these years ago and we have just planted a new batch.
Rhododendron albrechtii
Rhododendron albrechtii
Rhododendron albrechtii
Rhododendron albrechtii
Despite being nearly leafless at present plenty of flowers on Illicium floridanum or, possibly, Illicium mexicanum which is very similar. Both species have been planted here and I am not sure quite which this is.
Illicium floridanum
Illicium floridanum
Illicium floridanum
Illicium floridanum
Lindera obtusiloba is about as out as it gets.
Lindera obtusiloba
Lindera obtusiloba
Lindera obtusiloba
Lindera obtusiloba
It is not every day that I find a completely new plant (to me) in the garden. This camellia is totally prostrate and the dog is as tall as it is. No flowers at all. Can anyone help?
new camellia
new camellia
This is the area to clear I think for next year’s replanting. Just some very old japonica camellias and other things which can go. A very sheltered spot for big leafed rhodos.
area to clear
area to clear
This is a climbing euonymus – Euonymus fortunei ‘Woolong Ghost’ which we have planted to grow up a beech tree. This we have seen at Tregrehan where it is easily up to 30ft but it loses the white variegation when mature.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Woolong Ghost’
Euonymus fortunei ‘Woolong Ghost’

2019 – CHW
Several nice new things to admire in the greenhouses.

Abies forrestii var. georgei with its blue flower cones opening creamy white. Stout densely hairy shoots say Hilliers who also say plants of this name are in fact Abies forrestii var. smithii. Clare bought this in for Caerhays but I have no idea where from.

Abies forrestii var. georgei
Abies forrestii var. georgei
Abies forrestii var. georgei
Abies forrestii var. georgei
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Prettycoat’ has plant breeder’s rights on it. A very pale colour to its ‘bells’. Nearly white with a hint of pink. Floriferous at a young age but nothing too startling really with or without breeder’s rights.
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Prettycoat’
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Prettycoat’
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Prettycoat’
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Prettycoat’
Podocarpus wongii has a very attractive new growth. I guess these are Asia’s cuttings from Tregrehan. Almost a red stripe to the edge of the new leaves. Impressive!
Podocarpus wongii
Podocarpus wongii
Podocarpus wongii
Podocarpus wongii
Hydrangea lobbii out in the greenhouse already. Very delicate and pretty lacecap flowers but clearly a bit tender. I lost this outside at Burncoose at 4ft tall after a cold winter.
Hydrangea lobbii
Hydrangea lobbii
Hydrangea lobbii
Hydrangea lobbii
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’ leafing up nicely. The silver variegation is irregular.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King'
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King'
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Silver King’
Quercus monimotricha which Asia has cleverly grown from cuttings. Drooping silvery new growth on tall erect shoots.
Quercus monimotricha
Quercus monimotricha
Quercus monimotricha
Quercus monimotricha
First flowers on Malus ‘Jelly King’ which we bought in for the Isla Rose Plantation. This is an introduction from New Zealand and is the ideal crab apple for making jelly.
Malus ‘Jelly King’
Malus ‘Jelly King’
Malus ‘Jelly King’
Malus ‘Jelly King’

2018 – CHW
A tour with another Duke and Duchess and their friends. Non gardeners on their first visit to Cornish gardens and staying in Portholland. A fine and sunny day for a change and 185 people around the gardens which are still probably 50% behind last year in terms of visitor numbers.Magnolia ‘Star Wars’ is performing better than I dared imagine. Only six weeks ago half the buds were black / dead / on the ground. A remarkable recovery.
Magnolia ‘Star Wars’
Magnolia ‘Star Wars’
Rhododendron pachysanthum just coming out.
Rhododendron pachysanthum
Rhododendron pachysanthum
Rhododendron pachysanthum
Rhododendron pachysanthum
Magnolia denudata ‘Dan Zin’ is full out and unblemished. We used this at the Savill show.
Magnolia denudata ‘Dan Zin’
Magnolia denudata ‘Dan Zin’
Magnolia denudata ‘Dan Zin’
Magnolia denudata ‘Dan Zin’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’ (‘Senkaki’) planted in 1913 and just now into leaf. A wonderful translucent light green through the sunrays.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’
A young Rhododendron singogrande with its first flower. The mature plants beside it have yet to show colour.
Rhododendron singogrande
Rhododendron singogrande
A young Rhododendron moorii denuded of leaves by the east wind. A flower or two before it dies! Another failure with this short-lived species.
Rhododendron moorii
Rhododendron moorii
Magnolia ‘Genie’ just out but not as good a colour as usual. Paled by frost and cold.
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
Magnolia ‘Genie’
I fear the michelias are dying. The flower buds which seemed ok are now dead but the new growth buds are intact. However the main stem is going black so pruning may now be the only way to save these plants. Need to review with Jaimie in two to three weeks.
michelias are dying
michelias are dying
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’ just coming out.
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Spring Rite’
Magnolia ‘Raspberry Fun’ likewise. A much darker and better pink than the one seen yesterday in the Savill Garden.
Magnolia ‘Raspberry Fun’
Magnolia ‘Raspberry Fun’
Magnolia ‘Raspberry Fun’
Magnolia ‘Raspberry Fun’
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’ with its first flower out.
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’
Magnolia ‘Petit Chicon’
Rhododendron macabeanum at its very best. Splendid and a first prize at Savill.
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Rhododendron macabeanum
Likewise Rhododendron ‘Duke of Cornwall’. This went into the bin at the show as the cut spray did not travel well.
Rhododendron ‘Duke of Cornwall’
Rhododendron ‘Duke of Cornwall’
Rhododendron ‘Duke of Cornwall’
Rhododendron ‘Duke of Cornwall’
The newish Magnolia ‘Tropicana’ just coming out. You cannot yet see the full colour mix.
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Tropicana’
Magnolia ‘Wadas Memory’ full out and unblemished. One of several today in the garden of this variety.
Magnolia ‘Wadas Memory’
Magnolia ‘Wadas Memory’
Magnolia ‘Wadas Memory’
Magnolia ‘Wadas Memory’
Rhododendron fargesii full out in the main quarry. I showed this starting to come out at least five weeks ago.
Rhododendron fargesii
Rhododendron fargesii
Rhododendron fargesii
Rhododendron fargesii
A Rhododendron monstroseanum seedling looking very fine. We had a ‘first’ at Windsor with this.
Rhododendron monstroseanum
Rhododendron monstroseanum
Rhododendron monstroseanum
Rhododendron monstroseanum

2017 – CHW Judging camellias with Jennifer Trehane at the show. More classes than I expected but four judges was overkill. Trewithen deservedly won the main class for 12 different blooms plus the cup.

Sorbus caloneura in full flower on the show bench.

Sorbus caloneura
Sorbus caloneura
Sorbus caloneura
Sorbus caloneura

Magnolia soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’

Magnolia soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’
Magnolia soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’

Malus ‘Katherine’

Malus ‘Katherine’
Malus ‘Katherine’
Then some exhibits from the International Camellia Society.

Camellia japonica ‘Aitonia’

Camellia japonica ‘Aitonia’
Camellia japonica ‘Aitonia’

Camellia japonica ‘Elegans’

Camellia japonica ‘Elegans’
Camellia japonica ‘Elegans’

Camellia japonica ‘Sacco Vera’

Camellia japonica ‘Sacco Vera’
Camellia japonica ‘Sacco Vera’

Camellia japonica ‘Woodsii’

Camellia japonica ‘Woodsii’
Camellia japonica ‘Woodsii’
Magnolia ‘Dark Shadow’ on a Crown Estates exhibit.
Magnolia ‘Dark Shadow’
Magnolia ‘Dark Shadow’
Camellia japonica ‘Matterhorn’ is one we need to obtain.
Camellia japonica ‘Matterhorn’
Camellia japonica ‘Matterhorn’
Camellia japonica ‘Matterhorn’
Camellia japonica ‘Matterhorn’
Staphylea elegans won its class.
Staphylea elegans
Staphylea elegans
Staphylea elegans
Staphylea elegans
Malus ‘Everest’ was good too.
Malus ‘Everest’
Malus ‘Everest’
Malus ‘Everest’
Malus ‘Everest’

Rhododendron ‘Cowslip’ – a williamsianum hybrid.

Rhododendron ‘Cowslip’
Rhododendron ‘Cowslip’
Rhododendron primuliflorum
Rhododendron primuliflorum
Rhododendron primuliflorum
Rhododendron primuliflorum
Rhododendron primuliflorum
Rhododendron arizelum – you will see many of the big leafed species from here on and also in the garden. An interesting comparison.
Rhododendron arizelum
Rhododendron arizelum
Rhododendron sinofalconeri – superb too in the Valley Gardens.
Rhododendron sinofalconeri
Rhododendron sinofalconeri
Rhododendron letouchae (stenaulum) quite different from ours.
Rhododendron letouchae
Rhododendron letouchae
Prunus tenella ‘Firehill’ as a vase with more flower on its stems than I have seen.
Prunus tenella ‘Firehill’
Prunus tenella ‘Firehill’
Prunus tenella ‘Firehill’
Prunus tenella ‘Firehill’

Rhododendron hodgsonii

Rhododendron hodgsonii
Rhododendron hodgsonii

Rhododendron huianum

Rhododendron huianum
Rhododendron huianum

Rhododendron glaucophyllum

Rhododendron glaucophyllum
Rhododendron glaucophyllum
Staphylea x coulombieri – quite nice but not hugely different.
Staphylea x coulombieri
Staphylea x coulombieri
Amelanchier lamarkii full out in a vase and with very different new growth to Amelanchier laevis photographed last week.
Amelanchier lamarkii
Amelanchier lamarkii
Amelanchier lamarkii
Amelanchier lamarkii
Syringa pinnatifolia out much earlier than ours.
Syringa pinnatifolia
Syringa pinnatifolia
Syringa pinnatifolia
Syringa pinnatifolia
Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’ – a shy flowerer with us in the nursery.
Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’
Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’
Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’
Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’ – foliage and flowers a nice contrast.
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’
Aesculus x neglecta ‘Erythroblastos’ – superb new growth.
Aesculus x neglecta ‘Erythroblastos’
Aesculus x neglecta ‘Erythroblastos’

Rhododendron kesangiae – another form.

Rhododendron kesangiae
Rhododendron kesangiae

Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’ – a must to add to our collection.

Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’
Camellia x williamsii ‘Les Jury’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Sweet Jane’ – likewise.
Camellia sasanqua ‘Sweet Jane’
Camellia sasanqua ‘Sweet Jane’

Camellia ‘Spring Festival’ – ditto.

Camellia ‘Spring Festival’
Camellia ‘Spring Festival’

Camellia ‘Spring Mist’

Camellia ‘Spring Mist’
Camellia ‘Spring Mist’
Prunus maakii ‘Amber Beauty’ – glorious in full flower. Ours has not yet.
Prunus maakii ‘Amber Beauty’
Prunus maakii ‘Amber Beauty’
Prunus maakii ‘Amber Beauty’
Prunus maakii ‘Amber Beauty’

Darmera peltata in flower with no leaf.

Darmera peltata
Darmera peltata
Taxus baccata ‘Rushmore’ – tiny leaves.
Taxus baccata ‘Rushmore’
Taxus baccata ‘Rushmore’
Michael receives the cup for the best rhododendron truss in the show for ‘Countess of Haddington’. Then off around the Savill Garden with John Anderson and Harvey Stephens.
Michael receives the cup
Michael receives the cup
Michael receives the cup
Michael receives the cup
Rhododendron ‘Countess of Haddington’
Rhododendron ‘Countess of Haddington’
Pruning wisteria to achieve more flowers – care article pictures.
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
Mahonia nervosa – young plantings.
Mahonia nervosa
Mahonia nervosa
Betula utilis var jacquemontii ‘Greyswood Ghost’ with bark and catkins.
Betula utilis var jacquemontii ‘Greyswood Ghost’
Betula utilis var jacquemontii ‘Greyswood Ghost’
Betula utilis var jacquemontii ‘Greyswood Ghost’
Betula utilis var jacquemontii ‘Greyswood Ghost’
The unknown to us Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’ in full flower at the Savill Garden entrance. Well worth stocking by Burncoose.
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
Mahonia ‘Bokrafoot’
An impressive trunk on an ancient Nothofagus dombeyi.
Nothofagus dombeyi
Nothofagus dombeyi
Nothofagus dombeyi
Nothofagus dombeyi
A superb glade of Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ glowing in the sunlight. One for the acer care article.
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ similarly effective for the care article.
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’
Prunus incisa ‘Omoinoyama’
Prunus incisa ‘Omoinoyama’
Prunus incisa ‘Omoinoyama’

Lindera triloba just in flower.

Lindera triloba
Lindera triloba
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’ (lanceanum x keiskei)
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’

Lysichiton camschaticum

Lysichiton camschaticum
Lysichiton camschaticum

Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ – superb double new coloured growth.

Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ – well worth stocking.
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
Xanthorhiza simplicissima – the huge spreading clump which I first saw 40 years ago and identified as a must for the Burncoose catalogue.
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Xanthorhiza simplicissima
Prunus avium ‘Plena’ – in maturity quite a sight today.
Prunus avium ‘Plena’
Prunus avium ‘Plena’
Prunus avium ‘Plena’
Prunus avium ‘Plena’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’ very fine in the garden as well as on the show bench.
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Magnolia ‘Phelan Bright’
Malus hupehensis which has died out at Caerhays.
Malus hupehensis
Malus hupehensis
Malus hupehensis
Malus hupehensis
Cornus nuttallii ‘Pink Blush’ with little pink but a choice plant which we ought to stock.
Cornus nuttallii ‘Pink Blush’
Cornus nuttallii ‘Pink Blush’
Cornus nuttallii ‘Pink Blush’
Cornus nuttallii ‘Pink Blush’
Acer sterculiaceum ssp franchettii – an original plant of this survives at Caerhays.
Acer sterculiaceum ssp franchettii
Acer sterculiaceum ssp franchettii
Acer sterculiaceum ssp franchettii
Acer sterculiaceum ssp franchettii
Rubus spectabilis ‘Olympic Double’ – even better this year than last.
Rubus spectabilis ‘Olympic Double’
Rubus spectabilis ‘Olympic Double’
Magnolia soulangeana ‘Rubriflora’ (denudata x lilliflora) – nothing special.
Magnolia soulangeana ‘Rubriflora’
Magnolia soulangeana ‘Rubriflora’
Abies forrestii – well worth trying at home.
Abies forrestii
Abies forrestii
Tilia endochrysea with half sized leaf.
Tilia endochrysea
Tilia endochrysea
Tilia endochrysea
Tilia endochrysea
Sassafras albidum – this extraordinary spreading/suckering clump in full flower. Why does ours not produce suckers like this?
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum
Podocarpus nivalis ‘Ruapehu’ on a rockery bed.
Podocarpus nivalis ‘Ruapehu’
Podocarpus nivalis ‘Ruapehu’
The rare Ceanothus cuneatus var ramulosus which we should stock.
Ceanothus cuneatus var ramulosus
Ceanothus cuneatus var ramulosus
Ceanothus cuneatus var ramulosus
Ceanothus cuneatus var ramulosus
A fine Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’.
Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’
Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’
This 90 year old freestanding wisteria clump has been created gradually by severe pruning. Just look at the flower about to come. The queen was unimpressed when Harvey Stephens told her it was ‘ancient’!
All good stuff for the new wisteria care article.
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
wisteria clump
Hemerocallis dumortieri – out early with peculiar flowers.
Hemerocallis dumortieri
Hemerocallis dumortieri
This Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’ is a MUST for us to stock at Burncoose. What a display! Easy selling name too.
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’
Epimedium ‘Pink Champagne’

2016 – CHW
The two hectare plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley is being ripped out after some 25 years. Originally these camellias were planted as part of a European grant project for Cornish growers promoting traditional and new foliage production. The belief was that there was a European/German market for eucalyptus, pittosporum and other foliage plants if they could be grown in bulk as Tregothnan were then doing on a field scale size with a huge range of potential foliage plants form phormium, rubus, eleagnus and camellia. Caerhays had always sold sprays of Camellia japonica foliage to the Covent Garden market and still does today. The hope was that by growing more named varieties of camellia a new market could be opened up for the sale of camellia buds and sprays of flowering camellia.Although Tregothnan did indeed go on to develop a thriving foliage business which has adapted into tea production as well as supplying the floristry market the supposed German foliage buyers sent only one lorry to Cornwall and this was not a success.
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley
plantation of camellias in the Portholland valley

We did eventually manage to interest Dutch buyers in the camellia product some five years ago but it proved impossible to provide week on week the consistency of product in a limited range of named varieties and the costs of cutting and bunching camellia sprays in different sizes hardly covered the costs achieved in the market. Transport costs to Holland were horrendous and the Dutch never understood that the product was grown outdoors and therefore subject to frost, wind damage and hailstorms week on week. In warmer weather the flowers came out too quickly during shipment.We managed only one successful load which was shipped on the Moscow, Vladivostok and the Gulf States. The buyers wanted more next week but we had a frost. We were not geared up staff wise to cope and the skills needed to package thousands of identical bunches of uniform quality of the same variety as the Dutch (rightly) demanded were beyond us. Camellias do not, in the main, grow in a manner which easily allows the cutting of 30, 60 and 90cm identical sprays in very large quantities.

So the Dutch gave up on us, we could not see a realistic profit in the future and the plants grew so big that you could not get through them although the brambles did.

So, slightly reluctantly, we decided to destroy the plantation and return the land to normal agricultural use. Not a success story but one which cost us very little as the original grant covered the full cost of the plants and the original planting while some ongoing agricultural support from Europe paid for maintenance of the crop (today called BPS) on an annual basis.

Meanwhile the Higher Rockery was getting a ‘haircut’. Several azaleas and rhododendrons needed cutting down to reshoot and rejuvenate as they had again grown too large and were shading out other plants. This was last done at least 30 years ago.
Higher Rockery
Higher Rockery
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’, planted in a newer bed, was just coming into flower helped by the removal of a few brambles.
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
In the main the Rockery is in part either too shady and damp for many rhododendrons and, in part, too hot and dry with poorish soil. Few of my more recent plantings have done well (‘Ginny Gee’ and ‘Wee Bee’ being the exceptions) and the last of the original clump of Rhododendron russatum is on the way out. Rhododendron spinuliferum and Rhododendron weyrichii still thrive however as does Vaccinum urceolatum.

2015 – CHW

Completed the planting out CHW
Starting the planting out.
completed planting out 02
Completed.

Completed the planting out of some 200 rhododendrons in the centre of Old Park.  These were mainly new species to Caerhays and some are replacements for species which have died of old age.  All were grown from wild collected Chinese seed by Alan Clark formerly of Muncaster Gardens in Cumbria.  The frames by the greenhouse which had our own excellent crop of rhododendron seedlings were also planted out some in Old Park and some above Rogers Quarry.  These included Rhododendron excellens, lindleyi, ririei, arboretum, royalei (yellow and pink) and ‘Penvose’ (Caerhays hybrid).  Higher Quarry Nursery and Orchid House Nursery are now virtually empty for the first time for years and ready to be dug over ready for Jeremy Peter-Hoblyn’s Chinese rhododendron seedlings which he kindly gave us last year just before he sadly died.  We have planted out now at least 100 new magnolias, 300 plus rhododendrons and at least 150 other camellias and assorted shrubs in seven days . A bigger planting out programme than Jaimie had ever undertaken in his 21 years here.  Now we need some rain to bed them all in but none in prospect this week it seems.

Looking exceptional in the garden today are:
RHODODENDRON monstroseanum
RHODODENDRON monstroseanum – below Burns Bank
MAGNOLIA cylindrica – a wild collected form which is not pure white but has an initial blueish-purple stripe at the base which then turns reddish.
MAGNOLIA cylindrica

2004 – FJW
Mag stellata by nursery excellent.

1966 – FJW
Mrs Blandford died – 60 years they were married.

1933 – JCW
Just as on this day 10 years ago, but no Auklandii. Magnolias are all good.

1923 – JCW
Bob’s White Australis is splendid, the Auklandii starting the early one is well out, the hybrid white Auklandii have been very beautiful. The cherries in the drive are at their best but Subhirtella in the Beech Walk is better.

1918 – JCW
One of the best days of one of the best springs, the first of the Auklandii are opening. Bob’s White Australis is in flower well for the first time. All the heaths are open and a great mass of rhodo’s with very pleasant light for things like the Augustinii’s.

1914 – JCW
Daffs are near their best. Clematis alpina is lovely. Mrs Butler x at its best. R fargesii at its very best. R lutescens going back. The Auklandii x Arboreum white and red come on well. A few R broughtonii moving.

1912 – JCW
Reticulata half fallen, de Graaf going back, cherries are out bar one, the later poets are open, some montana open, rhododendrons are near about their best.

1907 – JCW
Plymouth Show. De Graaf ⅓ open, Weardale well out, all x poets not properly open, no Auklandii yet.

1904 – JCW
Truro Show. De Graaf open and Weardale, but not grown, and I did not take the former Dante, and 137 were our poets, flowers below the average.

1903 – JCW
We have nearly the last de Graaf buds open, all the Lulworths or nearly all are out, the cherries are half out. I returned from Dinton and the Drill Hall today, there were very few Poets at the Drill Hall except from the west.

1900 – JCW
Bob saw the first swallow.

1898 – JCW
Sir W Scott, Homer, 37, Dante, Firebrand, Griflamme are open also Mrs Langtry (one or two), M Cowen, M de Graaf, M Plemp, G of Leiden and G mundi.