2025 – CHW
Ross & Kel both agree that this Pinus insignis (radiata) was the largest tree they have ever had to deal with on the estate over many decades. In this picture Tim stands counting how old the tree was when it fell (2 years ago). The answer is 136 years. My father always said Pinus radiata last 100 years in our climate but this one (and quite a few other gigantic survivors which are still going) did rather better. Just look how quickly it grew in the first 20 years. Growing beside the River Luney obviously helped.
The sycamore tree which would have obscured the view from the new Vean swimming pool have now gone without bringing down Karol’s vital internet connection which ran through one of the trees.
Repairs to one of the sluice gates at Tadpole Bridge.
The sycamores at the Hovel are all now down and burnt up with the timber remaining.
An unknown Harrow hybrid rhododendron.
Rather unexciting flowers on Persea japonica.
Magnolia sapaensis now full out.
Eucryphia lucida ‘Pink Cloud’.
One of our best two Rhododendron maddenii.
Eucryphia milligani just coming out.
2024 – CHW
An elderly and now nearly dead sycamore. The last 2 summers put paid to the crown and now the basal shoots die off too.
Viburnum fansipanense (BSWJ 8302) performing well. Pink in bud opening white with pink tips to the individual flower heads.
Cornus angustata ‘Empress of China’ has the odd flower last year but now it is covered.
Our young and treasured Meliosma beaniana (M. Alba) looked horrid over the last 2 dry summers even with some watering. Decent new growth this year at last.
Asia needs to tell me which Deutzia (or Philadelphus?) this is beside the path in the Isla Rose. Not yet on the plans and I had no gloves to dig through the nettles for a label at the base. It transpires it is Philadelphus ‘Purpureomaculatus’.
2023 – CHW
Seed pods turning pink on Cercis canadensis ‘Flame’. Asia should collect before too long when they fully ripen.
Syringa microphylla ‘Superba’ by the front door has developed some variegation on its leaves.
The very late flowering Azalea ‘Gena Mae’ – a striking orange and the very last deciduous azalea to flower here.
Hypericum forrestii was a gift from Maurice Foster and is developing into a compact shrub. Much smaller growing that H. lancasteri.
At Pengelly Garden Centre I spot the bizarrely variegated Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’. If you don’t like variegated things (as my father didn’t) this is not one to contemplate.
Purple fruits on a not entirely pure form of Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’.
2022 – CHW
Iris ‘Lady in Waiting’ rather good.
Lavandula ‘Meerlo’ has attractive variegation.
A good display of gerbera at Busy Bee Garden Centre.
Hollyhocks grow so well on the Isle of Wight and so badly in Cornwall.
Cobea scandens growing strongly on a west facing house wall. I always admire this tender plant which flowers for ages and seeds freely.
A huge former arable field planted up with native trees and shrubs. No more wheat production here.
2021 – CHW
Lonicera crassifolia growing away happily on an old tree stump at the Four in Hand.
The conversion of the Hovel barns nears completion but now Western Power cannot connect both properties with electric on time! COVID of course but just plain incompetence. Order placed last November. Mains water connections next week.
Another of the errant Magnolia ‘Yuchelia’ outside the front gates.
Another (third) good plant of Acer sikkimense (WWJ 11613).
Hydrangea aspera kawakamii x involucrata only just alive after the cold east winds (just like Hydrangea lobbii).
Then the BEST new plant I have seen for ages! Tucked away by the young monkey puzzle outside the front gate is Hydrangea chinesis ‘Golden Crane’. SUPERB. Propagate at once!
