Barlow Institute Centenary Tree

As part of the centenary celebrations at the Barlow Institute, our Society offered to arrange a celebrity lecture at our meeting on 18th March 2009. This was to be given by Roy Lancaster O.B.E. the renowned plant hunter and television and radio gardener. He is also a very proud Boltonian and was delighted to be invited to help the Society plant a commemorative tree in the grounds of the Barlow Institute to celebrate its centenary.

We sought his advice on an appropriate tree for our area and he recommended a Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ (or Worplesdon Sweet Gum Tree) which could cope with our wet and clay soil. It is a broadly conical, deciduous tree. Its star-shaped green glossy leaves are reminiscent of some maples. They have 5-7 narrow lobes and turn to striking apricot-oranges and claret red from September to display fabulous Autumn colour.

Roy is a very practical gardener and gave a master class in how to plant a tree. He also talked about the tree’s native area in North America and revealed that the gum made from the sap was mixed with tobacco and smoked by the Incas during their ceremonies.

The tree and commemorative plaque may be viewed near the children’s play area at the rear of the Barlow Institute. 

Roy Lancaster planting Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ as part of the Barlow Institute Centenary Celebrations 2009