I had the pleasure of visiting Planting Fields in Oyster Bay ahead of their incredible Annual Camellia festival on February 17th & 18th. They have the largest collection of camellia festivals under glass in the northeast BUT they also have a really nice selection of camellias growing outside too.
What I wasn't expecting was to see an outdoor camellia in BLOOM in the middle of February outside after our biggest snowstorm on the island in more than 2 years. This variety is Camellia "Spring Promise". If you search back, you'll find some photos of the Spring's Promise Camellia at my parents house. I've been very disappointed with mine, but this one has me reconsidering. Maybe it's time I fertilize better!
Here are a few blooms inside the camellia house
Out of the collection in the greenhouse, my favorites were High Fragrance and Fragrant Pink. The smell was just spectacular!
