2023 – CHW
Seed heads forming in profusion on Meliosma tenuis.




2022 – CHW
Every day the younger rhododendrons and things planted this spring look sicker in the drought. It’s not as bad as 1976 though, especially as regards the big leafed rhodos.
Eucryphia cordifolia just starting to show.

Rhododendron ‘Polar Bear’ making a great show on Hovel Cart Road.


The International Dendrology Society’s (IDS) tree of the year this year is Torreya nucifera. This prompted me to see if our three Torreya species were setting fruits/seeds. Hilliers list four species and the IDS say there are six in all. Three of our plants are above Hovel Cart Road.This Hydrangea paniculata had a haircut last year after 20 to 25 years. The one beside it died in protest but this one is already a decent show.
2019 – CHW
This Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ was cut to the ground last autumn. Strong regrowth and very few flowers but, those there are, are huge.
The fallen record tree, Ligustrum confusum, is shooting vigorously from the base. I see no reason not to let it grow away again and cut it back to one leader eventually.
2017 – CHW
This evergreen Illicium lanceolatum came to us from Mark Fillan as a new species (to us) of illicium a year ago. It was fairly pot bound and is now growing in shade in Old Park. This is its first flowering here. A seed head is clearly in evidence and needs to be collected when ripe and hard. Then it needs a soaking in water to release the individual seeds before planting in a seed tray. This is the second new species of illicium to flower here this year.
2016 – CHW
No entry.
2015 – CHW
No entry.
1953 – CW
Auriculatum at best or going over. White hybrids good. Eucryphia pinnatifolia big plant over. Rest at best. Nymansii very good, some cyclamen and lapagerias. Very hot over Bank Holiday.
1948 – CW
H.H.Hume, University of Florida came today on Camellias most interesting. Likes plants.
1918 – JCW
Have cut nearly all the gladiolus, Buddleias are fair, one of Wilson’s Hydrangeas are good, very little else. The 1917 winer killed the gladiolus.
1916 – JCW
Romneya very good indeed, hundreds of flowers out, nothing much else in the shrub way left. Our hybrid gladilous look very nice, and very refined range of colours.
1913 – JCW
A late C, I go north tomorrow. Solanum good. Buddleia fair, even good. Very short of rain.