A special tree planting ceremony has taken place at the Bute Park Education Centre to commemorate the establishment of the Bute Park’s Friends Group.
The friends group which already has 155 members is made up of volunteers who help support one of the city’s most attractive horticultural hot spots.
They help with a range of roles within the park including maintenance and conservation activities, organising and supporting events and activities in the park as well as raising the profile of the park to the local and wider community.
The group also gives people the opportunity to express their ideas and to learn about the ongoing Heritage Lottery Restoration Project and maintenance and management of the park.
They encourage more people to get involved in the park and forge relationships with local residents as well as those with a general interest in gardens and wildlife from across the city.
The latest addition to the parks arboretum planted by the friends is a Stewartia monadelpha or tall Stewartia, a rare and desirable plant native to Japan. The Stewartia family of shrubs and small trees is named after John Stuart 3rd Earl of Bute and father of the 1st Marquess of Bute whose family played a significant role in the development of Cardiff.
The tree , situated at the far end of the new border near the recently completed education centre has attractive white flowers that are produced in mid to late summer and cool green leaves which turn handsome shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn before falling.
Once mature it will develop beautiful, flaking bark which is very eye-catching in the winter time.
A spokesperson for the Friends of Bute Park said: “Planting this tree, which we hope will stand here for many years, celebrates the formation of the Friends.
“Our aim is to help to protect the amenity of the Park and to make people more aware of this wonderful asset in the heart of the City.
“We are always keen to welcome new members to work with us and we hope this tree will grow and flourish as we as a group do.”
For more information about the Bute Parks Friends Group please visit www.facebook.com/Bute.Park.Cardiff
More information about the Friends Group can be found at www.buteparkfriends.weebly.com
