Some Magnificent Rhododendrons

Three big leafed rhododendrons in flower in the gardens.  Two species, Rh. calophytum, Rh. macabeanum and a hybrid Rh. macabeanum x montroseanum.  Rh. calophytum is a native of West China and Tibet and was discovered by Abbe David and introduced to the UK by Ernest Wilson in 1904.  It is an evergreen tree which can grow to 15 metres.  Rh. macabeanum is a native of the Himalayas and was introduced to the UK by Frank Kingdom Ward, also evergreen it too can grow to 15 metres.  Rh. Macabeanum x montroseanum was hybridised at the Saville Gardens, Windsor and given to High Beeches where it is now well established and producing large flowers.



Rhododendron calophytum







Rhododendron macabeanum

Rh macabeanum x montroseanum

Visitors to the Garden

A Comma Butterfly - Polygonia c-album

Spring has brought visitors to the garden.  The first butterflies including a comma and a peacok.

  

Clients and Staff from Aldingbourne Country Centre

 Clients from Aldingbourne Country Centre came for their annual visit to see the Daffodils flowering.  They planted a thousand bulbs last year.  The Daffodils are putting on a good display this year.

Harris Hawk from Breck Falconry

Breck Falconry were in the garden for their first display of the year.  The birds and visitors were enjoying the good weather on Saturday.
They return for another display and Hawk Walks on Saturday 15th June