…smaller growing, more dwarf, and have larger flowers. Buddleia ‘Black Knight’ and ‘Empire Blue’ have been superseded by ‘Buzz Indigo’ / ‘African Queen’ as good purples and by ‘Blue Horizon’…

…Still it looks pretty good in a brief sunny period. Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings Magnolia dawsoniana seedlings The bluebells beneath this tree are now full out too and quite a blue…

…Solstice’ Magnolia ‘Summer Solstice’ Aesculus woerlitzensis is nicely in flower. I do not think we have seen this out before. It is not in Hillier’s but referred to in passing…

…plenty of blue showing in mid-December! blue mophead hydrangeas The last to flower of the 5 ancient Camellia sasanqua is still a fine show today below the Stable Flat. Camellia…

…onto the last lorry. foxgloves Another trolley load of nice looking stuff for Chelsea. Another trolley load of nice looking stuff for Chelsea Gerry makes the final final selection of…

…wind. Pittosporum dallii Podocarpus elongatus ‘Blue Chip’ growing (unlike ours) in a windy position. Podocarpus elongatus ‘Blue Chip’ The long line of Restios overlooks the coastline. We seldom think of…

…secondary flowers. This single one by George’s Hut is not far off the spring norm in colour but a bit smaller. Magnolia ‘Caerhays Surprise’ Rhododendrnon ‘Blue Tit’ with its usual…

…and the initial false scientific advice of Professor Ferguson. Would that Boris had listened to wiser council and advice!Here is what Lord Sumption said. He says it so much better…

…camellias replanted below White Styles. sacrifice camellias sacrifice camellias The 24 Matsumae cherries in a double avenue continue to impress. Matsumae cherries A young Magnolia ‘Goldstar’ below White Styles showing…

…ciliicalyx ‘Honshu Blue’ Menziesia ciliicalyx ‘Honshu Blue’ Rhododendron aperantum has struggled ever since it was planted here 20+ year ago. It is still just alive but only just. I have…