Westonbirt’s famous tree collection, started more than 200 years ago, is a living museum of colour as leaves dazzle this month, says Anisa Gress
PHOTOS: WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM/JOHNNY HATHAWAY, GINA MILLS, ALLY WHALEY
Around every corner at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, a kaleidoscope of colour will catch your eyes. Created some 200 years ago by Robert Holford — who arranged the planting for ornamental appeal rather than scientific study — the arboretum has 17 miles of hard and grassy paths weaving through its 600 acres. This makes it easy to appreciate the magnificent collection of 15,000 trees from around the world. Westonbirt’s ‘picturesque’ planting with species carefully grouped according to their size, shape and seasonal colour, results in great perspectives and views.
November is a wonderful month for tree-lovers and all gardeners who appreciate foliage, from the brightest yellows through to deep reds. Colour is plentiful at Westonbirt and is enhanced by the intermingling green hues from the bold evergreens scattered throughout the collection.
At the Old Arboretum, take a gently paced short walk to explore the splendours of the collection’s original section, first planted in the 1800s. Pause to breathe in some of the special scents that fill the air such as the katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), whose caramel scent is from aromatic chemicals released as its falling leaves break down. Look closely at tree barks and make time to feel their texture and appreciate their rich variety of patterns. At this time of year, the unusual flaking bark of the paperbark maple (Acer griseum) found on Mitchell Drive is particularly splendid. Grown from original seed collected by plant hunter Ernest Wilson in 1901, the species is now classified as endangered. Westonbirt supports a project to back up all wild origin material currently held in UK collections.
Late autumn isn’t the same without maples and Japanese acers. The Old Arboretum is home to the Acer Glade, a riot of reds, oranges, yellows and purples. At around 150 years old, these are some of the arboretum’s oldest maples.
The theme continues in Silk Wood where Forestry England, which now cares for the arboretum, has created the Maple Loop to continue the Holford family’s love of these dramatic trees. Westonbirt now holds two National Collections of maples and maple cultivars so expect to see an impressive array. Silk Wood can be enjoyed by dog walkers and those looking for a slightly longer stroll. ✿
