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Help - I need a memorial tree

Corinne12 651Corinne12 651 Posts: 3
in Plants
Hi, it would be amazing if you could help. I need a memorial tree for our little girl. I’m not an experienced gardener yet, but I’m keen to learn. We don’t have a massive space so I don’t want anything too big and we also wanted a water feature close to the tree, so it can’t be anything that malts too much. I’m really nervous about choosing the wrong tree and it out growing the space we have, ideally needs to be something no bigger than 3 foot x 3 foot. Her birthday was 8th March so something colourful around that time would be amazing. Thank you so much for your help - ideally we are hoping to pot it, in case we end up needing to relocate in the future xx

Posts

  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    I have been thinking hard for you. We have had to do this several times over the years. Space wasn’t a problem so we chose flowering cherry, paper bark birch. 
    However  thinking of your needs and the chance it has to be moved I wonder if you should think along the Daphne plants, some are more small and slow growing than others. All have a wonderful perfume. It would not however flower when you are wishing it to, so, what about planting it with bulbs? Snowdrops followed by dwarf daffs and then tulips and bluebells. The list is endless and shouldnt interfere too much with the plant as long as you feed and clean the top layer of compost off and replace with fresh.

    Where do you live.? This would help to give the right ideas.  What do your neighbours grow that you like?

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    A scented camellia might be lovely.
  • Corinne12 651Corinne12 651 Posts: 3
    Sorry I forgot to say we live in North Devon in the south west, thank you so much for your help xx
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    edited July 2018
    A camelia would be a good choice for flowering at that time, plus would do nicely in a pot.  There are so many to choose from you might even find one with a name that signifies something to you too.  Trehane Nursery have a great selection - I have used them mail order a couple of times and they have been great.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I would go with camellia , as Chicky says you can grow it in a pot if your soil isn't suitable, and if you were to move in future years, you can take it with you, or take cuttings from it. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    There's some info on scented camellias here. It gives a sense, though it's a US website and varieties might not be available in the UK. If going for a pot, check the variety would be happy in a container and get the biggest pot you can. Ericaceous soil is best.
  • Corinne12 651Corinne12 651 Posts: 3
    Thank you all for your help, it’s such a difficult important item to choose you’ve all been a great help I will have a look. Me and my husband are struggling massively to deal with the loss so fingers crossed this will help x
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Could you get a selection, so the decision doesn't feel so crushing?

    I'm so sorry for your loss.
  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    Follow your heart and whatever you choose will be right.
    what did you name your little one? Is there a clue in that?
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
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