Our Head Gardener points out what to look out for during March…

There is currently a mass of daffodils throughout the arboretum. Alongside them, the vibrant blue flowers of scilla and Chinodoxa, as well as Cyclamen, crocus, primroses, and Hellebores, which look stunning.

Daphne bholua, shrubby honeysuckle – Lonicera standishii, and Mahonia offer wonderfully fragrant flowers, complemented by the striking small bright yellow flowers of Cornelia mas and Japanese cornelian cherry.

Be on the lookout for Magnolias as we progress through March. It’s difficult to pick favourites as there will be so many in flower and they’re so spectacular. Notable mentions include Magnolia ‘Caerhays Belle’, located near the waterfall by the lake at the bottom of the arboretum, along with Magnolia campbellii ‘mollicomata’ and Treve Holman, which are along the main drive within the arboretum.

It’s not just about Magnolias; a stunning array of ornamental and Japanese flowering cherries are beginning to envelop the arboretum in beautiful clouds of pink and white. Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino cherry) is in bloom with slightly scented, blush white or tinged pink flowers. Prunus pseudocerasus ‘Cantabrigiensis’ and Prunus incisa ‘Fujimae’, known as the Fuji cherry, with their delicate light pink blooms, bring joy on a sunny day.