On Friday 16 February, all 6 champion Magnolia campbellii in Cornwall annoucned at least 50 blooms, and spring was declared!
After Christmas each year, head gardeners at Trebah, Trewidden, Tregothnan, Caerhays, Trewithen and Heligan keep an eager eye on the champion Magnolia campbellii in their collections.
In collaboration with the Nare Hotel and the Great Gardens Of Cornwall, when each of these UK champions - the largest of their size in the country - reach 50 blooms, spring is declared.
Not only is the Spring Story a fascinating gauge of how mild or cold a winter it has been, but it provides much needed hope after the long, dark winter months that light, colour and, most importantly, flowers are just around the corner.
Spring Story
Spring Story
