Birch Hill
Birch Hill is the highest point in the Gardens, and protects areas lying to the south from strong north-westerly winds.
It is home to a collection of Himalayan birches Betula utilis and other ornamental trees including a spectacular Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Caucasian wingnut) which carries remarkable strings of ‘fruit’ in late summer.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Asplenifolia’ the fern-leaved beech is also notable as is Parrotia persica ‘Pendula’ an unusual prostrate form of the Persian ironwood.
Towards the Rose garden there is a Pinus radiata (Monterey pine).
Magnolia Triangle
The Magnolia collection lies next to the Rose Garden below Birch Hill. It contains older specimens and has been increased with several new plants in recent years.