Hope for survival emerges for 150-year-old tree downed by Storm Darragh

Gardeners have identified a promising leafy offshoot, suggesting that a 150-year-old tree, which was toppled by Storm Darragh, might continue to thrive. Officials at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, located in Cornwall, reported that the rhododendron collapsed into a pond during the storm on Saturday. Following the storm, horticulturalists observed a leafy offshoot emerging from the remaining horizontal branch, indicating the potential for a new tree with identical DNA to develop in the original location. Henry Welch, who supervises the jungle area of the garden where the tree was situated, stated: “We were sad to see that it had fallen but it wasn’t a total shock as it was one of the oldest in the jungle and the storm was exceptional.” He added: “In the springtime it had striking pinky-white flowers and we will certainly miss it but we’re pleased to see that the offshoot seems to be doing well and we’ll encourage it along.” Mr. Welch also mentioned that while no final determination has been reached, the timber from the downed tree might be utilized to create an artwork “in homage to one of the signature trees of the gardens.” The gardens at Heligan are home to approximately 350 rhododendrons, described as “stately woodland trees woven deep into its history.” The initial specimens originated from seeds gathered by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, a botanist and associate of Charles Darwin, during his expedition to India between 1847 and 1851.