Three decades of tree changes documented

A new book has been published by the International Dendrology Society and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Documenting 30 years of changes to trees across the UK, Europe and North America, New Trees: Recent Introductions to Cultivation is set to become "an essential reference work for all serious gardeners and anyone interested in trees or the origins of garden plants", according to Kew Gardens.

The book is designed to complement Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles – first written by WJ Bean in 1914 and now in its 8th edition.

It contains broad botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on 850 tree species introduced in recent decades, as well as advising gardeners on modern tree growing techniques.

Also included will be a section on the horticultural requirements of each species.

The publication is written by John Grimshaw, but contains contributions from gardeners around the world.

Meanwhile, Kew Gardens has announced the first of two titan arums is now open in the Princess of Wales conservatory.

It is expected to be in full flower today (May 1st), with the other giant plant set to bloom over the weekend.