The Royal Botanic Gardens Silver Birch

 

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Deserving a separate book to themselves, the National Botanic Gardens of Scotland (Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan) contain some of the nation’s greatest heritage trees. 

Situated at Inverleith, Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosts many fine heritage trees.

Tree adoption

Several of these special trees now bear plaques under a recent ‘tree adoption’ scheme, commemorating departed friends or relatives.  They are often personal favourites, and regular visitors derive much pleasure from seeing ‘their’ heritage tree growing through the seasonal cycle from bud burst to leaf fall.

Fantastically contorted

One such specimen with a distinctive character is the fantastically contorted silver birch (Betula pendula tristis) beside the Caledonian Hall at the eastern end of the Garden.  In the wild, silver birch die young, rarely living beyond 80 years.  This mature example, planted sometime during the 19th century, is one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful birch trees in Scotland.

The Botanic Garden runs a Scottish Trees education programme. Children taking part can write their wishes on strips of cloth, which can be seen tied to the myriad of hanging branches - a continuation of the ancient ‘cloutie tree’ tradition found in various parts of Scotland.

Where to see the Royal Botanic Garden Silver Birch:

Off the A902, about 1.6km (1 mile) north of Edinburgh city centre, with entrances at Inverleith Row (east gate) and Arboretum Place (west gate).  Although entry to the garden is free, there is a charge to enter the Glasshouses from Easter.  The gardens are open daily (excluding 25 December and 1 January) from 10am.

Image: copyright Archie Miles