VISITORS to Harcourt Arboretum got an insight into how staff look after plants and trees and met some peacocks along the way.

The garden, near Nuneham Courtenay, is a satellite of Oxford University’s Botanic Garden and staff provide a guided walk round the garden at 1.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

Oxford Mail:

Tree expert Guy Horwood, from Oxford, labove, ed visitors yesterday through rhododendron bushes and explained the work carried out to maintain trees and plants all year round.

Mr Horwood also said there were now 14 peacocks at the arboretum and explained that was not always the case.

He added: “About 18 months ago we only had male peacocks but some females were introduced to calm the males down.

The peacocks’ feathers look very bright at this time of year but when they drop out the visitors pick them up and take them home as souvenirs.”

Peacocks have inhabitated the garden for many years and the main entrance is called Peacock Gate.

For further information on opening times, visit harcourt-arboretum.ox.ac.uk

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