SEnine PLEASAUNCE TREES As
the buds burst on our trees, there are some interesting
developments to report in Well Hall Pleasaunce. Already host to some very unusual and ancient specimens, a range of new plantings have taken place over the winter.
When the founding fathers of the Pleasaunce first laid out the park in the 1930s they made a deliberate policy of sourcing trees from a wide range of countries and habitats.
The woodland area is already has some fascinating species; an ageing smooth leaved elm, a walnut, a ginkgo, a strawberry tree, an acer cappadoccia, an Indian Bean Tree and an unusual Indian Horse Chestnut.
As some of these are now showing signs of age, and indeed others have already had to be felled, the Friends group has bought a selection of replacements, including a Chinese Mahogany, a Tulip Tree and a Hornbeam. We hope these will bring additional interest to the Pleasaunce, not just for the foreseeable future, but for future generations of park users. With trees you have to think 100 years ahead!!
The refurbishment of the Pleasaunce in 2002 took account of the existing tree specimens, and the Friends are keen to see that replacements for the London Plane, the Black Poplar and indeed the ancient Cedar, are established before these fine trees disappear. The Friends have also been introducing a wide cross-section of fruit tree varieties.
When in doubt, do the right thing
Over the last two seasons fruit trees have been planted in the walled garden of the Pleasaunce. This area dates back to the 16th century and would have supplied produce to the manor house which once stood on Moat Island.
Last year the Friends group added an apricot, fig, quince and four apple trees and this year more gaps have been filled with a pomegranate and a kiwi.
We have also purchased bullaces and damson trees, a cherry plum and a cobnut.
FEATURE Story by Sue King
community vegetable garden, again growing heritage varieties consistent with the walled garden’s past. If you’d like to join in with this in this venture, please do get in touch..
Now in our fifth year, the Friends are proud of the contribution it is making to develop the park and is grateful for the co-operation and backing of the council’s gardening team.
As guardians of the park’s multi-layered history and traditions we are working on some exciting plans to make the Moat Island a more welcoming and interesting place to visit; but more of that another time.
If you love the Pleasaunce as much as we do, please do join our ranks. Membership costs £5 a year and every pound goes to help to develop the park.
They’re all heritage varieties from specialist suppliers and have connections to the ‘Garden of England’s’ fruiting past. You definitely won’t find any of these varieties in the supermarket!
The Black Worcester pear trees – a dessert pear supposedly a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I – still tower over the crab apples and newer planted fruit trees. We are hoping to plant more of these, and some additional pears next year. The Friends group has also started a
Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce
www.wellhall.org.uk;
wellhall@hotmail.co.uk, ring 07894 711765 or write to Secretary, Friends of WHP, 40, Greenvale Road, London SE9 1PD.
Sue King is chair of the Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce.
25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40