…of a sudden is Camellia x williamsii ‘Golden Spangles’ at Donkey Shoe. Three (leaf) variegated plants here which I planted to replace mothers favourite Rh. niveum that grew here. Dad…

…‘Elizabeth’ Another Magnolia ‘Tikitere’ just out on the drive. Magnolia ‘Tikitere’ My favourite daffodil is Narcissus ‘King Alfred’ with its huge trumpets. These are at the Top Lodge but there…

…house front of the main house My favourite Magnolia grandiflora in full show facing north at the rear of the house and sheltered by the two huge wings alongside it….

…‘Spring Morning’ (now Rhododendron) Menziesia ‘Smokey Rose’ (now Rhododendron) Magnolia laevifolia ‘Gails Favourite’ Rhododendron argyrophyllum ‘Chinese Silver’ Rhododendron wallichii Rhododendron excellans Rhododendron tyermanii Rhododendron ‘Plover’ (edgeworthii x dendrocharis) Azalea ‘Irohayama’…

…doltsopa, which is a surprise. Michelia doltsopa Hydrangea ‘Fireworks Blue’ in full shade and, so far, unscarred by drought. Hydrangea ‘Fireworks Blue’ 2021 – CHW My favourite edge of the…

…the two next to it were not as on non-existent plants. Not exciting until it flowers. Nolina nelsonii Nolina nelsonii My favourite Ventnor plant is perhaps Prumnopitys taxifolia growing under…

…an old favourite with a few flowers left. Podanthus ovalifolius Bowkeria verticillata looking excellent and young self-sown plants here and there. Bowkeria verticillata Bowkeria verticillata No label so sadly no…

…the other. Rhododendron heliolepsis Rhododendron heliolepsis Rhododendron heliolepsis Rhododendron heliolepsis My favourite species – Rhododendron floccigerum. This very old plant struggles on having falling over as you can see. Rhododendron…

…are Tom’s. A wonderful species which will become a garden favourite I expect. Nice bark striping too. Camellia forrestii Camellia forrestii Camellia forrestii Camellia forrestii Pyrenaria spectabilis seems about halfway…

…of all the bholuas perhaps, and definitely my favourite, has finally opened up in the two pots outside the front door. Unlike other named forms which are now nearly over…