Monkey Puzzle in family history...

Discussion in 'Araucariaceae' started by pioneer, Feb 2, 2015.

  1. pioneer

    pioneer Member

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    My family in England were gardeners...some were master gardeners...at the family home in Nottingham, they planted a Monkey Puzzle tree beside their 60 room brick house...I saw very dim black and white photograph of the house with the tree from sometime in the 1800's. The last photo the family had of the home and tree, was about 1900 - the tree had grown, was no longer 8 feet high, but was close to 60 feet tall! It was a special tree in the conservatory gardens. I expect the tree is gone now, as the home was sold in 1910 to settle the estate, and the home later became the hospital. And that burned down in the 1970's. I wish I could have seen it in person...I am hoping to obtain a Monkey Puzzle tree one day for my own enjoyment.
     
  2. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Welcome to the Forum!

    What an evocative story.
    A letter to the Nottingham City Hospital or City Council might give you information as to the history of the house and/or tree. ???
    Perhaps there is a historical society that might have photos, books, or a knowledgeable member.

    http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubpictures/71404/
    Thought you might enjoy this tree.

    http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/article/22795/Contact-us
    Maybe worth a try!

    http://nlha.org.uk
    This one looks promising.
    Who knows? There could just be a box of photos on a shelf...

    I wish you well in your monkey puzzle quest!
     
  3. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Attempt to look via Google Street View, if you know the approximate address?
     
  4. pioneer

    pioneer Member

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    After the fire big, new hospital was built...I have seen the pictures....the tree...is gone
     
  5. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    You will have to move to Coastal BC to be able to grow a monkey puzzle to large size outdoors.
     
  6. pioneer

    pioneer Member

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    I have lived there, so will try the potted route for as long as possible
     

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