Plant labels found in arboretum

The labels may go on display

More than 100 plant labels dating back to the late 19th Century have been unearthed at an arboretum.

The cast metal labels were discovered in one of the oldest parts of Westonbirt, Gloucestershire.

"They tell us about what trees and shrubs were being grown, and the importance that gardeners put on labelling," said curator Simon Toomer.

About 25 of the labels identify rhododendrons, a feature of the arboretum during the 19th Century.

Public exhibition

There is a specialist researching the rhododendrons at the arboretum and the label find will help guide a programme of propagation and replanting, said Mr Toomer.

The labels are a variety of shapes and sizes and some are marked on the back J. Smith Royal Label Factory, Stratford on Avon.

The factory was in existence from 1874 and received its Royal Warrant in 1876 for supplying identification tags for Queen Victoria's rose garden.

The labels are being kept at the arboretum and may be exhibited at a later date.