Crinodendron hookerianum

Crinodendron hookerianum - crino = lily, dendron = tree, discovered by the plant-hunter Hooker. This one did poorly last year because of the savage frosts, but this year looks very promising. These fruit/flowers will enlarge and turn scarlet. It is planted next to a white flowered cousin, crinodendron patagua, about which more anon. Both require acid soil, so need special treatment in our garden, which is heavily alkali.

AND the first frogs were spotted in the pond today, looking cold but affectionate. Plus newts aplenty.