Thursday 1st June 2023

 
Earlier Works
 
More Recent Works
 
Sheets of absorbent paper are used to dry out the specimens.
The slatted top and bottom of the plant press.
Straps apply firm pressure to bring plants in contact with drying materials.
 
 

The Herbarium

Today's session started with another lesson in botany. More specifically flower and plant pressing. It is wonderful that we have Dr John Bailey (former botanist at Leicester University) amongst our number. Having brought in his herbarium press, John was kind enough to spend some time explaining the basics of flower / plant pressing.

We spent a few minutes selecting some samples from around the arboretum car park. John then demonstrated how one would prepare and then stack the specimens onto the absorbent drying paper. Finally the press is closed and bound with straps. The drying process begins.

We are hopeful to see the results of our endeavours in a couple of weeks when our pressings have dried and Dr Bailey brings them back in.

we were all mightily impressed by this and have decided to start experimenting with the process. The aim is to start our own little herbarium here at the arbroretum, and so build a small collection which could be used for educational purposes for our visitors; such as schools, nature clubs and public visitors.

 
 
Clearing back the Cow Parsley encroaching the path.

After our lesson it was back to the bread and butter work. Clearing back from paths and specimen trees.

On several stretches of pathway we pruned back the Cow Parsley which is now chest height and in full bloom.

We also have an overgrown area which consists of specimen Yew, Holly and Elderberry trees.

This will take several sessions to bring under control, but today we made a start on the Elderberry section.

Cutting back brambles and lifting the lowest branches of the Elderberry.
 
 
One of our juvenile apple trees was struggling for space.

Another candidate for help was a young apple tree near the pond section of the arboretum. It is struggling to grow and one reason is that it sits in an area of thick undergrowth.

We cleared around it so it now has some space and light, and less nearby competition.

I am also very pleased to report that our willow structures appear to be doing well. The top one in particular has obviously established roots and in the last two weeks has put on a flush of new growth.

It is rather satisfying to spend some time weaving in the new shoots and seeing the structure thicken up and start to really take shape.

The top willow structure which is now well established.