Trees & Plants
Sequoia sempervirens
Coastal Redwood. Cupressaceae. Western N America.
In 1981 the Neils’ were given a ‘burl’(a dormant bud), brought from California by their friend, Mrs Sylvia Sinton. After two years soaking in a bucket it germinated, developing a shoot, which resulted in the three trees, we see today. The young trees were finally planted in 1983.
Sequoias’ include the tallest living trees on earth ( in California) growing up to 379’ (115.5m) tall and 27.4’ (8.4m) in diameter.
Abies Concolor
White Fir. Mountains of Western N America discovered by William Lobb
while on an expedition to California 1849 – 53. Growing up to 80 – 197’ ( 25 – 60m) and 6.5’ (2m) in diameter.
We have no record of when the Neils’ acquired or planted this tree. I would urge you to touch it though, because the needles are soft and rubbery!
Auraucaria Araucana
Monkey Puzzle Tree. (Aruacaria) Chile, Argentina, South Central Andes
The first gift to the garden, this tree was only 18 inches tall when given to the Neils’ in 1973 by Mrs Davina Baird.
The Plants
Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)
I love this shrub! This is its autumn colour. In the spring it should bear tiny bright yellow flowers that look like tiny pom-poms from a distance. I say should, because ours never seems to flower, but the autumn colour is a joy to behold.
Iris unguicularis var lazica.
An evergreen very early Iris. Pale blue flowers, 6 – 8 cms across. It flowers for months, starting in late January and still flowering at the beginning of April. It likes a sharply drained neutral – alkaline soil in full sun. Ours really likes its position at the bottom of a sunny wall.
Paeonia mlokosewitchii.
(Molly-the-Witch or Caucasian Peony)
Incredibly beautiful (the photo does not do it justice) pale lemon yellow bowls above grey green leaves with a pinkish tinge. The flowers are followed by extraordinary tri-corn seed heads, which split to reveal bright satiny pink seeds. Grow in light shade in a well-cultivated moisture retentive soil.