VENTNOR Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight is enjoying the sweet smell of success after being named as holders of one of three nationally important tree collections.
The popular garden attraction was given National Plant Collection status by horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage, in recognition of its scientifically significant collection of eucalyptus trees.
The accolade was presented as part of National Tree Week, which ends on December 1.
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The eucalyptus trees are part of a trial started in the 1970s to test the hardiness of certain species and introduce new varieties to the site.
The results of this trial will help to increase understanding of how climate change affects different trees and plants.
Consequently, most of Ventnor's eucalyptus trees are now considered county or national champions on the Tree Register.
This status marks them as important indicators of change and highlights their responsiveness to a warming climate.
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Head gardener, Wayne Williams, said: "I started working at the wonderful Ventnor Botanic Garden a year ago.
"The team has achieved many improvements, with many more to come."
Ventnor Botanic Garden has one of the best collections of rare half-hardy trees and shrubs in the UK, thanks to its warm and almost frost-free microclimate.
Some of these are the largest recorded specimens of their type and have been awarded the title of UK Champion Trees.
In addition to Ventnor's eucalyptus collection, two collections of Hamamelis (witch hazel) and Amelanchier (snowy mespilus) at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire were also given National Plant Collection status by Plant Heritage.
These three nationally important collections, together comprise 434 trees.
Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, said: "Both the National Memorial Arboretum and Ventnor Botanic Gardens are sites of historical and national importance, meaning all three collections will be available for everyone to visit, in all seasons, in perpetuity.
"Also, the fact that both sites will always have a dedicated team caring for these special trees is fundamental, as this will ensure their long-term survival.
"Knowing that the future of these collections is now secured is a real triumph for our ongoing plant conservation work."
The National Plant Collection status protects the collections for the future and ensures they will continue their role in helping mitigate against the challenges of climate change and encouraging biodiversity at both sites.
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