It’s #NationalTreeWeek and time to celebrate the wonderful and interesting collection of trees in and around the Swiss Garden.
This year we would like to highlight the Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’, which was planted originally to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as part of the Green Canopy initiative. However, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died it was decided that the tree would not only represent the 70 years since the Queen’s Accession to the throne but also serve as a memorial to the dedication and lifelong service that the Queen has given this country.
On Saturday 19 November, Lady Jane Whitbread planted a Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ (Whitebeam), witnessed by around 30 members of the Friends of the Swiss Garden and the Committee. Lady Whitbread made a short speech before planting the tree saying it was an honour to be asked to perform the ceremony and that the last tree she had planted in the garden was a Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Despite the damp weather, all went well and after the tree planting, everyone went back to the Garden Room for a welcome hot drink and a piece of cake.
If you would like to see the Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’, it is planted in the picnic area. For more information and to book, please visit: www.shuttleworth.org/book-your-tickets
Words provided by Keith Hichisson, Chair of the Friends of the Swiss Garden
Images from John Ayres
