Potting shed ideas

Magnolia grandiflora! :-)

:-) Thanks Fractal! I want one - I don't suppose it would tolerate salty winds, would it?

I seem to recall seeing one in a coastal spot somewhere that looked fine.

Here a picture I took of one at Cliveden House.

http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/182800-magnolia-grandiflora/member/fractal

I think it's made it onto my wishlist for the glade that I should get round to in about 5 years or so....

It is a spectacular species. I saw some lovely specimens in Italy. 'Exmouth' and 'Victoria' are probably the most commonly available named forms of it but as I mention in my photo post, I'll try and find the name of the supposedly hardier, slightly more compact clone.

Our local "really comprehensive" and well-known nursery has 11 varieties of M. grandiflora listed! 8-)
They all say "Bull Bay" after the name of the variety. Is this where the variety originated? Whoops, just done some more googling - it's an alternative name I think.

Yes, in its homeland it is called the Bull Bay :-)

...and that smaller form is not the hardiest!

'Gallissonniere' and 'Victoria' appear to be the hardiest forms.