Forestry Commission - News - victorian plant labels unearthed at westonbirt

More than 100 plant labels dating back to the 1800s have been unearthed in the one of the oldest parts of the National Arboretum, Westonbirt.

The discovery of 130 cast metal labels provides a fascinating link to the past when the arboretum was planted and maintained by an army of gardeners for the interest and pleasure of the Holford family. “It tells us much about what trees and shrubs were being grown, and the importance that previous gardeners put on displaying and labelling their plants,” said curator Simon Toomer.

Twenty five of the labels identify rhododendrons, which were a feature of the arboretum during the early 19th century. There is currently a specialist researching the rhododendrons, and the label find will help to guide a programme of propagation and replanting of the unusual hybrids and cultivated varieties first grown by the Holfords.

The labels were found by the Tree Team during regular development and maintenance work. They are a variety of shapes and sizes, and some are marked on the back J. Smith Royal Label Factory, Stratford on Avon. The factory was in existence from 1874 and got its Royal Warrant in 1876 for supplying identification tags for Queen Victoria's rose garden.

The labels are being kept at the arboretum and may be exhibited at a later date.

ENDS July 07

Westonbirt is open all year between 9am and 8pm, or dusk if earlier. The normal cost of admission for adults is Ł5-Ł7.50, children Ł1, group and concession rates available. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt or call the Arboretum on 01666 880220.

Notes to Editors:

1. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone, and covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 registered Landscape.

2. Westonbirt is managed by the Forestry Commission. Visitor numbers are just under 350,000 per annum with a membership of over 22,000.

3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is often credited to Sir George's plantings of Japanese maples between 1875 and 1900, many of which are still alive today. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords' legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.

4. Westonbirt is home to the National Maple (Acer) Collection, with over 300 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1870. Today we are in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.

5. Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north-east of Junction 18 of the M4 and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.

6. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk

For further information or images please contact Charlotte Hazelby or Alison Jennings on 0117 9441166 or email info@cspr.uk.com