Coronation tree with a history

The heritage gardeners at the historic Halfway House in Glenside planted a ginkgo biloba on Coronation Day commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.

“We chose the ginkgo as it is an environmentally resilient tree with a fossil history dating back more than 200 million years,” said Heritage Gardener Claire Bibby.

“It has bright golden leaves in autumn. Some of the earliest records of the ginkgo in New

Zealand date back to 1852.”

The gardeners were invited to share some thoughts after planting the tree.

“It’s a great tree with historic significance,” Paul Bicknell said.

“The King is into trees and history and I think he would appreciate it.”

“May the tree and the King have a long and healthy life,” Maree Goodall added.

“Three cheers for the King and the Monarchy, long may it last,”

Tony Tomlin said.

“It’s a fantastic reason to celebrate,” said Pat Lakeman, who was in the United Kingdom during Jubilee year, and was impressed with the community led street parties and festivities. In 2022 a rimu was planted in the Halfway House garden by the His Excellency Dr Richard Davies, husband of the Governor General, to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.