THE FRIENDS OF TREBORTH
BOTANIC GARDEN
CYFEILLION GARDD FOTANEG
TREBORTH
NEWSLETTER
CYLCHLYTHYR
Number/Rhif 3
September/Medi 1998
EDITORS BIT
Welcome to the third issue of the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden Newsletter.
Despite the abysmal weather we've all suffered this summer, the Friends have had a
very successful time. We've held many events which have proved to be very popular
and, although a baptism of fire on some occasions, we've had a great deal of fun
running them. Full reports of all our activities are included in this issue, and a new
calendar of events up to December is given.
I must apologise for the slightly late appearance of this Newsletter. We had hoped to
produce the Newsletter every 4 months, so there would be three each year. The last
one went out in March which meant that the next one was due in July. However, this
coincided with the busiest part of my year. As many of you know, I am working on
the Atlas 2000 project, a huge initiative to map all our native and introduced plants in
Britain and Ireland. Much of the data for this comes from fieldwork, so all my
summer is spent recording plants in far-flung places. (This may sound great, but it
rained continually for two weeks while in W. Scotland and NW. Ireland, and I mean
continually!). I'm now back in my (dry) office and able to complete the newsletter.
Our first year has really been a huge success. We never imagined we would attract so
many members (nearly 350) and generate so much interest in Treborth. Obviously,
much of this time had been spent setting things up and feeling our way, and a great
deal of time has been put into the programme of events. However, we feel that we are
now able to begin putting your support to work. Firstly, there are many changes
within the University of Wales, Bangor that are going to affect Treborth. Amongst
these are the likely closure of the Pen-y-ffridd Field Station and the re-location of its
teaching facilities to Treborth. Many plans and possibilities have been discussed but
nothing has been decided for certain yet. However, we would very much like the
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Friends of Treborth to be actively involved in this process, perhaps by helping to
formulate a bid for lottery funding. Treborth looks set to change greatly in the coming
years and we hope that the University will appreciate our views and opinions on the
direction that this takes.
In a similar vein, we would very much like to start developing several projects at
Treborth using the funds raised by Friends memberships and activities. There are
many things we could do. A nature trail is already being discussed and there are plans
to hold part of the National Collection of Polygonatum jointly with Crug Farm
Nursery. What would you like to see your money being spent on at Treborth? New
permanent labels for plants? New borders dedicated to plants from different parts of
the world? A Welsh rare plant area? The ideas are endless, but we would like you to
tell us what you want. These plans can then be included in any overall development
plan for Treborth, and the Friends will then really have made an impact.
Finally, many thanks to those that have contributed to this edition of the Newsletter.
Again, much of this has come from Committee Members and I'd really like
contributions from other people as well. It's always difficult to find a balance between
science, nature and gardening, and I currently feel we are slightly neglecting the latter.
We have many excellent and experienced gardeners amongst our membership and it
would be great if some of you could pass on your advice and ideas to others.
If you would like to submit material for the next Newsletter, please send it (either
clearly written or typed or, preferably, on disk) to me at the address below by
December 15th 1998. Illustrations (particularly line drawings) will also be very
welcome!
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
Rhyd y Fuwch, Bethel, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 3PS.
qqrr
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As you will see from our programme and the enclosed Notice, we have now arranged
a time, date and speaker for our first AGM. This should be a very enjoyable event and
a good opportunity to meet fellow members. We've decided that it would be nice if
one of our own members gave a talk after the AGM, and David Toyne (Horticultural
Consultant at Northop Horticultural College) has kindly offered to give his most
popular talk (on "Bulbs all year round"). There will also be a plant stall with lots for
sale (it will be getting close to Christmas!).
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At the AGM itself, we will have the usual reports from the Chairman, Treasurer and
Secretary before elections to these posts are made. In fact, as it is our first AGM, all
members of the committee have to be formally elected (we are currently simply a
Steering Committee). A form to nominate candidates as Officers or Committee
Members is included with the AGM notice - nominations have to reach us by 27th
October. The current Steering Committee is given at the end of this Newsletter.
Please note that we don't have a Treasurer, and that we will also be without a
Chairman (very sadly, Alfred Williamson, who has done so much for the Friends, will
be moving away from the area and will therefore stand down as Chairman).
As reported in the last Newsletter, we also have to approve a Constitution for the
Friends. A copy of this is enclosed to give you a chance to read it first.
Finally, please note that your subscriptions are due by the 3rd November (i.e., the
date of the AGM). A subscription slip is enclosed. Subscriptions can also be paid by
Deed of Covenant - we will have more information about this at the AGM should
anyone wish to subscribe this way.
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
COVER PICTURE
The cover of this issue carries a splendid picture of Fittonia verschaffeltii var.
argyroneura, more commonly known as the Silver Net Leaf (and this is certainly
easier to say!). This lovely plant grows well in the borders of the Tropical House at
Treborth, where it's large, deep green leaves with their striking white veins creep over
stones and paths. It is a Peruvian member of the Acanthaceae (named after the genus
of hardy border perennials, Acanthus) and is commonly grown as a houseplant,
although it does need warmth, humidity and careful watering to do well.
For those that like to know, the genus Fittonia was named after the Fitton sisters who
published Conversations on Botany in 1817, the specific name is in honour of
Ambrose Colletto Alexandre Verschaffelt (1825-1886), a Belgian nurseryman who
published a book on camellia's, and argyroneura literally means 'silver-veined'.
Many thanks indeed to Russell Cooper for digitising the image using fresh leaves and
sending them to me by e-mail. I wonder what Ambrose would have made of that!
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
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PAST EVENTS
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Many successful and enjoyable events have been held by the Friends since the last
Newsletter, and these are reported below.
Orchids - A Practical Workshop - 7th March 1998
Nearly forty Friends packed the Laboratory on a fine afternoon to learn more about
growing orchids in the home. A fine display of both species and hybrids was
assembled from the collections at Treborth, and there was a kind donation of
Cymbidium hybrids from Holland Arms Garden Centre. Centre stage was taken by the
strangely beautiful Coelogyne monillirachis, collected by Trevor Dines in Malaysia
and flowering for the first time at Treborth. This had large, sinister, flesh coloured
flowers with a black, hairy lip, a combination that produced either amazement or
disgust in those that saw it.
The afternoon began with a brief description of the orchid family and the morphology
of the orchid flower. Time was then spent outlining the growth patterns of the two
main types of orchid, sympodial (which grow seasonally) and monopodial (which
grow continually) and also the differences between the terrestrial and epiphytic habit.
Only once these differences are understood, and you therefore understand how orchids
grow in the wild, will you be able to emulate the correct conditions for orchids to
grow in the greenhouse or indoors. This really isn't difficult to acchieve, however, and
the main elements of orchid culture (such as compost types and mixes, the secrets of
watering, and details of humidity, light and feeding) were all then described in detail.
After a welcome cup of tea and biscuits provided by Committee Members, the next
part of the afternoon began. This involved a practical demonstration of how to re-pot
orchids, which containers to use, and how to mix the correct compost. Overgrown
specimens of Cymbidium and Phaphiopedilum were repotted with help from Nigel
Brown (these were very overgrown plants!), and taking cuttings was also
demonstrated.
The afternoon was very enjoyable, with some members bringing their own plants for
attention or admiration, and plenty of questions from the audience. The event was
very popular, and we will be sure to repeat it again at a later date. Many thanks to all
those that attended, to the other Committee members who helped on or before the day,
and to Holland Arms Garden Centre for the loan of some lovely plants.
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
"In Search of the pink Celmisia" by Peter Erskine
The Len Beer Memorial Lecture - 20th March 1998
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With a land mass seven times that of Wales and mountains rising to 3.5 times the
height of Snowdon, South Island New Zealand provides exceptional interest for the
alpine plant enthusiast. This is enhanced by geographical isolation and the evolution
of endemic species in many families, such as the Asteraceae and Apiaceae.
Peter Erskine, a plantsman with unrivalled knowledge of South Island, explained and
illustrated its unique botanical heritage at this year's Len Beer Memorial Lecture,
attended by 160 appreciative Friends and members of the Alpine Garden Society.
Although parts of South Island receive even more rainfall than Snowdonia (up to 10
metres per year!), mountainous areas in the NE., such as the coastal Kaikoura Range,
are much drier. Dense white hairs and sometimes spines are features of the plants
adapted to these rain-shadow regions, as seen in Aciphylla (Bayonet Plant or
Speargrass). The genus Raoulia provides outstanding examples of mat forms as well
as extreme cushion plants. Some of these grow very large - specimens of R. eximia are
often referred to as vegetable sheep! Peter emphasised the value of using tufa rock to
cultivate such specialist alpines in this country.
Rising to 3764 metres, Mt. Cook dominates the Southern Alps and is home to several
notable alpine buttercups. Best known is Ranunculus lyallii (Mt. Cook Lily), although
R. cericophyllous (which caught everyone's eye with its glowing petals) and R.
buchanii deserve equal attention, the latter being easier to cultivate too.
Continuing south, Peter highlighted a fine mountain range near Queenstown known as
the Remarkables and then an area particularly rich in endemic alpines, the Eyre
Mountains. This was the home of his talk's title plant, the Pink Celmisia, a rare form
of Celmisia thomsonae. This attractive genus of alpines is virtually restricted to New
Zealand in the wild, but has now become a popular and challenging subject for
gardeners. Recommending species such as C. semicordata, C. longifolia and C. major
var brevis, Peter outlined his criteria for success - a peat/grit mix, sowing seed in
March/April, and allowing seedling to grow without disturbance until the following
spring.
The genus Celmisia proved an enduring, evocative and illuminating theme throughout
this splendid talk, encapsulating the special character of New Zealand and its plant
life., which through Peter's expert explanation now means much more to all of us.
Nigel Brown (Curator)
Garden Plant Identification Workshop - 29th March 1998
A convivial, informal yet very informative atmosphere marked our first identification
workshop when various plant treasures including trees, shrubs, climbers, house plants
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and wild plants were brought in by Friends for identification and advice happily
administered by David Toyne, Pat Denne, Pauline Perry and Ann Wood.
An undoubted highlight was a generous armful of Clematis armandii cultivated by
Mrs Joan Bennington. This species is surely one of the finest wall plants - its
evergreen, deep green leaves offsetting the palest pink flowers. These produced a
delightfully heady perfume that filled the laboratory for days on end - highly
recommended.
Thanks to everyone who took part in this event. Look out for the next identification
workshop in out future programme.
Nigel Brown (Curator)
"A New National Botanic Garden for Wales"
by Professor Charles Stirton - 1st May 1998
It was a great pleasure to welcome Charles Stirton back to Treborth to give us a talk
on developments at Middleton Hall. For those that don't know yet (and there can't be
many), Wales is to have a new National Botanic Garden at Middleton Hall,
Carmarthenshire, a bold and ambitious plan that will take Welsh botany and
horticulture into an amazing future.
If anyone has had the pleasure of Charles's company, you will know what a lively and
effervescent character he is. His imagination knows no bounds, and he is ready to look
at everything with new eyes and a new perspective. His vision has obviously been the
driving force behind the New National Botanic Garden, and it therefore promises to be
unlike any other botanic garden in existence.
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The logo of the New Botanic Garden
of Wales - an artistic combination of
the Welsh dragon and a special Welsh
fern - the Southern Polypody (Polypodium
cambricum).
The 200 hectare site at Middleton Hall in the Towy Valley is stunning enough.
Charles took us on an illustrated tour of the existing site and described, wherever
possible, his vision of the final garden. Middleton Hall was bought by William Paxton
in 1789. The estate was extensively refurbished and landscaped with many features,
including a chain of lakes, cascades, gazebos and grottoes. Those that remain are
being restored and will be incorporated into the new garden. We visited the unusual
double-walled garden, which will be divided up into smaller gardens designed, built
and maintained by outside groups (such as charities for the blind and the disabled).
We saw work on the huge herbaceous borders that will welcome visitors to the site,
and the areas of ancient grassland, woodland and parkland that will be maintained and
improved for their educational and recreational value.
The centrepiece of the entire project, however, is the stunning Great Glasshouse. This
oval shaped glasshouse, at 100 metres long and 60 metres wide, will be the largest
single span greenhouse in the world. It will contain a complete representation of the
spectacular Mediterranean floras of the world, with plants from Chile, California,
S.W. Australia, South Africa and the Mediterranean. This glasshouse will also be
unique, however, in its internal landscaping, with its own microclimates developed by
changes in slope, aspect and height (there will even be huge waterfalls and canyons
inside!). Charles illustrated progress with the Glasshouse on site, and the first public
views of the designers plans for the inside. Around the edge of the glasshouse will be
Bioverse - an innovative biological experience using state of the art technology to
enable us to discover how plants work, what it's like to be a plant, and the role plants
have in the health of the planet.
I can only give a flavour of the areas that Charles touched upon. The project is
massive, the ideas huge, and the enthusiasm immense. His talk enabled us all to take
part in his vision, and has hopefully inspired some of us to support Middleton in
everything it does. We are very grateful to Charles and his family for coming to
Treborth and giving the Friends such splendid talk, and we look forward to more
visits, in both directions, in the future.
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
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Plant Fair at Crug Farm - May 2nd 1998
On a fine Saturday in May the Friends set up a sales table and information display at
Crug Farm. This was part of a very popular event held under the banner of the
Gwynedd Branch of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, which saw many local
Nurseries gathering to sell their wares. This was all held in the superb Gardens and
Nurseries of Crug Farm, a great location for the event. Our stand gave us a valuable
opportunity to publicise Treborth and the Friends, meet existing members and gain
many new ones.
Thanks to the generosity and hard work of Friends and Committee members, we were
able to display a large and fascinating range of plants for sale. The plants were either
kindly donated by Friends (many thanks indeed to those that did), or raised at
Treborth. Orchids were, of course, in great demand, as were insectivorous and
succulent plants. Huge chunks of Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium) rhizome from
the Temperate House and divisions of various dwarf bamboo's were all soon borne
away.
The event was enormously successful. Not only did we raise £260, we gave Treborth
great publicity and learnt a lot about which plants to raise and sell next year! Many
thanks to all those that made the Fair a success.
Ann Scott-Wood (Committee Member)
A Botanical Walk on the Orme - 1st June
A large group of about 35 Friends gathered at the summit car park on the Great Orme
for a look at the rare and scarce species that are special to this incredible area. Rain
was threatening, but we all breathed a sigh of relief as the wind took the showers to
the north! The evening began with a brief introduction to what makes a plant rare or
scarce (rare species are recorded from fifteen or fewer 10 x 10 km squares in Britain,
while scarce species are found in between 16 and one hundred 10 x 10 km squares).
The underlying climatic and geological conditions were then described, as these are
the main reason for the richness in the Orme's flora.
We then re-grouped further down the Orme, near the start of a circular walk intended
to take in as many of these species as possible. A running commentary was given en
route but, with such a large group, it was a bit difficult to point everything out (or let
everyone hear!).
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There are about 12 nationally scarce species on the Orme, and 4 nationally rare. Of the
former, we saw Silene nutans (Nottingham Catchfly), a graceful campion whose
flowers open in the evening and night for moth pollination; Epipactis atrorubens
(Dark-red Helleborine), a lovely orchid, unfortunately not quite in flower; Veronica
spicata subsp. hybrida (Spiked Speedwell), a stunning veronica with tall spikes of
deepest blue flowers; Helianthemum canum (Hoary Rockrose) which had
unfortunately just finished flowering; and Orobanche hederae (Ivy Broomrape), a
strange parasitic plant that feeds on the roots of Ivy (Hedera helix).
Several rare species (or Red Data Book species as they are named after the book with
the same name that describes them) were also seen. These began with Hypochaeris
maculata (Spotted Cat's-ear), an otherwise unremarkable plant that looks a bit like a
Dandelion (Taraxacum). We then moved on to Aster linosyris (Goldilocks Aster)
which also looked unremarkable, but this time because it flowers around September!
The day ended with the final rare species and the most celebrated, the Welsh
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus - things move fast in botany, yes this was C.
integgerimus when I gave the talk - it has now changed its name!). This is a lovely
plant, clinging to the limestone rocks with a superb view over Llandudno.
Not all is well on the Orme, however, and time was given to point out the various
alien species that pose a threat to many of the Orme's species and habitats. The
various invasive Cotoneaster species (particularly C. integrifolius) are well known,
but a much greater problem comes from Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). This is
spreading rapidly from the Llandudno Pleasure Gardens and a series of mild winters
has allowed it to become a serious pest, as has Holly Oak (Quercus ilex). Perhaps the
Friends could help in its control?
Many thanks to all those who participated in the walk. Apologies for the occasional
wrong turning and the occasional name forgotten, I hope these did not detract from an
otherwise very enjoyable evening!
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
Visit to Northop Horticultural College - 14th July 1998
On July 14th, eleven faithful Friends of Treborth visited the Northop Horticultural
College. We were welcomed at the gate by Mr David Toyne, who is a lecturer and
consultant at the College. As usual, the day was cold and wet; however, we were
invited into the college canteen for a welcome cup of tea and some very nice cakes!
This was followed by a guided tour of the garden. We were shown various student
projects such as a huge rock garden in the making and an extensive collection of
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different grasses of various hues. We spent some time amongst the conifer collection
and inspected the herbaceous borders and beds.
Then the cavalcade moved to see the vast collection of Chrysanthemums that were
grown for marketing. We were given a detailed account of the various machinery used
for their mass production; it seems that nowadays all sorts of equipment have been
developed to save labour. Many other types of plants were also grown in the
greenhouses.
Last, but not least, was a visit to the college shop to buy geraniums, fuschias, etc.
Some of us never seem able to resist the temptation to buy...the usual cry, "Where are
you going to plant all these?".
A very enjoyable and memorable day. We are all very grateful to David Toyne for
giving up his precious time to take us around the College.
Enid Griffiths (Friend of Treborth)
Treborth Open Days - 1st & 2nd August 1998
The Friends held two very successful open afternoons in glorious sunshine. As well as
enjoying the gardens and greenhouses, walks and displays concentrated on Joseph
Paxton and the pleasure grounds he laid out in the area now occupied by Treborth.
This followed the purchase of the land by the Chester and Holyhead Railway 150
years ago.
Although the grandiose plans for an enormous hotel and villas were abandoned in
1867, the pleasure grounds constructed by Paxton were complete by 1852. Nigel
Brown led guided walks each day to trace the evidence of these grounds. The "Paxton
Trail" started near the Rhizotron. In 1986 when JCB's moved in to excavate the area a
vertical rock face was uncovered running parallel to the present roadway. This may
have been a quarry for stone needed for the Britannia Park scheme. A large quantity of
Victorian china was also excavated - perhaps the remains of the Refreshments Room
which served the public and railway officials viewing developments.
The tour then moved to the shade of large Ash trees which mark a field boundary and
the edge of the present garden, but are probably not more than 100 years old and
therefore planted after Paxton's day. On entering the woodland at the west, we
followed an overgrown path to a sunken spring, hollowed out in a semi-circle, above
the present bog garden. Shallow steps bordered by stones and a small bridge could be
seen. In spite of the endless wet weather the area had been cleared to reveal these
features. The youngest member of one group asked Nigel, "Do you have a problem
looking after all this?". Amidst delighted laughter Nigel replied that he certainly did
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and would anyone like to come and help? Several heads nodded in agreement so
perhaps a Paxton Work Party could be organised!
Entering the more eastern part of the woodland we were shown a double row of large
coppiced Lime trees. These seem to mark an original field boundary, which in turn
appears to mark a division between two very different soil types, each with its own
distinctive flora (one acid, the other basic). The limes had been planted in a double
row to allow space for a wide walkway, possibly the main route to the Straits
developed by Paxton. At some later date the Limes were coppiced and the pathway
allowed to grow over. This path is now barred after a short distance by a thick growth
of Cherry Laurel and it was not possible to get to the small waterfall on the side of the
Straits.
Back at the Laboratory a welcome cup of tea and biscuits was provided by the
Friends. A Plant Sales table did good business and a display on Paxton and Britannia
Park helped to answer some of the questions concerning Paxton's Pleasure Grounds.
Our thanks to Nigel Brown and Mike Roberts for their stirling work in uncovering the
paths and features that allowed the event to be a great success.
Ann Scott-Wood and Pauline Perry (Vice-chairman)
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WEATHER AND WILDLIFE
February - July, 1998
Mild days in February are a particular joy, breaking the cold grip of winter and
energising plants and animals into action. And so it happened around St. Valentine's,
with Pipistrelle Bats tweaked into life and honey-bees enticed out by various perfumes
- the weedy scent of Sorbus megalocarpa, a Chinese Whitebeam whose outsized
clusters of ivory flowers burst open before its leaves, and the delicious vanilla aroma
of Azara microphylla drifting through the garden. By the end of February, several
deciduous trees were displaying new greenery; such as the North American birches
and the coppiced Hazel (Corylus avellana), the latter casting a deep prevernal shade.
During the first week of March the catkin crop of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
trembled in blustery showers that brought 4" of rain. This was followed a few days
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later by a mass production of catkins on five species of Alder including the
increasingly impressive Italian Alder (Alnus cordata). High in the bare branches of the
big Ash tree, a Great Spotted Woodpecker began drumming in early March and
Siskins sang in nearby pines. The calmer drier weather of mid-March encouraged
further breeding activity amongst many birds including Song Thrush and Blackbird,
both seen with nesting material on the 13th. By the 17th, an overnight south-westerly
transported the first summer migrant, a Chiff-chaff, whose eagerly awaited song
confirmed the arrival of spring as did the splendid display of daffodils. Comma
butterflies emerged from hibernation and by 30th March, Red Admiral, Peacock and
Small Tortoiseshell were all on the wing.
Late March and April witness the flowering of the woodlands at Treborth with Wood
Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) and Bluebells
(Hyacynthoides non-scripta) predominant. Occasionally, where limestone nears the
surface, the Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) appears with dark spotted leaves
and rich maroon, but slightly unpleasant smelling, flowers. Close by is a small colony
of the strange Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia), a shy-flowering scarce native of N.
Wales whose whorls of leaves subtend a solitary yellowish-green flower reminiscent
of a Trillium. These specimens were rescued from an Anglesey woodland where they
were threatened by building work.
By mid-April, Speckled Wood butterflies began hatching from over-wintering pupae
and Sandwich Terns, newly arrived from W. Africa, could be heard screeching up and
down the Menai Strait. Blackcap song, second only to Nightingale, filled the garden
while Sparrowhawks courted dramatically in the skies above. True to its common
name, St. George's Mushroom (Tricholoma gambosum) appeared in profusion in
grassy areas on and around April 23rd. As April slipped into May, a migrant Wood
Warbler briefly claimed a shady corner of the woodland but moved on quickly, as
they traditionally do, following the emerging forest northwards.
After 4" of rain during April, May proved much drier and sunnier, with temperatures
exceeding 16oC on the 8th. They never, however, managed to exceed 21oC all month.
On May Day, Elishka Stirton (10 year old daughter of Charles Stirton, director of
Middleton Hall) carefully netted lots of Palmate Newts in the ornamental pool at
Treborth. The following day, a Robin was found to be nesting at the base of the large
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) in the teaching laboratory. Its young fledged
successfully later in the month after gorging themselves on Mealy Bugs from the
greenhouses!
A pleasant spell of good weather in mid-May encouraged many insects to emerge,
particularly summer moths such as Poplar Hawk, Scorched Wing and Buff Tip as well
as a scarce migratory species, the Gem, recorded on the night of 13/14th May.
The remainder of the summer proved exceptionally sunless and at times very wet, the
7" total for June being the wettest on record. Many butterflies, such as Common Blue,
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had a disastrous first brood, although others did surprisingly well (e.g. Ringlet). Ghost
Moths were abundant in the second half of June, fluttering on the spot above the uncut
meadow plots at dusk. These were hunted by Brown Long-eared Bats, but the moths'
low level aerobatics often saved them.
Once again a few Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) and Northern March Orchids
(Dactylorhiza majalis) flowered in the meadow plots during June and July, along with
over 2500 Common Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and 50 Twayblades
(Listera ovata). After a long absence, a Weasel was seen in mid-July diligently
searching out mice and voles to feed its young, even boldly entering the laboratory
and tropical house.
The summer bird highlight occurred on 6th July with Treborth's first record of a
Hobby slicing the dusk air on a roost raid. En route it passed one of the resident
Peregrines returning from a similar sortie. Entomologically speaking, the highlight
was the capture of two Small Mottled Willow moths on the night of 20th/21st June,
the first record for Caernarfonshire. This is a rare migrant species probably originating
from Morocco or NW. Spain where it is an occasional pest of crops. Its arrival
coincided with a 2-day heatwave with temperatures reaching 24.5oC in the humid
southerly airstream.
During the second half of July the second brood of Holly Blue emerged in good
numbers and the late summer flush of fungi produced an uncommon Amanita on 29th
July - A. inaurata - beneath oak at the woodland edge. By then, the Robins' sweet
warbles took on a decidedly autumnal lilt and a few still, misty mornings seemed to
confirm the season's passing.
Nigel and Daniel Brown
THE VALUE OF TREBORTH
I am a sixth-form student currently studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and
Geography. I have lived in Bangor most of my life and developed an interest in
various plants from an early age. Then when I was about eight years old a local person
suggested visiting Treborth Botanic Garden.
I was very impressed by the variety of plants and the enthusiasm of the staff to
educate new visitors. When I reached my first year in Ysgol Friars I decided to work
hard in science as I knew it was the key to many careers including conservation and
ecology.
I visited the Botanic Gardens very often during my secondary school years and
quickly established myself as a regular visitor. While in sixth form I decided to spend
a week of work experience at the Gardens. I learnt a great deal on how the
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greenhouses are maintained and the work that is carried out there. The staff were both
friendly and helpful and made very good work colleagues.
I believe that my interest in this area has been greatly enhanced by the presence and
availability of Treborth Botanic Garden. I am sure that if the Garden was to close
down the many people with my interest would lose a great asset. Treborth must be
retained, if not expanded and improved, if future generations are to benefit from it.
J. A. Gripton, Ysgol Friars
uuvv
SAVING THE RED SQUIRREL ON ANGLESEY
There was immediate public interest when the Esme Kirby Snowdonia Trust
announced that their major project for 1997 was, "to make Anglesey, once again, Red
Squirrel country". Lady Anglesey offered support, saying that when she first came to
Plas Newydd, "there were only Red Squirrels; today there are no reds, only greys."
She became Chairman of the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project Committee.
It is a formidable Committee. Most of the national organisations concerned with the
countryside are represented; the Country Landowners Association (CLA), the
Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), the two farmers unions (FUW and NFU),
Forestry Authority, Enterprise and Research, the Esme Kirby Snowdonia Trust
(EKST), Menter Mon, the National Trust, the North Wales Wildlife Trust, the School
of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, and the Zoological Association
of Wales.
It was unanimously agreed that the proposal, "to make Anglesey, once again, Red
Squirrel country" should be adopted forthwith.
To learn more about Red Squirrels two Trustees of the EKST went to Formby, home
of a famous Red Squirrel Sanctuary owned by the National Trust. They met Dr. Craig
Shuttleworth who was researching Red Squirrels for English Nature (EN). They were
very impressed, not only with his scientific knowledge but also with his practical
approach, enthusiasm and dedication to the Red Squirrel. He came to Anglesey for a
visit and was a principal speaker at the "Red Alert" day held at Plas Newydd in
September 1997.
To achieve their objective, the Committee have adopted a Five Year Plan. The first
two years will be given to severely culling the prolific Grey Squirrels and locating the
rapidly disappearing Red Squirrel population. These were once common on the Island,
but are now believed to be confined to Newborough Forest and at Pentraeth.
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When the Grey Squirrel was introduced from America about 100 years ago, no one
could understand why the Red Squirrel disappeared so rapidly whenever the Grey
became established in an area. The two species didn't interbreed, didn't fight and lived
quite happily together, even sharing the same nests (dreys). It was some time later that
it was realised that the heavier, more adaptable and omnivorous Greys were literally
starving the smaller, more timid herbivorous Reds out of existence. With a different
digestive system, the Grey Squirrel is capable of eating a much wider range of foods,
and can also eat the acorns, cones and berries that form the Reds' diet before they are
ripe and available to the Reds. The demise of the Red Squirrel was inevitable.
At the end of 1997, CCW and Menter Mon offered grants to help promote the
Anglesey Red Squirrel Project. The committee had kept in touch with Dr.
Shuttleworth and knew that his EN contract expired at the end of 1997. The need to
begin trapping Grey Squirrels was urgent, as mating begins in January and it was
essential to have traps in position before the next generation was born. Unfortunately,
the CCW and Menter Mon grants were not available until June 1998, so the EKST
offered to finance Dr. Shuttleworth for the first 6 months. He was duly appointed
project officer and began work in January 1998.
So far, Dr. Shuttleworth has identified a very small population of Red Squirrels at
Pentraeth. The good news is that two of the females were breeding. Sadly, there
appears to be no reliable sightings of Red Squirrels at Newborough for the last 3 or 4
years. The Forestry Commission is now trapping in this 1500 acre forest and it
appears that there is a large population of Greys, so the chances of any Reds surviving
is not good. Trapping at Pentraeth, rented by the Forestry Commission from Baron
Hill Estate, is a joint venture between Dr. Shuttleworth and the Commission. A great
deal has been done here to give maximum protection to the tiny Red Squirrel
population.
Dr Shuttleworth hopes that by the end of the year, the combined trapping effort may
have accounted for about half the Grey Squirrel population on Anglesey. The Project
has been most fortunate in gaining the co-operation of every landowner it has
approached. Next year, we hope to have the same happy contacts, and also extend
them to other farmers with forestry on their land. There are also many gardeners on
the Island who have a Grey Squirrel problem, and these may also be able to help.
The problem also extends to the mainland. Grey Squirrels can, and do, cross by the
bridges, and can, and do, swim the Straits. The gardens and woodland on the mainland
between Dinorwic and Penrhyn Castle must become a cordon sanitaire where Grey
Squirrel numbers are considerably reduced. This will increase the food available to the
remaining squirrels, removing their inclination to move to Anglesey.
If the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project succeeds, it will be a triumph. It will need help,
not only from landowners, farmers and gardeners, but from almost everyone living on
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the Island and the immediate mainland. It will be a splendid united effort if we are
able "to make Anglesey, once again, Red Squirrel country".
Esme Kirby
If anyone would like to become involved in the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project, please
contact The Esme Kirby Snowdonia Trust, Dyffryn Mymbyr, Capel Curig, Betws-ycoed, LL24 0ES. Tel. & Fax: 01690 720234.
aabb
THE CACTI COLLECTION AT TREBORTH
A long time ago somewhere in northern South America a rose-like plant mutated, its
branches shrank, its leaves were left as needle-like spines and it did its photosynthesis
on the surface of its swollen stems. The cactus had arrived, and the rest, as they say, is
history. From seventy-foot tall monsters to pin-cushions the size of a thimble, cacti
take on an unimaginable range of shapes and sizes, some have even re-invented
'leaves'. The only thing they have in common is an ability to cope with seasonal
drought - the source of their reputation as 'plants that thrive on neglect'.
Treborth then, seems an unlikely place to find a collection of drought-tolerant plants.
However, thanks to a generous donation by a departing enthusiast we have a
collection that demonstrates the impressive range of forms adopted by this remarkable
plant family.
From the Pampas of South America come the Gymnocalycium species that thrive in
the shade of clumps of dead grass. These are a familiar cactus shape, globular with
clusters of sharp spines, and if they can be coaxed into flower, big pink or white
blooms.
On the other side of South America in the kind of territory more usually associated
with cacti live the Copiapoas. They inhabit the desolate Atacama desert on the Pacific
coast of Chile where the only moisture comes from mists that roll in off the sea. The
shape of these cacti help them glean water from the fogs - it condenses on the sharp
points of their spines, rolls in droplets down their ribs and is intercepted by their
matted roots that lie just below the soil surface.
Further up in the Andes cold and harsh sunlight are the enemies and cacti have
developed their own fur coats to survive in the high desert. A great example of a
woolly cactus is Cephalocereus senilis 'The old man of the Andes' (which really
comes from the high mountains of Mexico!), it looks furry enough to stroke. But don't
be tempted, the white fur hides the usual needle-like spines!
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Not all cacti rely on armament to survive, some just use armour and camouflage.
Ariocarpus retusus has skin like a rhinoceros and looks just like the limestone
fragments that cover the ground where it lives in Texas and Mexico. Alas, plant
collecting has reduced the numbers of old, large specimens of this species in the wild.
However, propagation in botanic gardens and plant collections has led to a huge
increase in the world population of the Golden Barrel cactus Echinocactus grusonii.
Never widespread, only 200 or so plants now exist in the wild, but hundreds of
thousands grow all over the world as focal points to collections like Treborth.
This gives a flavour of the interesting and unusual cacti in the Treborth collection.
With nearly a hundred species it is worth a look, especially as we renovate the
collection and learn more about this fascinating and widespread family - turn up at the
right time and you may even get to enjoy a fruit from our own Prickly Pear!
Pete Frost (Committee Member)
oopp
CLASSIC GARDENING BOOKS
Gardening on Walls
by Christopher Grey-Wilson and Victoria Matthews.
Published by Collins, 1983.
Collins so often succeed in publishing books which combine an authoritative, well
written text with an attractive and popular format. This gem of a book is no exception,
indeed it epitomises that successful fusion of style and content bringing a professional
eye to bear on a subject that all gardeners contemplate at some stage.
The topic of wall plants is divided into 2 sections, the first dealing with general
cultural requirements and the second with the plants themselves, over 1500 of them,
carefully and objectively described and assessed. Of these almost 150 are beautifully
illustrated in colour by Victoria Goaman. The range of species dealt with in this
essential guide includes deciduous and evergreen climbers and wall shrubs, roses,
herbaceous and annual climbers, wall fruit and even plants to grow in wall crevices.
Nigel Brown (Curator)
qqrr
AND FINALLY...
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Computer word-processors usually come with spell checkers that search your text for
errors and suggest alternatives. The following humorous ones turned up while
checking various articles. These are good as the genus and species 'corrections' work
together!
Parnassia palustris
Paranoia Plasters
(Grass of Parnassus)
Listera cordata
Lustier Chordate
(Lesser Twayblade)
Cicuta virosa
Cactus Virus
(Cowbane)
Silene nutans
Silence Nations
(Nottingham Catchfly)
And my personal favourites:
Saussurea alpina Saucier Alpine
Crepis mollis
Crepes Moles
(Alpine Saw-wort)
(Northern Hawk's-beard)
I wonder if the Crepes Moles are served by a Lustier Chordate?
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
THE FRIENDS OF TREBORTH STEERING COMMITTEE
Alfred Williamson (Chairman)
Sychnant
Capelulo
Penmaenmawr
Conwy LL34 6TA
Helen Hughes
Orme View
Ysgubor Wen Road
Penmaenmawr LL34 6PT
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Nigel Brown (Curator)
Treborth Botanic Garden
University of Wales
Bangor LL57 2RQ
Pauline Perry (Vice-chairman)
19 Rhosfryn
Penrhosgarnedd
Bangor LL57 2DL
Jane Wright (Secretary)
Tryfan
Bwlch
Tyn-y-gongl
Ynys Mon LL74 8RG
Grace Gibson
Bryn Castell
Llanddona
Ynys Mon LL58 8TR
Trevor Dines (Newsletter Editor)
Rhyd y Fuwch
Nr Bethel
Caernarfon
Gwynedd LL55 3PS
Ann Scott-Wood
The Peach House
Cornelyn
Llangoed
Ynys Mon LL5 8SB
David Toyne (Publicity Officer)
21 Tan-y-Bryn
Pwllglas
Ruthin LL15 2PJ
Mike Roberts
Cilgwyn
Tan y Maes
Portdinorwic
Gywnedd
Glenna Goodwin
3 Tan-yr-unto
Llanbedr
Ruthin
Denbs. LL15 1UT
Pete Frost
9 Llainwen Uchaf
Llanberis
Gwynedd
LL55 4LL
Please note that we still do not have a Treasurer on the committee. If anyone would
like to offer their help in this post, please contact The Secretary, Friends of Treborth
Botanic Garden, Treborth Botanic Garden, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2RQ.
The Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden currently has 360 members, of which 30 are
Founder Members. Applications for Founder Members will be taken up to October
1998.
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