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The amount of snow that fell this week took us all by surprise. After basking in the sun all last week, the poor plants were subjected to 3 inches of wet snow and strong, blustery winds. There’s no harm done though, other than a few handfuls of vibrant fallen petals adding colour to the woodland floor. We now seem to be back to typical April weather, sunshine and showers are forecast over the next few days. Just how the plants like it best.
We do have a great show, though, for our Easter visitors. Camellias are still at their best - bright crimsons, blushing pinks and delicate soft white shades all glowing like beacons amongst the darker evergreen foliage. Originating from southern and eastern Asia, Camellias are quite at home here having been introduced to Britain in the middle of the 18th century. Perhaps the most famous Camellia is the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, although it certainly isn’t ornamental like most of its family.
The rhododendrons are now coming into their own.The giant primrose coloured flowers of Rhododendron Maccabeanum contrasting wonderfully with the delicate pink, small flowers of R. Racemosum.
Big, blousy Magnolias will be at their best over the coming weekend, looking absolutely gorgeous against the blue sky.
Closer to the ground, Primula denticulata, the so called ‘Drumstick or tooth-leaved Primula’, is a handsome, striking plant originating from the meadows and woodlands of the Himalayas. It blends in perfectly here at Wentworth set amongst the trees, with its purple blooms reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves in the Wilderness Garden. This is clump-forming hardy species but doesn’t like to dry out.
In the Azalea Garden, the daffodils are coming to the end of their flowering season to be succeeded by beautiful red tulips. Pasque flowers with their delicate heads bowing and blowing in the breeze sit alongside Muscari - Grape Hyacinths. It won’t be too long now until the Azaleas themselves begin to bloom.
The Garden Team have been busy cutting the grass this week, the second cut of the year. The volunteers too, have been busy, weeding through the beds in the Union Jack garden.
Spring is now most definitely here, the gardens are filled with birdsong and the first butterflies of the year are taking flight in the sunshine. Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Small Whites have all been seen on the wing in the last week. Great-Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and Tree Creepers are busily feeding on the emerging insects and a pair of Little Owls regularly make an appearance.
This is a wonderful time of year and it’s a joy to see the Gardens bursting into life
