The Eastern Branch chose Fullers Mill, near Bury St Edmunds, for its 40th anniversary event because of its central location for members and because the Branch supports the charity Perennial, which has owned the garden since 2013. Whilst confident that this would provide a fitting place for a commemorative tree planting, late October seemed more of a gamble in terms of the weather. It turned out to be the most glorious of autumn days – almost cloudless from sunrise (even the journey there through the surrounding forests was magical) and a cool start to the day lending some mist and dew to the landscape, turning into an unseasonably warm early afternoon.
The garden was the creation of the late Bernard Tickner MBE, turning an area of scrub and woodland around the River Lark into a garden that is pleasing in its detail, delighting dedicated plant lovers with its collection of many choice plants and trees in a peaceful setting around the river, framed by the surrounding woods, in a tapestry of form, texture and colour for all seasons. The current 7 acres are set to be extended with the addition of a woodland walk and large lake to the accessible grounds from next year.
Consultation between Head Gardener Gary Bean and Barcham Trees resulted in the choice of a beautiful specimen of Toona sinensis ‘Flamingo’. The consensus on the day was that this would provide a magnificent spring highlight in the chosen spot, where it would be perfectly illuminated by morning sunshine.
Gary was a late entrant to horticulture, as he explained to Adam Frost on the BBC Gardeners’ World TV programme aired on the evening after the Branch visit. (The item had been recorded at Fullers Mill a week or two earlier; Adam also planted another Barcham tree during his visit, enduring pouring rain.) If ever there was an advert for the potential for a career changer to make their mark in our profession, it is here.
After the tree planting (marked by a plaque) and lunch in the garden, Branch Chair Malcolm Catlin thanked Gary and his team and also Barcham Trees (they are Plant Healthy-certified, whilst Malcolm’s day-job is running the Plant Healthy Scheme). After a few further words about the history of the Institute and some of the current and future challenges and opportunities for the CIH and the profession generally, an informal discussion involving all of the group ensued. The two main topics were peat-free growing, and education and training in horticulture, with Malcolm promising to pass on the thoughts of the group. The tree will surely thrive in its beautiful setting and the memories of the day will live long.