Cornwall Cuttings


GARDENERS CUTTINGS


a look at news, events and happenings in Cornwall


Rare camellia wins RHS awards A rare red camellia has helped Trewithen Gardens from Truro win a bundle of awards


at the RHS Early Camellia Show and raised hopes for the production of dark hybrids. Camellia saluenensis ‘Trewithen Red’ won first place in the species class at the Wisley- based show, with the garden picking up 15 awards from 30 classes, including three first places, four seconds and four thirds.


The plant has been dubbed a “myth and legend” plant by RHS Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group chairman and International Camellia Society UK registrar Andy Simons.


“Camellia saluenensis comes from the wild in whites and pinks but not red. However, the little known ‘Trewithen Red’ is thriving in the garden,” said Simons.


“A nearly mythical dark red C. saluenensis was reportedly growing at Trewithen many years ago as an original seedling from seed collected by the plant collector George Forrest.


“It was reportedly lost during a severe winter so this plant and the plant growing in the garden must be related or, if not, are the same. Maybe this red form of saluenensis can be used to produce the dark red hybrids so many people want.”


It is over half a century since the Cornish gardens have exhibited at a London show. Head Gardener Gary Long said: “Having travelled a long way from Cornwall to show at this competition, we were really pleased to be awarded so highly - especially with the ‘Trewithen Red’.”


He added: “Many of our competitors grow their blooms under glass but our plants are grown in open land - thanks to the Cornish climate. ‘Trewithen Red’ has been growing in the garden for years and will now be recognised as an award-winner.”


Pentille Castle features in winning photographs


The award winning photograph of the glasshouses of the deserted kitchen garden at Pentille Castle


The glasshouses of the deserted kitchen garden at Pentille Castle provided the background for Rachel Warne to win an award in the 2009-2010 International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, which was open to people of all ages and living in any country. Rachel was awarded best portfolio for her series of photographs called The Present Past – A Forgotten Place, which was taken in Pentille Castle, in Cornwall.


Around 100 pictures taken by professionals and amateurs were selected to be shown in an exhibition at Kew Gardens, in London based on the competition. www.igpoty.com


St Dellan garden visit


Cornwall Gardens Trust has a garden visit to St Dellan, St Loy Cove on Wednesday 9th June. The large gardens sweep down to the sea afford stunning views over to the Lizard. There is an arboretum, a rose-covered terrace and interesting, colourful plants are to be found nurtured in the warm microclimate. Members will have tea on the terrace at the neighbouring Cove Cottage, St Loy, and can enjoy its exotic garden overlooking the cove. Tel 01326 372293.


Country Gardener


Can Cornwall’s weather keep exotics flourishing?


Two cold winters have caused growers and gardeners in Cornwall to reassess what is hardy in the UK after years of successfully seeing exotic plants flourish in the county.


Morrab Gardens in Penzance has looked again at its “subtropical” label after being hit by frost in 2009.


Local authority’s parks department head gardener Stuart Wood said: “We’ve planted a lot of tender plants at Morrab Gardens over the years. We hit minus five this year, which is very unusual because we’re this far south and so close to the sea. But in the past two winters temperatures have dropped and Lampranthus, Euonymus, Agave and bananas have all suffered.”


Wood said bananas were recovering and Cordyline and Phoenix palms had narrowly avoided cold damage. He added: “We’ll certainly have to be more cautious with some varieties now. We’re not going to put all our eggs in one basket like we have been doing.”


Cornwall Garden Society representative Giles Clotworthy said: “There has been the temptation to plant more semi-tropical plants because of Cornwall’s maritime climate.” Dicksonia tree ferns were very slow to recover after winter 2008 and after being frosted again in 2009 some are beginning to look like they will not survive.


“I think a lot of people are going to become much more hesitant about planting things that have become commonplace after two punishing winters. We’ve been reminded what can survive and what can’t. Camellias and Rhododendrons are very frost- hardy unless you go for more delicate ones.


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