Tree News 2007

Just as we strive to make amends for the several periods in the estate’s history when planting has been neglected, the latest Donald Roger survey finds 16 trees which should be felled, half of which are given high priority, usually for reasons of safety. A much larger number require pruning, many to a very large scale, both live and dead wood cited. Fortunately, the majority of those to come down are peripheral, and their removal may not be too dismaying. At the time of writing, we have not got too far with this, but the East Gardens have been further opened up by our felling of the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum, 301), a tree which was planted at the time the School was built (1930). We have a worthy replacement, however.

Joan Lemmon has given the School a very fine specimen Cedar of Lebanon (cedrus libani, 3m). This is particularly appropriate, for John and Joan lived in the Cedars for much of their long, esteemed stay at Merchiston. This is a lovely present, and happy reminder.

Three Fagus Sylvatica were planted after the two came down last year. Unusually, they did not thrive, but the nursery replaced them. They were planted (bare root) in November and so far so good. These can assume the numbers of the casualties (366, 367, and 625). A multi-stem Eucalyptus Gunnii M/S (3.5m), a favourite of the head groundsman John McLauchlan, is placed beside the Pringle Centre; since it nearly blew away the first night it has looked to be secure. A 4m Cypressus Leylandii and a 2.5m Sequoiadendron giganteum are carefully sited in the pringle walled-garden to screen us from the Applecross development! Another of the latter has joined the evergreens on the East side of the drive. Those who are concerned to read about all these conifers will be pleased to know we got another fifteen mixed hardwoods from the Council: these young trees will be used to fill gaps.

Elsewhere we record a visit from our veteran tree planter Scott (J S A) Forsyth to add a new species to the collection: a Dawn Redwood (metasequoia glyptostrobides), planted down near the gate in memory of Dr J W Dowden. Its partner has found a home on the West side of the drive. Plans for 2008 are afoot, and the Sixth Form House will require and inspire considerable landscaping.

JRB

January 2008