The Indian horse chestnut cultivar Aesculus indica ‘Sydney Pearce’ in full bloom at the head of the drive leading from the Thompson Rd entrance is a spectacular sight.

Introduced from Chile, South America, in the mid 19th century, this semi-evergreen sub-shrub needs a very sheltered spot, because it is not tolerant of below-freezing temperatures. However, over the past eight years, since the Mediterranean climate garden was redesigned and replanted, this beautiful plant has been increasing its area, by sucker growth, and is now growing into its neighbours, and flowering very prettily.

Sheltered on the terrace in the Mediterranean Climate garden (area L on downloadable map), Drimys winteri, also known as Winter’s bark, has survived unharmed in spite of the cruel, long winter that has taken many plants in the area. In the past it was known only to survive in milder parts of the country.

The Beschorneria yuccoides was planted in 2002 as part of the Gardens' Restoration. Originating from Mexico,

The best place to see these plants at their most spectacular is on Las Canadas del Teide, Tenerife's largest volcano. Snow capped from November to March, Mount Teide is the highest mountain on Spanish territory. It is quite amazing to see the Echium wildpretii in full flower in Sheffield.

Following one of the severest winters of recent years, with the arrival of Beast from the East and the Mini-beast, it is almost a miracle that this shrub has even survived, let alone flowered with such abundance.