Magnolias – A grand display at Kew, 2015 …. @kewgardens #springatkew #magnoliawatch

Magnolia campbellii (above and below)   A repost from March 2015, with another one to follow, featuring the magnificent Magnolias in Kew Gardens. Sadly, but understandably, the gardens are closed at the moment, so these will be blooming just for the pleasure of it and not an admiring public. Magnolias then, enjoy ... A chill…

Magnolias – A grand display at Kew …. @kewgardens #springatkew #magnoliawatch

Magnolia campbellii (above and below) A chill hour spent in Kew Gardens but mightily impressed with the Magnolias - all I went to see and I confess I was not optimistic about seeing so much in flower, a delightfully grand show. Such a glorious sugar confection of pinks and white! I had been thinking we…

Magnolia Black Tulip – and Escargots à la Bourguignonne

Magnolia Black Tulip Of this particularly beautiful magnolia, one of my favourites - Bred in New Zealand by leading Magnolia breeders, Felix and Mark Jury, Magnolia Black Tulip® is stunning. This woody tree grows well in most climates, tolerating all but the coldest temperatures. It performs best in the sun and enjoys protection from strong…

The most gorgeous, happiest little crab apple

I met this beautiful little tree this afternoon, the both of us positively basking in the warm sunshine and (the tree) having suffered not a jot with the chilly winds and hail we have had earlier this week. I don't know the cultivar but is an early-flowering variety, or has been chivvied along by the…

Winter Cherry – Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’

A favourite tree, in bloom intermittently throughout the winter months whenever a mild spell allows - the blossom and the mild weather are both always welcome. These pictures were taken last week, in the Japanese Landscape by the Chockushi-Mon. Bright blue sky and dazzling low winter sunshine adding to the delight of the pretty blossom.…

Malus x robusta – an abundant crab apple

Fruitful abundance - Malus x robusta, by the Victoria Gate cafe at Kew A crab apple smothered in glossy red fruits and making quite an impact, with me and my furry friend, by the cafe at Kew Gardens. Red Sentinel is a commonly available named variety of this cross, with an Award of Garden Merit…

Birch – Himalayan and Szechuan

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii - one of the most desirable forms of Birch tree, with clean white bark. Brand new flesh, here.... with a gentle blush Betula szechuanica, above A young trunk which will mature to display chalk-white, textured, peeling bark. There is a grove of Birch trees, of many different varieties, at the top…

Battleston Hill – a walk on the woodland side…

The weather forecast isn't great for tomorrow, Saturday, but those careless of a bit of rain, could do worse than spend the time wandering through the winding paths of Battleston Hill, the woodland gardens at RHS Wisley in Surrey. I was there earlier this week, with my umbrella too, and was mesmerised by the colour…

A Whiter Shade of….. Rowan (Sorbus glabrescens)

Sorbus glabrescens in the arboretum at RHS Wisley The arboretum at RHS Wisley in Surrey is a useful place to see many varieties of tree in a relatively small area - in particular it is possible to compare many different types of Silver Birch, or Rowan (Sorbus) or  Crab Apples (Malus) although the specimens planted…