PUSHING THE BORDERS

As much as I enjoy and make an effort to support small, independent growers - and I regularly do - the reality is that many of us are living in financially very challenging times, myself included. I always like to stumble across a bargain and on a trip to Bridgemere (a Blue Diamond GC nowadays) yesterday, I came across all their Magnolias at sale prices and picked up this 10ft Felix Jury for £45.



Needless to say, having looked on the net and seen smaller plants for sale at anything up to 5 times that price, I was very pleased.

I have to say that since Blue Diamond took over from Wyevale at Bridgemere, the selection of plants has vastly improved. There are literally thousands to choose from and quite a few one will not generally see in other centres. Yesterday I was pleased to see a great range of agaves and other succulent and arid types, including Beschorneria (I bought a Desert Glow), puya, Furcraea, Kniphofia northiae and a whole host of other unusual trees and shrubs. It’s not what it was when it was the old independent Bridgemere, but it’s certainly a vast improvement of what replaced it in recent years and well worth a visit for those not seeking the über rare but unusual plants at fair prices.

One of my regrets is not having planted some magnolia 40 years ago!

Yes, it’s always nice to find more variety at good price points. I also agree with Charlie, but I did plant a yellow flowering Magnolia two years ago and looking forward to March blooms. Any of the Felix Jury selections are gorgeous, I’ve planted several in client’s gardens.

Yes, I remember reading - possibly in the scribblings from Burncoose - that those with a vision for the future should plant one of the magnificent ‘proper’ tree Magnolias for their grandchildren or for future generations. I’m not that patient and don’t have the country mansion and acerage likely to be passed on through the generations! The new varieties, especially as you say David the Jury strains, flower whilst very young. I already have Felix Jury (below) but couldn’t resist this much bigger one at that price for my front garden. At my last place I had Athene which is still my favourite Magnolia.