2020 was a difficult year for us all and unfortunately, it was also the final year for the iconic Monkey Puzzle tree located within Holker’s Gardens.
The Monkey Puzzle was first planted 176 years ago, back in 1844 by William Lobb for Joseph Paxton when it was a mere seed brought back from Chile. Unbelievably 40 years later, the very same tree blew down in a storm and was re-erected with the help of seven shire horses before its roots were embedded in concrete! It has since stood firm for another 136 years.
The tree was suffering from some varieties of fungus and therefore after all those many years, the decision was recently made by the family and gardeners to fell the much-beloved Monkey Puzzle before any serious damage could be done.
At the end of 2020, an experienced team, led by our Head Gardener, Glyn Sherratt, set to work ready to fell the tree.
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