On 2009-07-30 19:27:23 +0100, bluebelly
said:


Hi all - I have a small bush/tree in the garden I bought house last year
and now for 2 seasons I have yet to see it flower or do something. June
time it has loads of the buds shown in image but again as last year
they have all but one vanished, either I have incredibly intelligent
wildlife or my neighbours are pinching them, if it's wildlife I can
start to protect them but I am unsure. The buds are firmly attached to
the branches so I woudn't have thought they would fall off, they are
about 2 inches long.

I have no idea what the tree/shrub/bush is (I am new to gardening since
buying my house which has a very estabilished garden) so any help would
be great.

I have uploaded an image for you to view.

http://tinyurl.com/ml6y6t


Thanks in advance

I don't think those are buds. I think they're the seed heads of a
Magnolia of some sort. Is it possible that you just don't see it
flowering because it's out of sight of the house or because of your
work hours (starting early, finishing late) etc? If you can keep a
close look out next spring for buds, which are usually smooth and
conical in shape, you might be able to take a photo which would ID the
plant. I'm wondering about Magnolia wiesneri or something like that so
will have to go out and look at ours now!
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon