Who was E.A. Bowles?
Bowles enjoyed a long association with the Society, from his election to Council in 1908 until his death in 1954. He was fascinated by what he called ‘demented’ plants – those with an unusual habit or appearance, particularly variegated and contorted plants. Bowles’ Corner is home to many of his favourite plants, and some that he bred or that were named in his honour.
It also includes plants likely to have intrigued Bowles if he was alive today, such as thorny Acanthopanax giraldii; Sarcococca saligna, with its interesting fruits; and Rhododendron sinogrande (great Chinese rhododendron), which has prehistoric looking foliage.
