Magnolia Has Been An Inspiration

The first plant I ever grew 

While I was at primary school we were given narrow plots between the pavement and walls of farm buildings to grow colourful summer displays of marigolds and nasturtiums.

Plant that shaped the gardener I am today 

I was a student gardener at Windsor when I first saw Magnolia campbellii mollicomata ‘Lanarth’ in flower. I was so attracted by the purple colour, huge size and poise of its blooms that I wanted to know more about this fabulous group of trees and shrubs, as well as the wealth and diversity of plants in general.

My favourite plant in the world