The sky on Saturday morning was a clear blue and spring has definitely arrived. The Rhododendrons and Magnolias in the copse certainly think so.

The Copse from the South, Corolopsis sinensis var. calvensis providing the flash of yellow to the right.

The Copse from the South, Corylopsis sinensis var. calvensis providing the flash of yellow to the right.

The fantastic light was a great opportunity to take some photos of some of the most colourful plants in the collection.

Corolopsis sinensis var. calvensis 1952.0144 A

Corylopsis sinensis var. calvensis 1952.0144 A

Magnolia sprengeri var elongata 1985.0245 A

Magnolia sprengeri var elongata 1985.0245 A

Rhododendron sperabile var weihsiense 1971.5016 A

Rhododendron sperabile var weihsiense 1971.5016 A

Rhododendron lanigerum 1929.1008 F

Rhododendron lanigerum 1929.1008 F

Rhododendron oreodoxa var fargesii 1969.8565 A

Rhododendron oreodoxa var fargesii 1969.8565 A

Helleborus orientalis 'Winter Queen' 20050435 A
Helleborus orientalis ‘Winter Queen’ 2005.0435 A

Rhododendron floccigerum 19491016 A
Rhododendron floccigerum 19491016 A

Many of the flowers of the Rhododendron floccigerum were on the floor already. This seemed strange. Had they been blown off by a strong wind or damaged by a frost overnight ? The cause of the fallen flowers was soon noticed but is deserving of its own post.