Although on the whole I cannot praise my choice of career enough, I have to admit that gardening can sometimes be a lonely pursuit, especially for us jobbing gardeners. Literally this is often true, the nature of the job means we work alone on a regular basis, but also spiritually – the opportunity to share problems and experiences is scarce. Social media has gone a long way to alleviate this isolation but the role of horticultural groups and societies should not be ignored, they are often godsends. I am not a natural “joiner”, as a natural flitter I find it hard to commit to one thing, but I am easily bullied and MM “persuaded” me (it involved a head lock) to join the noble Plant Heritage. One thing leads to another and before you know it you are in the midst of the local horticultural social whirl. In the time between winter shut-down and summer mayhem there seems to be a plethora of events. In the last couple of weeks I have been to three such shindigs involving listening to tales from (Little Dixter), Andy McIndoe (Hilliers) and this weekend a full on Plant Heritage day at Marwood Hill Gardens. This involved knowledgeable folks educating us on the diverse subjects of plant disease, micropropation and the flora of New Zealand, raffles, garden walks, an evil and sadistic quiz, not to mention a splendid lunch the highlight of which was, and always is, an admirable fruit crumble and custard. At each event there are familiar faces, warm greetings followed by a quick life précis. You come away feeling restored, recharged, a little warmer in the heart region. There is something very heartening in just knowing these people are out there. They understand what is involved, why it could take an age to weed a m2 of infested soil, why sometimes plants die, why on occasion they thrive, why you can’t control the weather, why you can’t remember the name of that rose, why some days it just seems too much bother.
This is Magnolia campbellii subsp. mollicomata. When you stand beneath this magnificent tree, look skyward to the outrageously beautiful blooms and inhale the nectar of the gods, it is all patently clear why you and all your peers bother.
Off The Edge Gardening 
How wonderful to be able to enjoy Magnolia Campbellii, you lucky Devonian.
Plant Heritage is wonderful, you get interesting talks and the warm glow that you are supporting a worthwhile cause. You also get the opportunity to buy rare plants. Win- win.
LikeLike
It really was mouth droppingly awesome. You are quite right, PH is a great organisation, my only bug bear is that I didn’t win anything in the raffle!
LikeLike
I’ ve never won a raffle in my life.
LikeLike
I won a rugby player once, but I had to give him back after a day!
LikeLike
Goodness, what did you do with him for a day?
LikeLike
He was my slave, then he took me out for dinner. He was also my friend’s boyfriend!
LikeLike
I quite agree about the magnolia – it’s drop-dead gorgeous. If it is any comfort, every time (like today) that I am in the garden getting a little bit wet or cold I think of you and imagine you would tell me off for being a wuss. I very quickly get on with it. PS Cynthia the Cyathea has been overwintering in the plant equivalent of the South of France (our windowsill) and is looking very good on it. She’ll have to go back outside soon, but sends her love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw one of Cynthia’s cousins in the NZ slideshow yesterday, I may have called out in a pathetic way. Looking forward to seeing photos later. Thanks for adopting her 🙂 So glad I make you work harder xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are lots of magnolias in bloom here, though not in my garden unfortunately. What is micro propagation?
LikeLike
It is when you get a tiny piece of a plant and grow it in laboratory conditions into a big plant. Used for rare and difficult to propagate plants and to quickly bulk up new cultivars. A bit sci-fi really!
LikeLike
You are so right! I did stare at your Magnolia for quite a while…(you understand why 😉
LikeLike
It sounds likeyou are in a happy place. I like the sound of the fruit crumble and custard, and the tree is gorgeous.
LikeLike
I am trying very hard to “live in the moment” and yes most of my moments are happy ones. Life is too short and full of unexpected falls not to.
LikeLike