Biggest and best

A dull and drizzly day today, reminding me what the west of Scotland is usually like and the sort of climate that grows the wonderful plants that we have at Arduaine.

This is Rhododendron maddenii subspecies maddenii Polyandrum Group and the form of that group known as the yellow, or Gigha form. Sorry to appear pedantic, but that's its full name! How would you like to be called 'Person'?

We have a large group of this lovely rhododendron which I grew from cuttings acquired from Brodick back in 1996. The plant at Brodick was grown from cuttings from the original shrub at Achamore Garden on the island of Gigha. So it has quite a story. To add to that story, the cuttings were given to me by my friend Nigel, who is no longer with us.

All in all, a rather special plant - and those many-stamened flowers are six inches across and scented!