Arboretum

History of the Arboretum

The arboretum exhibits plants from around the globe including a pinetum which began in the 1870s, as an experiment to see what grows well locally.

A stand of Pinus ponderosa from this original planting survives as a dominant feature beside the more recent planting of conifers and deciduous trees.

Seasonal highlights in the Arboretum

The Arboretum has examples of a wide range of conifer species grown along with a diversity of tree species. Pinus, Abies, Picea, and Cupressus are a few of the conifers, with deciduous Acer and evergreen Eucalyptus providing contrast.

The almost infinite variation of trees through the seasons makes the arboretum a place of constant interest. Not only is the vast range of sizes and shapes appealing, the finer details of leaf, flower, bark and fruit deserve attention.