CHESHIRE Gardens Trust has planted a tree at Arley Hall to commemorate the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Trust wanted to mark the anniversary, and thought a tree called Magnolia Elizabeth would be the perfect way to do it.

They chose Arley as a thankyou to Lord Ashbrook, who has been patron of the organisation since it began nine years ago.

Retired horticulture lecturer Ruth Brown, a member of the Trust, said that Arley was the perfect place for the tree.

“We wanted the tree to be accessible to the public, so we asked Lord Ashbrook,” she said. “He liked the idea because he knew it would have beautiful yellow flowers and would reach a height of 20 feet.

“Not only does it commemorate the Queen, but Elizabeth is also the name of Lord Ashbrook’s mother.”

Cheshire Gardens Trust aims to promote the awareness and understanding of local parks, gardens and landscapes. It also hopes to see more green space created in Cheshire, and carries out horticultural and historical research.

The group bought the Magnolia Elizabeth from the Duchy of Cornwall, and it was sent gift wrapped to Arley Hall, where a planting ceremony was attended by three generations of Lord Ashbrook’s family.

“It was a great honour to be asked to be the garden that hosts this tribute to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,” said Lord Ashbrook.

“I’d like to thank Cheshire Gardens Trust for thinking of us, and assure them we will take good care of it.”