Camellias are one of the three large tribes of trees and shrubs that dominate many Cornish gardens, the others being Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Both the soil and the climate suit them well so that they thrive in most situations.

The association with Cornwall is such that four of the five Plant Heritage national collections are in Cornwall. The williamsii hybrids are so named after J.C. Williams, the Cornish landowner who first raised the cross. As well as the national collections at Mt Edgcumbe, Anthony House, Heligan and Tregothnan, extensive collections can be seen at Tregrehan, Trewithen, Trewidden and Caerhays, to name just four.

Camellia blooms are generally very photogenic and I have been taking pictures of them, mainly in Cornwall but also at other gardens in the UK and elsewhere, for several years. My aim is to share those pictures in the hope that they will both bring pleasure and also inform others of the enormous range and quality of varieties available.