Tree planting for the future

Plaque recording the planting of the swamp cypress

It was a delight to be able to plant a tree in Whittington Gardens in Dowgate Ward in February.  It was the inspiration of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and their Livery member, Rob Beales. He wanted to make a tangible gift towards the future of the biodiversity of the City of London and to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a tree for the Queen’s Canopy.  Whilst plans were complete last year we had to await the planting season of February.  It also seemed that we had to have wet weather! It drizzled nicely as Rob, the Master Constructor, Terry Withers, and I shovelled the rich soil around the new sapling. The chosen tree is a swamp cypress. The Gardens are rather damp and soggy and so this tree was chosen to ensure it would survive. 
The Gardens are adjacent to Upper Thames Street and so do suffer from the constant traffic and pollution. The Gardens provide the right antidote of green space, seating and a fountain. The trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs all flourish and provide shade and rest to many workers.  We are lucky that Whittington Gardens has had a makeover during the last couple of months. A hornbeam hedge between the Gardens and the road was struggling and so a new hedge made of hazel, hawthorn and field maple has been planted with native varieties that will cope with climate change and the local environment.  There is also new planting in the beds and so do come and visit and sit a while. The City’s Gardens Department work tirelessly to keep the gardens groomed and tidy with colour and biodiversity in the planting.
Thanks to the Constructors’ Livery for their initiative and gift to Dowgate Ward. 
 

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