17th July

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

2023 – CHW

Too much for a single diary entry day I have extended the Osborne House visit to a third day.

We have finally arrived at the annual planting at the front of the house.

Agave and Yucca set the scene.

Agave and Yucca
Agave and Yucca
Agave and Yucca
Agave and Yucca
The clock tower has recently been restored.
The clock tower
The clock tower
The lower fountain has been subject to subsidence.
The lower foundation
The lower foundation
A huge clump of Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne.
Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne
Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne
Arbutus fronting a clump of Ilex oak and Pinus Radiata.
Arbutus fronting a clump of Ilex oak and Pinus Radiata
Arbutus fronting a clump of Ilex oak and Pinus Radiata
The feature Cupressus macrocarpa frames the view over to Portsmouth.
Cupressus macrocarpa
Cupressus macrocarpa
Two beds of Camellia japonica – unexpected!
Camellia japonica
Camellia japonica
A few running repairs needed.
repairs needed
repairs needed
repairs needed
repairs needed

2022 – CHW

The hottest day of the year in the UK if you believe the weather forecasters. 40oC in the Home Counties and another of the dreaded Met Office ‘Red Warnings’ which they so love post COVID. Storm Eunice in January a non event red warning then. Cornwall is only an amber warning as yet but there is a strong offshore breeze and its not yet stifling?

Romneya coulteri and Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’.

Romneya coulteri and Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’
Romneya coulteri and Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’
Romneya coulteri full out but flopping about in the wind outside our kitchen window.
Romneya coulteri
Romneya coulteri
Romneya coulteri
Romneya coulteri
‘Eggs and bacon’ (Lotus corniculatus) in the lawn – some with orange flowers. Also known as Birds Foot Trefoil.
‘Eggs and bacon’ (Lotus corniculatus)
‘Eggs and bacon’ (Lotus corniculatus)
Nepeta, clover and ‘Eggs and bacon’ with the leaves of Alchemilla showing as well. The lawn hasn’t needed cutting in this heatwave and that is good for the insects.
Nepeta, clover and ‘Eggs and bacon’
Nepeta, clover and ‘Eggs and bacon’
Last errant flower on Azalea indica ‘Balsamaeflora’ in the Rockery.
Azalea indica ‘Balsamaeflora’
Azalea indica ‘Balsamaeflora’
The near black flowers of Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum on the Rockery steps.
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Rhododendron sanguineum ssp. didymum
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Early Sensation’ just out with a hint of pink.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Early Sensation’
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Early Sensation’
As is Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’
Berberis insigne var insigne now restaked upright with long new growth shoots. The re-staking a year ago, which we made into a topical tip video, has worked well.
Berberis insigne
Berberis insigne

2021 – CHW
Aristolochia sempervirens has its first few flowers three years from planting out. Most peculiar they are too. I have seen species of Aristolochia with better and larger flowers than this.

Aristolochia sempervirens
Aristolochia sempervirens
Tropaeolum ciliatum is in full flower on the castle wall and has extended on into a neighbouring camellia.
Tropaeolum ciliatum
Tropaeolum ciliatum
Tropaeolum ciliatum
Tropaeolum ciliatum
More flowers of Tom Hudson’s Manglietia insignis with its small and very pink flowers. The tree is about 25-30ft tall and has flowers all over with many buds lower down still to come out.
Manglietia insignis
Manglietia insignis
Manglietia insignis
Manglietia insignis
Vaccinum dunalianum caudatifolium with attractive new growth.
Vaccinum dunalianum caudatifolium
Vaccinum dunalianum caudatifolium
Thankfully the Magnolia dawsoniana outside the front gates which lost all its young new growth to frost has recovered thanks to this good wet summer. Some dieback but nowhere near what I had feared three months ago.
Magnolia dawsoniana
Magnolia dawsoniana
At least one of Jaimie and Michael’s magnolia crosses made this spring has produced a proper seedpod!
seedpod
seedpod

2020 – CHW
The flower buds on what we know is not Michaelia compressa have not advanced much in a month so we remain none the wiser as yet.
flower buds
flower buds
Every day one comes across something completely new. Old seed cones and upright cylindrical male catkins on Platycarya strobilacea. The upright female cones which will eventually produce the reddish-black fruits or cones are smaller at present and at the very end of the twigs where they will readily catch the pollen from the male cones. Quite a spectacle in July.
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
Platycarya strobilacea
The ground is littered with last year’s seed cones and male catkins as fertilisation of the female flower cones takes place above.
seed cones and male catkins
seed cones and male catkins
The second flower bud on Magnolia tamaulipana is swelling up. Out in 10 to 15 days I guess.
Magnolia tamaulipana
Magnolia tamaulipana
Eucryphia milliganii is quite superb today. Fifteen feet in height and 30 years old with a very upright habit. It starts as a dwarfish plant but becomes a small tree.
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
A tail end flower on a clump of Rhododendron ‘Tally Ho’.
Rhododendron ‘Tally Ho’
Rhododendron ‘Tally Ho’
Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’ with lovely secondary new growth leaf colours.
Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red'
Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’
Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red'
Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’
Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii ‘Sunshiny Drops’ is still not out in flower but is getting established and looks a lot better than it did in the dry spell. The label says C. drummondii but Hillier’s says different! The berries rather than the flowers are the main attraction which we must wait for.
Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii ‘Sunshiny Drops’
Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii ‘Sunshiny Drops’
Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii ‘Sunshiny Drops’
Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii ‘Sunshiny Drops’
Slugs always have a go at Chimonanthus praecox. As in the nursery so too outside even in full sun in a dry location.
Chimonanthus praecox
Chimonanthus praecox
The ‘best’ old blue clump of mophead hydrangeas below the Magnolia x veitchii are nearly full out. They will get even bluer.
hydrangeas
hydrangeas
hydrangeas
hydrangeas

2019 – CHW
A final trip to Ventnor Botanic’s where, as usual, I find several new things.One only ever looks at teasels when the flowers and stems are all dead beside motorways and the goldfinches come to enjoy the seeds. This is Dispacus fullonum which is a prickly biennial teasel with a very attractive flower.
Dispacus fullonum
Dispacus fullonum
Dispacus fullonum
Dispacus fullonum
I am not sure if this is Ballota acetabulosa? The flowers have purple-mauve veining. Here it is growing through and over a Grevillea. Flowers and seed heads rather better than Ballota pseudodictamnus I think but fear it is not hardy?
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
Ballota acetabulosa
This is the seed of Bencomia caudata which has a leaf a bit like a Melianthus.
Bencomia caudata
Bencomia caudata
Bencomia caudata
Bencomia caudata
The first walnuts I have ever seen forming on a huge Juglans ailantifolia which is of Japanese origin.
Juglans ailantifolia
Juglans ailantifolia
Juglans ailantifolia
Juglans ailantifolia
Flowers on Diospyros cathayensis.
Diospyros cathayensis
Diospyros cathayensis
Diospyros cathayensis
Diospyros cathayensis
A huge Zelkova serrata has more readily identifiable leaves in the shade. In full sun, and where seed is forming, they are a different shape.
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata
I think this may be a Myrsine species but am far from certain – no label visible.
Myrsine species
Myrsine species
Myrsine species
Myrsine species
Halorgis erecta has small yellow flowers all up its branches and on up into the twigs as well. A multi stemmed small evergreen tree which I had never seen before.
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta
Halorgis erecta

2018 – CHW
A visit to an Honnor & Jeffrey garden centre at Dalverton. There are in fact three garden centres only a mile or so apart near Arreton.Passiflora caerulea ‘Snow Queen’ rather better than the more common Passiflora ‘Constance Elliot’.
Passiflora caerulea ‘Snow Queen’
Passiflora caerulea ‘Snow Queen’
Passiflora caerulea ‘Snow Queen’
Passiflora caerulea ‘Snow Queen’
We stock three varieties of ‘Inca’ alstroemerias but not these three:

‘Inca Safari’

‘Inca Safari’
‘Inca Safari’
‘Inca Safari’
‘Inca Safari’

‘Inca Bandit’

‘Inca Bandit’
‘Inca Bandit’
‘Inca Bandit’
‘Inca Bandit’

‘Inca Battle’

‘Inca Battle’
‘Inca Battle’
‘Inca Battle’
‘Inca Battle’
Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ may have lovely foliage and contrasting flowers but, when the flowers are full out, they are particularly fine.
Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Allium senescens is a new species to me. A very decent late flowering pot full here.
Allium senescens
Allium senescens
Allium senescens
Allium senescens

2017 – CHW
Another trip to the greenhouses to see what is new there.Schefflera rhododendrifolia – this plant is now ready for planting out. A Crug collection from Taiwan which looks a bit different to the young plants in the nursery but matches up with the Hillier’s description. Attractive new growth and scales on the stem but not as distinct from other species as I had hoped from the young plants. Seems a bit like Schefflera taiwaniana. This is the only main species of schefflera not yet or already out in the garden and growing on nicely.
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Schefflera rhododendrifolia
Seed forming on young plants of Camellia forrestii which is exciting. Huge seeds in comparison to the leaf size.
Camellia forrestii
Camellia forrestii
This is Hydrangea aspera ‘Kawakamii’ x Hydrangea involucrata just coming out. Nothing startling as yet.
Hydrangea aspera ‘Kawakamii’ x Hydrangea involucrata
Hydrangea aspera ‘Kawakamii’ x Hydrangea involucrata
Hydrangea aspera ‘Kawakamii’ x Hydrangea involucrata
Hydrangea aspera ‘Kawakamii’ x Hydrangea involucrata
The agapanthus are just out – a wonderful plant.
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
agapanthus
You can just see the tree surgeon dismembering a huge turkey oak in the new clearing.
tree surgeon
tree surgeon

2016 – CHW
The newer planted hydrangeas above the Green Gate are really starting to make a proper show.Hydrangea ‘Hobella’ is just out with a nice hint of pink in this semi shaded spot.
Hydrangea ‘Hobella’
Hydrangea ‘Hobella’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’ with its black stems is also just out. A clump of five planted in only 2013 and already four to five feet tall with a similar spread. Although taller growing the colour mix is very similar to Hydrangea serrata ‘Kiyosume’ as I have argued before.
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
Hydrangea ‘Love you Kiss’
A much older clump of Hydrangea ‘Libelle’ are doing well having again been cut right back a year or two ago. Still the best white lacecap hydrangea.
Hydrangea ‘Libelle’
Hydrangea ‘Libelle’
Hydrangea ‘Libelle’
Hydrangea ‘Libelle’
I am not sure if we have a close up of the plaque in situ in the granite bolder but I need one for the new catalogue proof anyway.
close up of the plaque
close up of the plaque
I photographed Hydrangea ‘Geoffrey Chadbund’ here with a flower on in January! Here it is coming into flower again just behind the plaque.
Hydrangea ‘Geoffrey Chadbund’
Hydrangea ‘Geoffrey Chadbund’
Tropaelum cilitum has been out for a while but this is the first time it has flowered below ten feet up the castle wall.
Tropaelum cilitum
Tropaelum cilitum
Tropaelum cilitum
Tropaelum cilitum

2015 – CHW

Clethra delavayi about to open above the main quarry.

Clethra delavayi
Clethra delavayi
Clethra delavayi
Clethra delavayi
Clethra delavayi
Clethra delavayi

Eucryphia milliganii full out with its dainty small white cup flowers. It looks dwarfish but achieved 20 feet at Burncoose in as many years.

Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii
Eucryphia milliganii

Rhododendron pseudochrysanthum new growth takes quite some beating.

Rhododendron pseudochrysanthum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthum
Rhododendron pseudochrysanthum

1975 – FJW
1st part of Delia’s Grand Design [tapestry] unveiled 5’11” x 3’1” – day space men shook hands.

1934 – JCW
Fuschias goodish. Romneya never so good. Mag delavayi very full of bud. M parviflora had 1900 pods taken off by Charles. He also took 1700 off another plant.

1933 – JCW
As in 1932

1932 – JCW
M delavayi, M parviflora, M nicholsoniana and M hypoleuca are showing bloom. Fuchsia are coming on well but ought to be much bigger to do their best. Eriogynum is very good. L giganteum is very nice indeed and so the galax.

1930 – JCW
Mag delavayi is good, some Parviflora flowers left. Styrax Langlongense is good. Plagianthus good. Romneya and American Pillars good. Lonicera macrophylla has been remarkable.

1927 – JCW
The Romneya is very good and the [rose] American Pillars. Plagianthus lyalii is nice. We still have blooms of Griersonianum. Eriogynum is over.

1916 -JCW
Plagianthus and Buddleia are starting, also the Romneya and Lonicera macrophylla is very good indeed.

1915 – JCW
About a week later for the buddleia. Plagianthus lyalii is the best shrub now.

1912 – JCW
Both buddleias are open and quite nice.

1909 – JCW
Returned from Scotland, R brunonis very fine. Mitraria nice. No cyclamen. No buddleia’s. R decorum flower buds not moving yet. R cinnabarinum good and shaping.

1897 – JCW
Anemone japonica open.

One thought on “17th July

  1. The flower buds of the mislabelled Michelia compressa look a bit like those of Cleyera japonica or similar?

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