Wisley. 20.02.14

When we were young we all formed friendships easily and we hardly understood what that meant. As we have grown old some friends remain and we understand what that means in a very different way. Gloria thinks that I am talking about her, but I am teasing. I am talking about the garden at Wisley. We have known her for many decades and become comfortable without the need for pretence. Our dear friend clearly had a problem with wind in the night (still not Gloria) and she has opened the door to welcome us without regard to her appearance and we feel welcome without noticing it.

This Eucalyptus took a tumble and closed the path, but I don't think any major damage has been done (I think we are safe from the jolly smiles and rattling tins of a special appeal). The RHS are very good at planting trees so it is good to lose a few from time to time. This corner of the succulent bank has been opened up in recent years to let the sun in and nature has continued the process.

The annual 'Vermin in the Glasshouse' event is currently running, so access is restricted. I think the RHS manages the number of people in there in case the butterflies turn on them. Damage limitation. Butterflies are pretty enough but I can't help being saddened by the futility of these ones, flapping away their pointless lives without even the chance of offspring. I am sure that once they are gone the greenhouse will be fumigated to eliminate any little munching caterpillars. Among other innovations, this green wall has just been completed. Perhaps it will inspire a generation of green wallers.

Sunlight is a marvellous think and it brings the best from this Kale. It is one of the lovely dark leaved ones, called 'Redbor'. If you have ever eaten Kale you will understand why it is grown as cattle fodder and appreciate that this really is it's finest moment.

There is always something to inspire wonder. This is Camellia nitidissima var. nitidissima which caused a major stir when it was introduced - the first yellow Camellia that had been seen. This is the first time we I have seen it flowering but we were the only people who seemed to care. The Lepidopteridiots had overdosed on bright colours and were being taken outside in small groups to calm down.

In the Alpine House Tecophilaea cyanocrocus was providing a large dose of colour to anybody suffering withdrawal symptoms. No flapping but a stiff breeze was producing a certain fluttering and waving.

The Alpine House was also home to this Gethyum atropurpureum. I don't think we have seen it looking this abundant before, though Gloria has previously photographed it. On this occasion she has photographed it successfully. Her talent is constantly increasing and she is a very old friend so I have barely noticed the state of her previous offerings.

And a tree to end that was still standing and waving in the breeze. Cupressus cashmeriana is a wonderful thing. It is not very hardy so it is delightful to see one prospering outside. It is often planted in glasshouses but it is too large to grow under cover for long. Eventually it is inevitable that the plant will have to be trimmed and the marvellous shape is lost. The long pendulous branches lose all beauty on the strange butchered bushes that remain.