CONFERENCE
In total, the garden has irreversibly lost 11 trees, while two nationally protected heritage trees sustained substantial damage but remained standing. Other affected trees suffered varying degrees of crown damage. Although these do not currently pose a risk to visitors or infrastructure, some injuries may reduce the trees' longevity in the future.
The greatest loss, both emotionally and physically, is our nearly iconic large leaning oak beside the Palm House. For more than a century, it stood majestically against the sky, quietly greeting generations of visitors. The storm has now brought it down, leaving it lying horizontally across the landscape.
The garden team is carefully assessing the future of every damaged tree and exploring meaningful ways for fallen trunks and large branches to continue serving a purpose, whether as habitats for wildlife, natural play elements, or inspiration and material for future projects. We are also following recommendations to leave storm-damaged trunks of nationally and locally protected trees in place. Rather than removing them, we allow them to continue their life cycle as valuable habitats for lichens, insects, and other organisms.
Clean-up work has begun in the central part of the garden, focusing on clearing pathways for visitors and staff. However, restoration efforts will continue for several months in the garden’s peripheral areas. We kindly ask visitors to follow all safety signage and avoid entering restricted zones for their own safety.
At this time, every admission ticket purchased directly supports the restoration and recovery of the Botanical Garden.
We look forward to welcoming you to a landscape that is continually changing and evolving.
