180th Event – Trees & Shrubs Walk

Sunday 10th May at 3pm

Walk led by Phill Budd

Phil pointed out the low growing Bottlebrush Buckeye from the southeast USA, not yet in flower, in the southern area, and the nearby Wellingtonia (Giant Redwood) which is currently leaning to the north at the same angle as the Leaning Tower of Piza. The group learnt that there used to be an Eastern Hemlock Spruce where the Wellingtonia is now located, but that former tree died in the 1980’s. Like many trees from the eastern USA our winters aren’t cold enough nor the summers hot enough for them. Near the end of the   walk, Phil amused the crowd by quoting Alan Mitchells comments on his least favourite tree – the Red Horse Chestnut – now fully in bloom. Regarding the flowers most of the spring species were now finished for the season but there are fine displays of Wild Pignut in several places.

Photos taken by Bruce Larner