Magnolia Grandiflora
This plant has been propagated by layering from an existing tree. The latter has had a long journey but is finally becoming mature in the winter garden, next to the cottage. It was planted by my father many years ago but moved by my mother (when dad was off on a walking/photography trip) to be in "her corner" where she liked to sit and read. It didn't like being moved and took years to recover.
This newly planted descendant will be visible from the house, looking across the ponds. Under good condition Magnolia grandiflora grows to a height of more than 25m and has flowers up to 30cm across.
Swallow Nesting Cups
Swallows are gregarious, so putting up multiple cuips makes it more likely that they will use them -We live in hope!
Brown Hairstreak Butterflies
For several years we have been coppicing the blackthorn to create young shoots that the Brown Hairstreak butterfly needs for its caterpillars. This year we were fortunate enough to acquire some eggs from an enthusiast who breeds them and the eggs have been sleeved out onto the blackthorn
Plum-leaved Thorn
A tree of Craetagus persimilis .the Plum-leaved Thorn, has been planted on the corner by the houses. This is an attractive small tree with good autumn colour and bird-friendly fruit