7th January 1897- 2020 | The Garden Diary

FJW 1955-2007

CHW 2015-

JCW 1897-1939

CW 1940-1955

2020 – CHW
I have noticed a few ripe cones on Cedrus libani falling to the ground with viable seed for Asia. The dogs have been chewing them up and bringing them into the house to make a mess recently. The bigger question is whether this tree on the bank is Cedrus atlantica (the ‘Atlas cedar’ from the Atlas mountains in Algeria and Morocco or the ‘Cedar of Lebanon’). C. atlantica is thought to be a subspecies of C. libani.So a bit of research and I conclude that I am still not really sure since both have similar barrel-shaped cones and both can have green leaves. On balance I think the leaves are more grey-green than green to I plump for C. libani which is what I bought it as 25 to 30 years ago.Some cones are ripe and dropping while others are still hard and maturing having only formed last summer.

Have a look at these pictures and correct me if need be!?

2019 – CHW
A young (planted 2012) Quercus canariensis has had some major storm damage in Kennel Close. One of the principal side branches has split badly and the tree has had to be completely reshaped with the whole side branch pruned out. In fact, as you can see, the small young tree now has a better leader and will become a far better tree as a result.

Serious rabbit damage to the base of a large 10 year old multi-stemmed Sorbus commixta which has now been surrounded (again) with rabbit netting. Fortunately they have only bitten through the outer bark and not penetrated to the bare wood so the tree should be able to recover. The roots as well as the trunk were attacked. At this time of the year rabbits do attack bark on trees as the grass seems not to have adequate nutrients for them. A bloody nuisance. However unsightly the rabbit netting is this is what can so quickly happen when you remove it!

2018 – CHW
Lindera obtusiloba will soon be breaking bud. A deciduous species of great merit. There is an elderly plant near the house at Rosemoor.

Mahonia leschenaultia is just coming into flower.

Still the odd flower on Eucryphia lucida ‘Pink Cloud’.

Flowers soon to emerge on Aextoxicon punctatum.

A magnolia flower out in every month continues to be a reality. Here a Magnolia grandiflora hybrid.

And the seed head which we thought earlier might actually be setting seed (which is unheard of here for M. grandiflora) is still looking good. Asia needs to monitor it until fully ripe which may well be soon.

Stewartia sinensis continues to lean alarmingly. I wonder if we could not tie it back to a dead yew tree above it?

Just see how the bark formation has changed since we last looked at the trunk of S. sinensis which was then peeling at the base. Now splitting and fissuring to reveal different colours beneath.

Huge numbers of old seed pods remain on the S. sinensis tree. They all appear to be sterile on inspection.

Alarmingly early new growth on [???]. Some other leaves still there.

Totally dormant but healthy is Pentapanax verticillatus with rhus-like bark and buds.

Athrotaxus laxifolia looks to be dying from a distance but close up the new growth tips are green. Wind damage or on the way out? Not sure.

Mahonia japonica now full out with its lemon yellow flowers. In bud about two to three weeks ago.

Still plenty of young leaves on the banksian rose hard pruned last spring to revive it.

2017 – CHW
Stachyurus chinensis full of hanging flower tassels. The odd drop of rain still hangs there looking like an early flower but not quite yet!

Rhododendron lindleyi with huge buds to flower in April. Very swollen already.

2016 – CHW
The garlic is in full growth a good month early under the largest Magnolia veitchii. Not the common one – this one is a stinker!

Camellia ‘Jurys Yellow’ is full out on the bank above.

As is Camellia ‘Lady Clare’; perhaps the second japonica variety to show. The old one by the front door is not out yet but many of its buds have been blown off in the wind.

1968 – FJW
David picked first snowdrops of year.

1967 – FJW
Cold started.

1963 – FJW
Few flowers on Nov Pink – no sign of anything else. Snow but we missed the big blizzard.

1934 – JCW
Just as in 1932 C speciosa gives us the best flowers now but no Rhodo’s.

1932 – JCW
Caucasicums good again after late frost, Speciosa first open in the wood ( note, not quite over on May 12th), then on the wall new planting C speciosa, latest of all, Hamamelis are better than ever.

1930 – JCW
Late year C speciosa nice in the wood not on the wall. C sasangua over, Coums are late, mucronulatum good, lutescens fair, Erica hybrida fair.

1924 – JCW
Rather behind 1922, Coums are starting but most things are a fortnight later.

1922 – JCW
Hamamelis and mucronulatum v g, some Camellias are nice, C speciosa particularly so, C Coum is showing, C sasanqua is over, a few snowdrops.

1921 – JCW
Hamamelis and Erica hybrida are near their best and very fine. R mucronulatum is only fair. None of the 1912 stuff is good.

1912 – JCW
Aconites showing colour. Camellia sasanqua is yet very good, Coums nice, Ericas good, the first seedling trumpet show colour.

1907 – JCW
Measured Tree Fern frond broken by recent wind 10 feet 6 in by 3 feet 6 in.

1901 – JCW
Another Camellia, several roses about, frost for two nights.

1900 – JCW
I saw the first Lent Lily breaking ground – several roses going now, a snowdrop or two.