An early January Walk in the Garden

An Early January Walk in the Garden

 

 

Rh rirei

Liquidamber styraciflua 'Worplesdon'

Mahonia 'Lionel Fortescue'

Stuartia monodelpha

 A walk in the garden in the New Year is a time to reflect and think about what needs to be done. It is also an opportunity to escape from the admin. that has to be done for the new season.  Marketing, printing of new leaflets, volunteer rotas, new signage, Health and Safety requirements etc. all have to be attended to.  This year we are looking for customer
service volunteers to join our small team who run the gate lodge.

There are always plants to enjoy in winter.  High Beeches is not a winter garden but it is always good to find a Rhododendron in flower, Rh. rirei an Ernest Wilson introduction, and Mahonia x media 'Lionel Fortescue' both brighten up a dull day.

The seed pods of the Liquidamber make an interesting picture against a grey sky and it is good to see the bright berries of Sorbus hupehensis  another Ernest Wilson introduction.

The winter is also an opportunity to enjoy the bark of the ornamental trees.  Stewartia monodelpha has particularly striking orange
flaking bark. A very attractive tree flowering in summer, followed by good autumn colour, it is truly a tree for all seasons. Every garden should have one.

Sorbus hupehensis