Lots More Trees To See

I realised the other day that I have, over time, discovered the whereabouts of a number of Monkey Puzzle trees which I haven't yet mentioned on my blog. So to correct that anomaly I've decided to compile a list and add them to the Map Of My Quest so that I do not inadvertently forget where these wonderful trees can be found.

• Beauport Golf Course (St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex) - according to my research Beauport Park was the location of a Victorian arboretum that had a number of Monkey Puzzle trees - according to contemporary accounts there were 27 trees "on an area 102 paces round". Sadly most of them have disappeared but there is definitely at least one still standing on the golf course, hole number 12 is actually called the Monkey Puzzle.
• Bedgebury Pinetum (Goudhurst, Kent) - it should come as no surprise that the Forestry Commission's National Pinetum at Bedgebury has a number of Monkey Puzzle trees.
• Bicton College (East Budleigh, Devon) - some of the very first Monkey Puzzle trees grown in the UK were planted here, from the seeds supplied by Victorian plant hunter William Lobb in 1843 - video.
• Pencarrow House (Bodmin, Cornwall) - The tree here is famous for being the origin of the name Monkey Puzzle tree. Noted barrister Charles Austin remarked upon touching its prickly leaves “It would puzzle a monkey”. His oft-repeated witticism gave the tree its common name of Monkey Puzzle.
• Biddulph Grange (Biddulph, Staffordshire) - an incredible pinetum created by James Bateman which featured in episode 3 of the BBC's 'British Gardens In Time'. The Monkey Puzzles were also from Lobb's original seeds.
• Felbridge, Surrey - one of the largest Monkey Puzzles in Surrey.
• Castlestead (Bewerley, North Yorkshire) - not exactly sure where this one is.
• Teignmouth, Devon - again the location is secret but a large tree to be seen.

The following three are all part of the iCONic Project - "a globally important mission to protect some of the world's most threatened trees from extinction.  iCONic has been established to help save some of the world's most threatened conifers by collecting seeds and creating safe-havens for young trees in the forests, gardens and estates of Perthshire, Big Tree Country."

• Scone Place (Perth, Scotland) -
• Dunkeld Hilton (Dunkeld Perthshire) -
• Gleneagles (Auchterarder, Perthshire) - in the grounds of the famous hotel and golf course.

Whilst researching this piece I came across the wonderful archive of both the Kew Bulletin and Gardener's Chronicle that can be found at the magnificent Biodiversity Heritage Library. Anyone interested in the history of plants and horticulture should check it out.

Monkey Puzzle Trees Seen - 48       Monkey Puzzle Trees Yet To See - 15