3rd 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

A trip to Tregrehan with a group of 12.

Machilus ichangensis – never seen the species before.

Magnolia lotungensis
Magnolia lotungensis
Machilus ichangensis
Machilus ichangensis
Camellia trichocarpa remains one of the absolute highlights of the garden in early spring.
Camellia trichocarpa
Camellia trichocarpa
Keteleeria evelyniana – attractive bark and different to the species which we have (K. davidiana).
Keteleeria evelyniana
Keteleeria evelyniana
Keteleeria evelyniana
Keteleeria evelyniana
Strobilanthes wallichii still in full flower in March!
Strobilanthes wallichii
Strobilanthes wallichii
Acer purpurascens an interesting evergreen species with woody bark.
Acer purpurascens
Acer purpurascens
Acer purpurascens
Acer purpurascens
Magnolia lotungensis still has no buds despite being a champion tree. How close is this to M. nitida in reality?
Magnolia lotungensis
Magnolia lotungensis
Two side by side but slightly different Betula ermanii, Mt. Hakkoda, Honshu – very attractive bark.
Betula ermanii, Mt. Hakkoda, Honshu
Betula ermanii, Mt. Hakkoda, Honshu
Betula ermanii, Mt. Hakkoda, Honshu
Betula ermanii, Mt. Hakkoda, Honshu
Tom’s own unnamed and tender Hedychium in a greenhouse. He gave us a plant years ago.
Hedychium
Hedychium
A Brazilian conifer called Retrophyllum in the greenhouse.
Retrophyllum
Retrophyllum
Retrophyllum
Retrophyllum
Retrophyllum
Retrophyllum
Another tender one called Secundecarpus.
Secundecarpus
Secundecarpus
Michelia flaviflorum with its first two flowers in a greenhouse.
Michelia flaviflorum
Michelia flaviflorum

2023 – CHW
Magnolia campbellii nearly full out.
Magnolia campbellii
Magnolia campbellii
Camellia reticulata ‘William Hertrich’ in fine form about 8 years from planting out.
Camellia reticulata ‘William Hertrich’
Camellia reticulata ‘William Hertrich’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’ just as good in the opposite side of the path.
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
Camellia reticulata ‘Lasca Beauty’
The largest Magnolia campbellii ‘Valentine’s Torch’ half out on a murky day.
Magnolia campbellii ‘Valentine’s Torch’
Magnolia campbellii ‘Valentine’s Torch’
Acacia pravissima nearly out.
Acacia pravissima
Acacia pravissima
The first true Magnolia ‘Sprengeri Diva’ to have flowers out.
Magnolia ‘Sprengeri Diva’
Magnolia ‘Sprengeri Diva’
Magnolia ‘Philip Tregunna’ showing colour.
Magnolia ‘Philip Tregunna’
Magnolia ‘Philip Tregunna’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Peter’ an excellent colour this year.
Magnolia ‘Bishop Peter’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Peter’
As is the New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’.
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
A newly planted (in full sun) Rhododendron williamsianum with myopex overlaid with bark mulch to keep it moist.
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Rhododendron williamsianum
Yet more Viburnum species have gone in in the clearing above Higher Quarry Nursery.
clearing above Higher Quarry Nursery
clearing above Higher Quarry Nursery
First flowers out on the lawn of Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’ offset well against the green of the yew behind.
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’

2022 – CHW

Last night the launch of ‘Spring has Sprung’ at The Nare hotel with the Great Gardens of Cornwall and a speech from me.

‘Spring has Sprung’
‘Spring has Sprung’
‘Spring has Sprung’
‘Spring has Sprung’
The magnolia arch had been at Truro station to greet rail travellers and promote this event.
The speeches with Toby Ashworth, owner of The Nare hotel.
Toby Ashworth
Toby Ashworth
A Burncoose Nurseries visit today.
Beschorneria calicola is a new addition to the catalogue.
Beschorneria calicola
Beschorneria calicola
Out in flower today:
Magnolia ‘Ian’s Red’ in the nursery flowering as a young plant.
Magnolia ‘Ian’s Red’
Magnolia ‘Ian’s Red’
Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’
Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’
Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’
Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’ – absurdly early.
Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’
Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Candy Apple’
Camellia ‘Souvenir de Behaud Litou’
Camellia ‘Souvenir de Behaud Litou’
Camellia ‘Souvenir de Behaud Litou’
Camellia ‘Rubescens Major’
Camellia ‘Rubescens Major’
Camellia ‘Rubescens Major’
Raphiolepsis indica ‘Springtime’
Raphiolepsis indica ‘Springtime’
Raphiolepsis indica ‘Springtime’
Ribes laevifolium ‘Amy Doncaster’ – a creeping, low growing shrub.
Ribes laevifolium ‘Amy Doncaster’
Ribes laevifolium ‘Amy Doncaster’
Ribes laevifolium – which is markedly different.
Ribes laevifolium
Ribes laevifolium
Grevillea juniperina sulphureum
Grevillea juniperina sulphureum
Grevillea juniperina sulphureum
Eurya japonica ‘Moutiers’
Eurya japonica ‘Moutiers’
Eurya japonica ‘Moutiers’
Eurya japonica ‘Moutiers’
Eurya japonica ‘Moutiers’
Callistemon pallidus – even more absurdly early.
Callistemon pallidus
Callistemon pallidus
Hydrangea lobbii – likewise!
Hydrangea lobbii
Hydrangea lobbii
Magnolia ‘Royal Purple’
Magnolia ‘Royal Purple’
Magnolia ‘Royal Purple’
Rhododendron calophytum just coming out by the garden entrance.
Rhododendron calophytum
Rhododendron calophytum
Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’ on the drive.
Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’
Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’
The hose in hose Azalea ‘Salmon Kirin’ nicely out as well.
Azalea ‘Salmon Kirin’
Azalea ‘Salmon Kirin’

2021 – CHW
With a bit of sun and east wind the magnolias are rushing out. Trying to get a film crew here on the right day weather wise and fitting in with their diary is not easy. Will the best moment be around 10th March or 20th March? Still a bit of a gamble on the weather as it always is.Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’ is now out and a good colour but slightly small flowers as yet.
Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’
Magnolia campbellii ‘Darjeeling’
A planting day placing out the very best new plants in the very best places. Here Illicium macranthum (BSWJ 11809) in flower goes in by Tin Garden where the bamboos were dug out. Looks much like Illicium simonii to me in flower.
Illicium macranthum
Illicium macranthum
Asia’s propagation of Illicium floridanum (Florida anise) at Donkey Shoe also has a single flower. It normally flowers much later but I have seen the odd early flower before.
Illicium floridanum
Illicium floridanum
Rabbit nibbling on both sides of a 30-year-old magnolia has necessitated restoring the wire netting surround.
Rabbit nibbling
Rabbit nibbling
Rabbit nibbling
Rabbit nibbling
The New Zealand form of ‘Lanarth’ is even more splendid today than yesterday.
‘Lanarth’
‘Lanarth’
‘Lanarth’
‘Lanarth’
Another (the third) good young clump of Rhododendron ririei. This plant has its flowers less hidden within the bush than most of the others.
Rhododendron ririei
Rhododendron ririei
The first decent big leaf Rhododendron sinogrande that I have seen out this year.
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
Rhododendron sinogrande
The root damaged and nearly dead Schefflera macrophylla has been cut back. A hollow pithy centre to the woody stem. The Taiwanese use the stems to make drinking vessels. I have little hope of this reshooting from lower down the trunk even if one side is still green at the base.
Schefflera macrophylla
Schefflera macrophylla
Schefflera macrophylla
Schefflera macrophylla
Polyspora axillaris still has plenty of flower high up and rather later on than usual.
Polyspora axillaris
Polyspora axillaris
Polyspora axillaris
Polyspora axillaris
As Jaimie remarked Rhododendron ‘Choremia’ is flowering much earlier in the year as it has matured (arboreum x haematodes).
Rhododendron ‘Choremia’
Rhododendron ‘Choremia’
Rhododendron ‘Choremia’
Rhododendron ‘Choremia’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’ has had its first flowers blown open during the course of the day. The outer protection to the flowers now litters the gravel with a bud or two.
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’
Magnolia ‘Delia Williams’

2020 – CHW
We were told to expect the worst from Storm Jorge last weekend but, although plenty of rain and the water meadows flooded yet again, no damage to the magnolias!The new signage in the Tin Garden hut is now in place and with the FJW memorial planting now complete as far as we can make it for now we are ready for the official opening later in March. An interesting addition to the garden and its history for visitors to enjoy. Sadly far too few get to the top of the garden to see the best of it.
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
‌‌Tin‌ ‌Garden‌ ‌hut‌
Gunnera manicata leaves emerging in the Gunnera bed at the entrance to Old Park. Even a flower stem as well which is most unusual for the first week in March.
Gunnera manicata
Gunnera manicata
Gunnera manicata
Gunnera manicata
A young Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’ flowering away below White Stiles.
young Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
young Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
A good magnolia seedling at the entrance to White Stiles field.
magnolia‌ ‌seedling‌‌
magnolia‌ ‌seedling‌‌
First ever flowers on a second young yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’. Two to three weeks behind the larger plant above the Auklandii Garden. Again the buds are a good yellow and yellow remains on the underside of the tepals. Yes it opens white but the buds are yellow!
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
yellow form of Magnolia campbellii ‘Alba’
Fallen petals below the Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ (New Zealand form) below Donkey Shoe. Still plenty of intact flowers though.
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Michael’ just coming out properly. What a colour!
Magnolia ‘Bishop Michael’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Michael’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Michael’
Magnolia ‘Bishop Michael’
The original Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’ about four days off being its absolute best.
original Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
original Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
original Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
original Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’

2019 – CHW
I do not think I can ever remember such a dry, warm and vibrant February where the garden came to its absolute magnolia best. A year ago we were in the throes of The Beast and everything was doom and gloom. Not this year – so far at least. The Magnolia mollicomatas and sargentiana robustas may have had less flowers than usual but there are literally hundreds of 30 and 20 year old plants coming up to take their place to extend the flowering season and improve it immeasurably.Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is just coming out and not as dark in bud as Magnolia ‘Genie’ from a day ago.
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’ is now full out too. What an impressive plant this is!
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Big Dude’ (US bred) is now full out too and Magnolia ‘Todds Fortyniner’ is nearly over and putting on its first small leaves.
Magnolia ‘Big Dude’
Magnolia ‘Big Dude’
This is the first flower on Magnolia sprengeri ‘Dusty Pink’ which was a gift from Jim Gardiner and is from wild collected seed in China. What a colour and a true sprengeri shape. The plant has some dieback and needs some TLC to survive.
Magnolia sprengeri ‘Dusty Pink’
Magnolia sprengeri ‘Dusty Pink’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tabulare’ is very fine today.
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tabulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tabulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tabulare’
Camellia reticulata ‘Miss Tabulare’
The view from the front door through the arch remains stunning as does the whole garden!
view from the front door
view from the front door
My vlog for today is all about this stunning as yet unnamed Magnolia.

2018 – CHW
With some trepidation I venture out already depressed but prepared to become depressed even more. Too cold still to stick it for more than an hour. Everywhere there is evergreen leaf litter from leaves literally ripped off in the wind. Laurels, Michelias, camellias, lithorcarpus particularly. The worst I have seen since January 1990 after the hurricane struck from the west. Today it is the east side which has been pulverised and the ‘Beast from the East’ is still raging yet.The magnolias outside the back yard which we admired a week ago are more than gone! Totally fucked to put it mildly.
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
magnolias outside the back yard
However the magnolia plant on the mound still (mainly) has both outer warm coats intact. I think the flowers will still be fine in a fortnight or so. This is better news than I had hoped or expected.
magnolia plant on the mound
magnolia plant on the mound
magnolia plant on the mound
magnolia plant on the mound
magnolia plant on the mound
magnolia plant on the mound
Like all our camellias ‘Mary Jobson’ was full out and now the flowers are badly frosted or blown to the ground. Not all is lost! There are many more buds to come out yet.
‘Mary Jobson’
‘Mary Jobson’
‘Mary Jobson’
‘Mary Jobson’
The Daphne bholua has been battered but may not be as dead as I thought.
Daphne bholua
Daphne bholua
The Cryptomeria japonicas bend dangerously in the wind. How they stay upright I do not know.
Cryptomeria japonicas
Cryptomeria japonicas
Snow still lies in drifts on the lawn or on west facing slopes.
Snow still lies in drifts on the lawn
Snow still lies in drifts on the lawn
Mainly Camellia leaves blown off on Hovel Cart Road.
Mainly Camellia leaves
Mainly Camellia leaves
Mainly Camellia leaves
Mainly Camellia leaves
Michelia doltsopa leaves allover the path by George’s Hut.
Michelia doltsopa
Michelia doltsopa
But the buds facing away from the wind are still fine and well enclosed in orange furry indumentum around the flower.
orange furry indumentum
orange furry indumentum
The laurel hedges in Kennel Close with their leaves bent over in the gales.
laurel hedges
laurel hedges
Even the clumps of daffodils have been blown over, shattered and the flowers scorched.
daffodils
daffodils
A rather sickly young palm which has turned brown and may well soon die of the cold.
sickly young palm
sickly young palm
Disaster strikes the wonderful South African Podocarpus heinkelii which has totally snapped off at the base. Asia needs to rush to get cuttings on Monday. Other Chilean podocarpus nearby look fine but we know the cold damage can take 4-6 weeks to show up properly afterwards.
Podocarpus heinkelii
Podocarpus heinkelii
Podocarpus heinkelii
Podocarpus heinkelii
The supposedly evergreen Carpus Kawakamii isn’t looking very happy either. Major frosting of its leaves and early new growth. Will it recover?
Carpus Kawakamii
Carpus Kawakamii
Carpus Kawakamii
Carpus Kawakamii
Magnolia ‘Copeland Court’ was a little frosted last year which caused some dieback. Rather more this year if indeed it survives? Bad damage all along below Slip Rail in the teeth of the east wind.
Magnolia ‘Copeland Court’
Magnolia ‘Copeland Court’
A carpet of blown off laurel leaves all along the Main Ride. How much worse it would all be without the laurel shelter belts! They have done their job at a cost to themselves.
laurel leaves
laurel leaves
laurel leaves
laurel leaves
Corylopsis spicata tries to come out and the flowers have survived so far almost undamaged.
Corylopsis spicata
Corylopsis spicata
Corylopsis spicata
Corylopsis spicata
Fronds blown off the big tree fern on the main ride. Its a bit thin on top but, as usual, Dicksonia antarctica lives up to its name for indestructability It came through worse than this in 1963.
tree fern
tree fern
tree fern
tree fern
The Champion Tree, Lithocarpus pachyphyllus, also has windblown green leaves carpeting the ground. I doubt that this will hurt it much.
Lithocarpus pachyphyllus
Lithocarpus pachyphyllus
Lithocarpus pachyphyllus
Lithocarpus pachyphyllus
2017 – CHW
A garden tour with Jane Pruden and her mother. Jane was the real author of the last three books on Belvoir Castle/Estate.A drizzly and overcast day. An unnamed Rhododendron macabeanum hybrid full out. Pink buds opening to creamy white. Too far on for the early March Rosemoor Show where we exhibited it last year. David Millais said it was worth registering and naming then.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Magnolia ‘Betty Jessel’ is just out and not yet at its best. Smallish flowers still without its true colour.
Magnolia ‘Betty Jessel’
Magnolia ‘Betty Jessel’
The New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ is easily the most perfect and best magnolia in the garden today. Huge flowers and what a colour!
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
New Zealand Magnolia ‘Lanarth’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’ with its huge blousy (but irregular and somewhat varied) flowers is full out below Donkey Shoe. The flowers are so heavy that they bend the branches down so that you cannot really see the flowers properly.
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
Camellia ‘Mrs D W Davis’
The unnamed Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid in Old Park is full out now but these photos do not do its colour justice in the murk.
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
Magnolia ‘Lanarth’ hybrid
A good clean up of a large fallen oak on the top path in Old Park. It fell on the Gunnera manicata clump here but little damage except to two 10ft tall Rhododendron arboreum alongside.
clean up of a large fallen oak
clean up of a large fallen oak

2016 – CHW
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is living up to its name and now showing colour.

Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’
A full inspection of Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’ which is now full out so we can get proper pictures with the Magnolia Society International. To repeat this is a Magnolia sargentiana robusta cross with Magnolia sprengeri diva.
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’
Magnolia ‘Mr Julian’

Using the RHS colour charts is not easy but with cut bud and flowers I have determined that for registration the colour codes are as follows:

In bud – Red Purple Group 70B – Strong Reddish Purple

Full out – inside of tepals Red Purple Group 73B – Strong Purplish Pink

Full out – outside of tepals

Purple Group 75C – Very Light Purple

We will now send off the full registration form with pictures from today and last week. The precise colour coding may be different in a day or two when the flowers go over.

Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’ is full out and a bit battered. From only five flowers two years ago it is now adorned all over with 100 plus flowers. Jaimie thinks the colour is not as good as last year with less ‘red’ in it and I tend to agree but what a plant none the less!
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Splendour’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’ from the other side today including the 2nd January flowerer to the left which is now both over and frosted with just the odd flower showing some colour. Further to the left outside the yard a Magnolia mollicomata seedling is coming out a muddy frosted off white. Horrid!
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’
Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’

Attached is a cutting from ‘Garden News’ which gets most of the facts about right I suppose.

Garden news 27.02.16
Garden news 27.02.16

1999 – FJW
Still the rain continues – ground on farms waterlogged. Campbellii and Mag Philip Tregunna good colour, not so Diva + seedlings.

1995 – FJW
Very mild and wet winter now interrupted by a cold snap. Fate of Magnolia back in the balance.

1985 – FJW
Crocus, cyclamen and daffodils + 1 flower Mag Mr Gove + Busaco magnificent brought in.

1932 – JCW
Camellia speciosa at about its best in all forms, some may touch April.

1929 – JCW
None of the above except R lutescens. Frost has abated and rooks have started to build. I saw one carrying a big stick.

1928 – JCW
Argenteums well open, Mag kobus early form ¾ open, M haleana not yet. R sulfureum is very good in all places and so Lutescens. Corylopsis parvifolia very nice.

1923 – JCW
Argenteums at their best, say 30 species showing flower and a lot of hybrids, some of the Sutchuenense have been nice.

1915 – JCW
R praecox has been badly frosted, say a week of mild weather behind the above.

1914 – JCW
R praecox ⅔ open, Arboreum x Thomsonii VG, daffs coming on now, 32 has a few flowers open, R lutescens good, R argenteum ⅔ open, Prunus pissardi more than half open.

1913 – JCW
Some Auklandii x Arboreum show colour, Arboreum x Thomsonii at its very best, some splendid trumpets but very scarce, Clematis indivisa at its best.

1898 – JCW
Heavy snow and some cold, excepting Rho praecox much as on the other side.

1897 – JCW
Great storms of hail and wind to beat down all the daffodils, did its work well.