1 of 4
Amelanchier-lamarckii
Amelanchier-lamarckii
2 of 4
Acer griseum
Acer griseum
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Amelanchier-lamarckii
Amelanchier-lamarckii
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English Oak
English Oak
Can you see the wood for the trees? - Garden Design by Colette Charsley
Considering the importance trees play in our lives it is extraordinary how little thought we give them and how they are literally and figuratively overlooked.
Trees are vital. The benefits and uses to which they can be put are huge. Trees give structure, height, shade, shelter and screening, they offer year round interest with flowers, leaves, berries and bark, they absorb excess rainwater, balance the temperature under their canopies, they give homes and food to large numbers of birds and wildlife. And they are also rather beautiful and good to hug, should you be so inclined.
Tree planting is not to be undertaken lightly. It really is important to get the right tree for the job you want it to do.
There is a tree suitable for almost every garden in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and colours. What do you want from your tree? Is it to be a single specimen? Do you want to frame a view or hide something unsightly? Evergreen or deciduous? What about shape? Think about what would look best in your intended space.
Trees are classified into three size groups:
• Small (5-10 metres high)
• Medium (10-20 metres high)
• Large (20+ metres high)
Do not underestimate size. It is tragic to see a tree which is growing too large having to be hacked about to try and keep it contained. Try to imagine your tree 50 or 100 years from now. If you are planting a really long lived variety it might well still be around in 1,000 years.
Some of my favourites include:
Small Gardens
Amelanchier lamarckii – beautiful flowers, berries and autumn colour.
Corylus avellana ‘Zellernus’ – pink catkins, purple foliage and edible nuts.
Interesting Bark
Prunus serrula ‘Tibetica’ – shining polished mahogany.
Acer griseum – peeling amber and cinnamon coloured.
Evergreen
Ilex aquifolium Argentea Marginata – a small holly with white and pink edged leaves.
Pinus wallichiana – beautiful soft needles on a large conical tree.
Coastal
Pinus nigra ‘Austriaca’ – good for any exposed site. Long green needles.Populus tremula – sparkles in the sun and very robust.
Autumn Colour
Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon – stunning large tree.
Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ – One of the finest small trees for autumn colour.
Last but not least;
Quercus robur – our native English Oak. Home to over 600 species. Huge and simply wonderful. Please plant one if you have the space.
I could go on...
colette@charsleydesign.com. 01803 722449.
First published October 2011 By the Dart
