THERE were plenty of willing hands to help plant the Weeping Willow tree (salix purpurea pendula) chosen to mark Merkinch Nursery’s 25th anniversary. The actual date was in January this year, but while there were plenty of parties, it was not thought to be a good time of year for planting trees!

The nursery bought the tree themselves from Ardfearn Nursery, and the youngsters were only too pleased to muck in and help the young gardener, Jason Ross, who came to plant it. The ceremony was to have been carried out by the nursery’s head, Maggie Boag. But she has been off much of this year through ill-health and was very disappointed on the day not to be well enough to be there.

Mrs Boag is taking early retirement as from 8th July. She was able to attend a luncheon with her staff earlier in the week, held to mark her retirement. Acting head Rhoda Ross told News & Views that a new head had not yet been appointed. The nursery has two teachers, two nursery nurses and an auxiliary and accommodates 80 children altogether, 40 at both morning and afternoon sessions. Currently there is a waiting list.