Lower Garden

This is the most protected area of the garden and the pale lilac Abutilon vitifolium and dark crimson Geranium palmatum have naturalised themselves here. Although they may be killed during a particularly bad winter, they will reappear from seed in the ground the following year. Other tender plants that grow well here include Crinodendron hookerianum, Azara serrata, Drimys winteri and the grey leafed Buddleia crispa.

Lower Garden

Also here are three tree paeonies 'Rock's Variety', the single white flowers with their purple-black centres are truly magnificent, and when fully grown will carry over seventy blooms. Other varieties of tree paeonies planted here and on the banks came from a shipment that Major Johnson ordered from Japan in 1935.

Many of the specie trees are reaching maturity. Perhaps the most spectacular is Magnolia hypoleuca with its flowers encircled by their collar of huge leaves. They have a fantastic scent and as they are produced in July there is little danger of late frost damage. The large Carpentaria californica was planted pre-war, and although considered delicate by many people has never suffered here.

The swimming pool which my mother put in in the sixties was painted black a few years ago. The dark colour blends well with its surroundings especially when viewed from the terrace above.

It only remains to climb back up by one of the paths to the right of the little pool. For ground cover Lathyrus vernus and Euphorbia robbiae withstand the appalling conditions under the pines. Considerable clearing and replanting is taking place both sides of the path with plants that can survive in dry shade. Various pittosporums have been planted here, and further along the dark purple Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' is very effective against the cool green of the wood behind.