Arboretum

The newest part of the garden was officially opened on 27 April 1977 when Parks Convener John McQueenie planted a Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood Tree). The curator saw this as an opportunity to establish a small but much needed arboretum.

An arboretum is a collection of trees which are grown for display, educational or scientific purposes.

The arboretum contains examples of many trees introduced by David Douglas (1799-1836). the famous plant collector, who worked in the original Gardens in the 1820's.

He played an important part in collecting and bringing various North American plants to Britain. He introduced the Douglas Fir, originally the Oregon Pine until it was renamed after him.