Malus domestica Ribston Pippin’

‘Fruit of medium size, roundish, and partially depressed; of a pale yellow colour, tinged with red; pulp slightly acid, and of fine flavour: ripens in November, and continues till April. It is one of the most popular dessert apples in England’. Listed under Winter Fruit, i.e. considered a good storing apple. [FCM p.45/1845]. Usually at its best between November to December but will keep until March. Produces a vigorous tree and is a good bearer. [HP pl.XXV/1878.]

Added on April 15 2010

Musa rosacea Jacq.

Small banana with long-stalked leaves, to 90cm, with a drooping inflorescence bearing yellow flowers with reddish bracts.  To 1.3m.  [RHSD]. 

Added on January 22 2009

Pyrus communis Catillac’

‘Fruit very large, of a broad turbinate figure, somewhat in the shape of a Quince; usually about three inches and a half or four inches deep, and the same in diameter. Eye small, with a short neat calyx, placed in a deep and wide plaited hollow. Stalk an inch long, stout, curved, and a little obliquely inserted in a very small cavity. Skin yellow, and when well matured in a warm season, of a deep orange, with a red tinge on the sunny side. Flesh hard, with an austere juice. In use from December till April.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.412/1831].

Added on May 18 2010

Sinningia speciosa ‘Schaeferi’

A cultivar of Sinningia speciosa (Lodd.) Hiern, Gloxinia ‘Schaeferi’ is listed in the Appendix to the Gesneriad Register-Sinningia with a date of 1863, which would appear to be erroneous.  No description is given.  I have found no other reference.

Added on September 07 2009

Cymbidium suave R.Br.

Frost-hardy epiphytic orchid with non-pseudobulbous stem, to 30cm long, leaves to 40cm long, and arching racemes, to 45cm long, of numerous, small, fleshy, fragrant, yellowish-green flowers in spring or summer.  A very variable species.  [RHSD, Jones, FNSW, Beadle].

Added on January 24 2010

Salix triandra L.

A large shrub or small tree with flaky bark and glossy lance-shaped leaves.  Long cultivated in Europe for basket making although not the most important species for this. See Salix viminalis L.  [RHSD, Hortus, Hilliers’].

Added on March 26 2010

Prunus persica ‘Stanwick’

A Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. cultivar. ‘Fruit large, roundish oval. Skin pale lively green where shaded, and purplish-red where exposed to the sun. Flesh white, melting, rich, sugary and most delicious. Kernel sweet, like that of the sweet almond. Glands kidney-shaped. Flowers large. Ripe the middle and end of September. The fruit is very apt to crack, and requires to be grown under glass. Hitherto it has generally failed to ripen thoroughly against walls in the open air, except in one or two instances, with which I am acquainted, where grown in a light sandy soil and a good exposure, it then ripened thoroughly without cracking.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.129/1860].

Added on June 03 2010

Improvements to Hortus Camdenensis

The Hortus software has been upgraded. This led to some minor errors in the layout of plant names, particularly in the headings of Plant Profile pages but these have now been largely overcome. Improvements are also progressively being made to the content of the Hortus in three main areas, botanical and horticultural history, cross referencing and illustrations. Some enhancements will be done as the opportunity arises but most will be completed family by family. This will take at least two years to complete.

Published Sep 14, 2010 - 06:06 AM | Last updated Aug 12, 2012 - 06:36 AM

Sir William Macarthur on Vines and Vineyards

Sir William Macarthur wrote extensively on vines and Vineyards. It is our intention to publish all his writings in the Hortus.

Published Aug 01, 2010 - 06:58 AM | Last updated Oct 04, 2010 - 05:47 AM

Working Bee dates

Working Bee dates for 2012.

Published Jun 29, 2010 - 04:59 AM | Last updated Jan 10, 2012 - 06:19 AM

Open House and Gardens

Camden Park House and Gardens will be open to the public on Saturday 22nd September, 2012, from 12.00 noon until 4.00 pm, and Sunday 23rd from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

Published Dec 30, 2009 - 03:58 AM | Last updated Jan 09, 2012 - 06:31 AM

“The Blight” and the Camden Vineyards

Although the general heading of this collection of essays is ‘William Macarthur on Winemaking’ the two letters and two editorials from the Sydney Herald reproduced here are not from William’s pen. They concern the vine blight and its possible causes but also give an interesting perspective on the vineyards at Camden Park and on the esteem with which the Macarthur’s, particularly William, were held as vine growers as early as 1831. This makes them a worthwhile contribution to the story of the Camden Park wineries.

Published Jul 11, 2011 - 02:27 AM | Last updated Jul 17, 2011 - 07:31 AM

Rambles in New Zealand - Part 1

Rambles in New Zealand is the only published work of John Carne Bidwill of any length and an important document in the early colonial history of that country.
It is included in the Hortus for a number of reasons but mainly because, together with his letters to The Gardeners’ Chronicle, it completes the known published works of Bidwill. His importance in the history of the Camden Park gardens and the lack of any substantive treatment of his life and achievements make it appropriate to include all his published work here.

Rambles is published here in four parts:
Part 1 – dedication, Preface, pages 1-29
Part 2 – pages 30-59
Part 3 – pages 60-89
Part 4 – pages 90 -93, List of Subscribers

Published Feb 28, 2012 - 09:45 PM | Last updated Feb 29, 2012 - 04:08 AM

Letters on the Culture of the Vine Part 2: Climate and Soil

Letters on the Culture of the Vine and Manufacture of Wine by Maro, pen-name of William Macarthur. Letters I and II deal with climate, site and soil.

The entire book is reproduced in the Hortus in ten parts. For background information and Macarthur’s Introduction to the book see Part 1.

Published Sep 01, 2010 - 05:26 AM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 01:16 AM

Rambles in New Zealand - Part 2

Rambles in New Zealand is the only published work of John Carne Bidwill of any length and an important document in the early colonial history of that country.
It is included in the Hortus for a number of reasons but mainly because, together with his letters to The Gardeners’ Chronicle, it completes the known published works of Bidwill. His importance in the history of the Camden Park gardens and the lack of any substantive treatment of his life and achievements make it appropriate to include all his published work here.
Rambles is published here in four parts:
Part 1 – dedication, Preface, pages 1-29
Part 2 – pages 30-59
Part 3 – pages 60-89
Part 4 – pages 90 -93, List of Subscribers

Published Feb 29, 2012 - 01:18 AM | Last updated Feb 29, 2012 - 08:02 PM