TREE PLANTING

Tango Al Fresco's official tree planting took place in London's Regent's Park on Nov. 28, 2001. Kele Baker planted a white ash sapling (Fraxinus Americana 'Autumn Applause'). A total of ten 'Tango Al Fresco' trees were planted in November and December. These trees form part of the park's Autumn Tree Trail along the north side of the park from the mosque to the zoo and around the canal. Attending the tree planting were the manager and assistant managers of Regent's Park and the secretary and assistant secretary of The Prince of Wales' Royal Parks Tree Appeal.

On behalf of hundreds of tango dancers, Kele presented a cheque for £2000 to Mr. David Caselton (Regent's Park manager) and Ms. Fredi Newton (secretary of The Prince of Wales' Royal Parks Tree Appeal).

Kele planted a white ash (Franxinus Americana - 'Autumn Applause'). "An American seedling, this is a medium sized tree developing a broadly oval crown in maturity. Hardy, fast-growing tree, tolerant of most soils and thrives in urban conditions. Height at maturity of 20m. Bright green summer foliage turning to a rich reddish-purple in the autumn."

Besides providing attractive autumn leaf colour, the trees have been chosen for environmental reasons, including the promotion of wildlife around the canal.

During the planting, Mr. Caselton explained that the north of the park had been a dumping ground for rubble from WWII bombing of Camden Town. When park staff prepare for tree planting in this region of the park, they encounter this rubble as they dig. The trees themselves wind their roots through this rubble as they grow and mature.

Ms. Fredi Newton, secretary of The Prince of Wales' Royal Parks Tree Appeal, presented a certificate to Kele Baker and Tango Al Fresco, recognizing the tree planting.

The other Tango Al Fresco trees being planted in November and December 2001 are: three Field Maples (Acer Campestre), one Red Maple (Acer Rubrum - 'Armstrong'), one Swedish Birch (Betula Pendula - 'Dalecarlica'), one Wild Cherry (Prunus Avium), two Tulip Trees (Liriodendron Tulipifera) and one Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea).