2026
Collapse of much-loved tree
The Eleagnus angustifolia (Russian Olive) has inevitably collapsed. The Friends have been asking for some ten years for it to be fenced off to deter the builders who loved to sit on the bottom branch and children who loved to climb it. The record is seven children at one time. The tree never got protected and is now on its way out. What a shame. We hope another of the same species can be planted in its place.
Photo by Jennie Kettlewell
[February 2026]
Egyptian geese
It is not unusual to see a pair of Egyptian geese in Holland Park and our pair seem to have taken up residence by the Iris Garden pond. Not actually a goose, this species is related to the Shelduck but is bigger. They favour sites by fresh water, rest on land and tend to nest in trees. It would be interesting if our pair build their nest inside the top of the tower. The bird in our photo was noticed by a young birdwatching enthusiast on The Friends’ 7 February bird walk, led by ornithologist, Bill Haines.
Text & photo by Jennie Kettlewell
[February 2026]
Tea bush
Holland Park is rightly famous for its Camellias. Following a talk to our members by Jonathan Jones of the Tregothnan Tea Estate in Cornwall, we bought a tea bush (Camellia sinensis) from him for £250 and it was planted in the Camellia bed north of the Dutch Garden. It flowered prolifically, but the gardener who had looked after it left and the little bush languished. It was taken into the nursery yard to recover and has hidden there for the past six years. Head Gardener, Martin Moore, has rescued it and it is once again in the Camellia Bed where it belongs. Thank you, Martin.
Photo by idverde.
[February 2026]