The RHS does not divide the UK into zones but it does indicate the hardiness of plants according tho the levels of cold they will withstand. After that it's common sense really - -5C in a fenced or hedged or walled garden will be a lot calmer and less damaging than -5C on a hillside exposed to winds that add their wind chill and desiccating factor.
Another factor is ho long a cold period lasts - days or weeks? Most trees will be dormant in winter and can shrug off a few days of freezing temps but evergreens would be more susceptible.
If the last couple of year are a sign of things to come, it will be impossible to give an overall prediction. Read up on your plants, note their Hardiness rating, soil, sun and water requirements and do the best you can to provide those.
Last year was amazingly warm and spring began in February, this year's spring was/is the coldest for 99 years! We have all had to adjust our ways, keep things undercover longer, water more, protect more plants from sun or cold than before.
My garden is OK for H5 plants, though I have to take position and wind exposure into account when planting. I grow some H4s but with winter protection. I've been gardening here for 37years and seen some bad winters, but lost more plants this year than ever before. We are all still learning!
Wow thank you! Such great advice! We live on the edge of town, atop a huge rolling hill. The end of our street is where the country side begins. Below us is all neighbors of homes. I’m assuming that since I’m towards the top of the hill I get a little more cold wind. Yet the woods probably help a little. In Florida I garden in clusters very pragmatically. Grouping from the outside in based on wind hardiness because we regularly get hurricane force winds. I’m assuming that I’ll have to imply the same principles when planting for cold winds. Ive had a hard time finding a small tree or large shrub form screening from neighbors. I’m concerned about cold winds and strong winds as my neighbors have no plantings to offer as wind buffers around my garden. Any suggestions for something that flowers, smells nice, has no thorns (I have a cat), under 6 meters and will withstand winds? Also I’m a little confused about planting times. Is it to late to plant trees in the next few weeks? I’ve never really had to worry about planting times. It seems summer has just started but I’ve heard it’s too late to start planting now. If so, when would be the correct time to start next year? Thanks again for all the help!
Here is the area in question. As you can see the neighbors at the bottom of the street have full view of our back yard. I can also seen them in their bathrooms... awkward 😂. The far end of the garden has numerous shrubs that will probably need replacing because someone planted probably 20 different shrubs there and they are crowded and diseased. I’d like to put different small trees/large shrubs around the perimeter. I don’t want to do the same tree in repeat, for fear of infestations. I will than plant under and around the trees/shrubs according to what’s appropriate for the area. But first thing first.... what screening to plant? Any tips appreciated
I made a mistake in my previous post. Stourbridge in technically Zone 9, but really Zone 8 because of the winter wet, not the other way round. It's not a big city, so don't expect much help from the "heat island" effect. I used to live about 20 miles from there and it was not uncommon to get -8C. Also, many Midland soils are clay which can get waterlogged. Add some sand. Let me redeem myself with your second question. A really beautiful small tree, quite fast growing, that does very well in the Midlands, is Silver Birch. It casts very little shade and is ideal for planting bulbs around. Another absolute beauty is Laburnum, many, many bright yellow flowers and a sweet scent, also good for training. Good luck!
The elder (?) in the corner looks pretty healthy. I'd personally not be looking to replace any of those shrubs or trees at the bottom of the garden unless I had a really good reason to do so.
It's generally a better idea to buy and plant trees in the winter, when they're dormant, but what you could do now is to buy a small tree or two in containers, then you can have some time to fine-tune where you want them before planting on the left.
Another option would be a trellis above the fence with climbers...
I live very near you, and work in Stourbridge. If you wanted advice on specific plants and I can give it I am happy to help. It’s not a big city I know but it’s a built up urban area although it has some green space it doesn’t compare to the open countryside many posters have. The water is hard so that may be a consideration for some plants. I am no expert but I can tell you what does well in my garden.
I agree with the poster who said you'll have clay soil. Lots of organic matter was best for me.
Personally I don't think you are too late to plant shrubs or trees. I've planted a few last weekend from Ashwood Nursery (just down the road from you and worth the visit).
Maybe it would be safe to go with UK natives until you get used to the different climate. Ashwood Nursery also has both an open and private garden to explore where you get great ideas on what grows well.
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Another factor is ho long a cold period lasts - days or weeks? Most trees will be dormant in winter and can shrug off a few days of freezing temps but evergreens would be more susceptible.
Check this website which gives average temps by month -
https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,stourbridge-west-midlands-gb,United-Kingdom
Let me redeem myself with your second question. A really beautiful small tree, quite fast growing, that does very well in the Midlands, is Silver Birch. It casts very little shade and is ideal for planting bulbs around. Another absolute beauty is Laburnum, many, many bright yellow flowers and a sweet scent, also good for training. Good luck!
I agree with the poster who said you'll have clay soil. Lots of organic matter was best for me.
Personally I don't think you are too late to plant shrubs or trees. I've planted a few last weekend from Ashwood Nursery (just down the road from you and worth the visit).
Maybe it would be safe to go with UK natives until you get used to the different climate. Ashwood Nursery also has both an open and private garden to explore where you get great ideas on what grows well.