An old plant given a new lease of life

Rhododendron pachysanthum is an asian species with many good features in the garden.  It is compact and its new growth has a silver indumentum that turns a bright rust colour later in the season.  The flowers open pink and fade to white so the effect is 'apple blossom'.  Sister Shirley grew this plant in Pencaitland (I think) and we inherited it and we remember slinging it from a broom handle to ferry it to Bangor on British Rail.  A large ash tree in the back hedge gradually stole its light and it stopped flowering.  We cut down the ash two years ago.

The New Gate is Hung

At last we have replaced the ancient gate with a renovated one, enamelled in white.  It makes a fitting end to the path to the woods and should help keep sheep out of the garden - once we get the latch figured out.