THE RECENT howling winds have not deterred the heralding of spring in the garden of Overbeck’s, perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe.

Staff and volunteers at the National Trust property are pleased to announce that the ‘mother’ and ‘daughter’ Magnolia campbellii ‘Overbecks’ are already well in bloom.

The Overbecks magnolia produces very large blousy flowers with a deep pink flush at the base. The ‘mother’ tree collapsed in 1999 but, miraculously, formed regrowth and reshaped itself - while the ‘daughter’ tree, whose seed was taken from the ‘mother’ tree, first started flowering in January 1950.

Overbecks receive enquiries from visitors every year from January as to the well-being of the trees, with outings planned especially to enjoy their splendour and to take photographs.

Samuel Elliot, the longest standing gardener at Overbeck’s, said: ‘The ‘mother’ tree is looking at its loveliest, so I’m delighted to see that visitors are getting the opportunity to see her in all her glory once again.’

Operations manager, Lucinda Heron said: ‘We are hoping that some of the visitors will submit their photographs into our very own photography competition entitled ‘curiosities of Overbeck’s garden’, running from March 1 until September 30.

‘All ages are welcome to enter. If you need any tips to help you take that special photo, then come and see the exhibition of last year’s entries, running until 31 May.’

Overbeck’s is open from 11am to 5pm every day until October 29.