Plans had been made to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the planting of a tree, as part of the Green Canopy initiative. When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died it was decided that the tree would not only represent the 70 years since the Queen’s Accession to the throne but also serve as a memorial to the dedication and lifelong service that the Queen has given this country.

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On Saturday 19 November Lady Jane Whitbread planted a Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ (Whitebeam) witnessed by around 30 members of the Friends and the Committee. Lady Whitbread made a short speech before planting the tree saying it was an honour to be asked to perform the ceremony and that the last tree she had planted in the garden was a Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

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Despite the damp weather all went well and after the tree planting everyone went back to the Garden Room for a welcome hot drink and a piece of cake.

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If you would like to see the Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ it is planted in the picnic area.