 |
| View larger image |
|---|
Huddled together in Malleny Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh, stand four clipped yews (Taxus baccata), affectionately known as the Four Disciples.
They are the sole survivors of a group of 12 trees, said to represent Christ’s disciples. Unfortunately, eight were felled by a previous owner of the property as recently as 1961, which serves to highlight the ever-present threat to many of our important heritage trees.
The garden and its remaining ‘disciples’ are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Nearby Malleny House was built for Sir James Murray in 1635, and the 12 Disciples were probably planted about that time.
Where to see the Four Disciples:
The walled garden of Malleny Garden, signposted on the eastern edge of Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh. Malleny Garden is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.
Image: copyright Edward Parker
