Unofficially, it is a memorial to three of the longest-serving women at the gardens.
With retirement just a few weeks away, Marianne Groothuis, 64, thought it would be a great idea to have two of her best, long-serving mates help her with one of her last jobs — planting the European beech, which is expected to live for more than a century.
Ms Groothuis has been working at the gardens for more than 30 years, as has Robyn Abernethy, and Linda Hellyer has been there for more than 40 years.
"We’ve been working together for so many years, and we always get along well, and we all work hard," Ms Groothuis said.
"And, you know, the gardens is a fantastic place to work, and I think it’s proven in the longevity of many of its staff, really."
After settling the tree into its new home, she felt it would be something to remember their time together — a memorial to the trio, but "only in my own mind, I’m afraid".
She said her last day would be March 4.
"There comes a point in time where it’s nice to give other people a go — somebody young with new ideas.
"I’ll be able to concentrate on my own garden after that."
