![Canford tree planting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732722684/canfordcom/jx65sxbceyii1wgxszwd/grounds-3591.jpg","width":1650}])
The Canford School Arboretum has been enhanced with the recent planting of two new unusual and interesting trees, donated by Ed Marley for his daughters, Tessa and Imi.
Tessa and Imi both attended Canford as boarders in Marriotts House, leaving in 2020 and 2024 respectively.
Ed Marley CEO and his wife, Fiona Marley owners of Pinnacle Plants International, donated the two trees to give something back to Canford as both daughters thrived at the school.
Ed commented,
Tessa and Imi really enjoyed their time at Canford and, as parents, we also loved coming to the school, so we all wanted to give something back. We are in the horticultural industry and can get access to and grow rare trees and plants. Given the school has an amazing tree collection we thought it would be nice to donate two trees that would add to the special collection for years to come.
With assistance from Nathan Scheller, the Resident School Arboriculturist, Tessa planted a Pterocarya macroptera var. insignis common name - Large-winged wingnut. and Imi planted Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis 'Chinese Garden' common name - Chinese red birch.
The Large-winged wingnut will grow into a substantial tree with a broad canopy, this arboreal treasure is native to central China and is famed for its curious large wingnut-like fruit that hang in long, pendulous chains in late summer.
The other tree is a rare selection of Chinese red birch 'Chinese Garden' and is famed for its peeling mahogany-red bark which reveals large creamy patches as it falls away, gradually turning lovely shades of pink as it ages.
Andrew Powell, Master in Chief of Trees at Canford oversaw the planting and said
Since its foundation over a hundred years ago Canford School has endeavored every year to enhance the wonderful collection of over three thousand trees inherited on its site Canford Park. The latest two unusual and interesting trees donated by the Marley sisters are a welcome and greatly appreciated addition to the wonderful Arboretum here at Canford.
The trees were both planted at the southern end of the Adby astro where they will have the room and light to grow to their expected size.
For more information about the Arboretum at Canford, visit:
Canford will also be taking part in the National Open Gardens Scheme in May 2025. Further details and bookings will be available in the future via their website:
