PUSHING THE BORDERS

That's one of the things I love about Madeira, you see everything planted everywhere in a complete jumble. I recall seeing Cyperus papyrus growing in a bed with Agave attenuata once. :lol:

Yes it’s interesting Paul. I wonder how rigid the rules are in Madeira about buying plants from overseas. With so many countries now obsessed by the fear of importing some unwanted bug or virus to the point that enthusiasts can no longer enjoy their hobby (for example most of my former agave collection I would no longer be allowed to buy!), yet here is an island smothered with plants from across the globe, seemingly all growing happily and fruiting bountifully. And, of course, it’s this aspect of Madeira which so many tourists go to see. I see the pros and cons of having tougher rules, but it has certainly impeded my way of gardening. I did risk, a couple of years ago, sending for a Megaskapasma erythrochlamys from Portugal. As it was cheap and postage only a couple of quid (it was sent in little more than a paper tube), I didn’t think it would get here but was worth a shot. It did get here and is now growing really well but I make a determined effort to look after it because it’s a miracle it got here!

They have ended up with unwanted problems though. Red palm weevil and the little mosquito that spread dengue fever to name just a couple! Officially it just as strict as the rest of Europe but people still pop stuff in their suitcases :)

Finally made it back home! seems the weather has been kind and several of the late flowers looking good

Buddleja madagascariensis 0001 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Buddleja madagascariensis 0003 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Salvia involucrata 0006 by charliepridham, on Flickr

salvia confertiflora 0005 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Parthenocissus himalayana 0011 by charliepridham, on Flickr

My favourite Hedychium

Hedychium maximum 0010 by charliepridham, on Flickr

6-8 feet of magnificence !

Hedychium maximum 0009 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Cassia corymbosa 0008 by charliepridham, on Flickr

There is still a bit of colour to be found in my soggy garden.
Hedychium forrestii


Amicia zygomeris


Hedychium marginatum with a yellow flowered Abutilon in the background


Have you got a name for the Abutilon yet Charlie?

AndyC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 12, 2025 11:22 am
Have you got a name for the Abutilon yet Charlie?

no sorry, I now have several without names and the only on line reference I can find is Paddock plants and several of the pictures are wrong and it often doesnt show the leaves I may try and get hold of the collection holder see if they can help

Dahlia campanulata taken this morning. With a colder night coming up on Thursday I decided that this could be the best I'll get.


Early or late daffodil.


Impatiens stenantha

Its a shame the tall Dahlias are so brittle (and tall!) need step ladders to appreciate mine.

This Pelargonium - a gift from Rob Senior many years ago, flowers late in the year then goes dormant, I think he was growing it outside, but then he could see St Michaels Mount from his place

pelargonium transvaalensis by charliepridham, on Flickr

AndyC wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 7:02 pm I won't mind if it just remains as 'Abutilon Yellow', it is a good plant anyway.
The one Charlie sold me some years ago has been moved around my garden at least twice and still flowers very well for a long period, spring to autumn.

The National collection holders have suggested the Name 'Lemon Queen' which from what I can see from online images is a good fit

Thanks for the update Charlie, it is a good name for a good plant that was completely unphased by last Thursday nights frost that zapped a lot of other plants in our garden.