An Acer for Irene
On 16 November 2024 an Acer was planted in Kew Village in memory of Irene Kimpton who died earlier this year, a few years shy of her 100th year. Irene lived in Kew for 72 years and was an active member of the community throughout her life.
Dr Allen Russell and Anna Anderson, Head Gardener TKS, with members of the Kew Knitting Circle admiring the recently planted acer
Irene lived in a flat above Antony Roberts and belonged to two knitting groups: one that meets weekly in the Greenhouse Cafe and also the ‘Knit and Stitch’ group at the Community Centre in the Avenue. She particularly liked knitting toys and teddy bears and helped to make the toppers for the village postbox – they always make residents and visitors smile with their quirky characters.
A knitted postbox toppers in Kew Village
The acer, Summergold, was donated by Dr Alan Russell from the Greenhouse Cafe. The planting was witnessed by many of Irene’s knitting friends, after the plot had been prepared by Kew Society gardening volunteers.
Acer planting in progress at Kew Parade
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, Acer Summer Gold is a small, slow-growing, upright tree with a rounded crown, ultimately reaching 2m in height and spread. The leaves have seven lobes, open pink in spring, then lime green to yellow with a fine red edge in summer and golden yellow with orange and red shades in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by red, winged fruit held above the foliage in autumn.
If you can’t wait until next year for the appearance of Irene’s tree’s leaves, why not check out the Royal Horticultural Society’s website here for a sneak peak?!
