The new Palm Court

Pictures show: the AA’s Plant Rescue Squad installing the square’s palms and cordy lines – which were soon covered in snow

Arlington Square now has a touch of Palm Springs and the Mediterranean Riviera with two 8-foot palm trees and a couple of tall, exotic cordy lines.

When a resident of Rennies Court by the Southbank in Southwark told us that a major redevelopment meant that everything in their communal garden was destined for landfill, we quickly mobilised an AA Plant Rescue Squad. Over one weekend the Squad collected two large trailer loads of trees and shrubs – no mean feat, as Rennies Court garden is three storeys high.

Gordon McArthur, chair of the AA, says: “Our sincere thanks go to our friends at Rennies Court for being so community-spirited in wanting to ensure the plants they have enjoyed went to a good home. At times the Plant Rescue Squad thought we had bitten off more than we could chew but with determination and some mountaineering skills – you’ll need to watch the video – we triumphed and brought a fantastic selection back to the square.”

Other rescued plants include witch hazels, a magnolia and a camellia. The two videos showing the exploits of the rescue weekend are in the Gallery section on our website www.arlingtonassociation.org.uk.

Needless to say, the very next day after our subtropical palm grove was installed, we had the first snow of the year. But our new palms and cordylines seem to have survived the winter unscathed.