I planted about 20-30 trees and shrubs only a couple of weeks ago and this wet weather will settle them in nicely.
Depending on how big they are remember to stake them to keep them firm in the ground but stake them low on the trunk so that the top of the tree can still move and just the very bottom of the trunk remains firmly in place.
We have a small garden, and I mean SMALL!! We also have raised borders, but would like to have a stunning tree in one corner. We have been looking at Exochorda macrantha 'The Bride' as it seems pretty, on the face of it, as good as I can think of as an amateur gardener! I'm wanting something that looks flamboyant during the summer and add some structure. Problems: is it easy to look after; we live in an extremely exposed area which is subject to high winds; and how will it cope in battling for sustenance against the demands of a near-by Beech hedge? Alternatives we have been looking at are Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel' and Gardenia jasminoides Kleim's hardy. Japanese Cherries (particularly Prunus Kiki-Shidare-Zakura') and 'Mock Orange' philadelphus virginal seems nice. Has any body got any ideas or advice?
I would forget Gardenia as they are notoriously difficult to grow. Exochorda tolerates a wide set of conditions and would probably be OK. I have that particular prunus and while it looks great in spring, it is very boring for the rest of the year. Philadelphus 'Virginal' is a fast grower and will get quite big - 3m x 2.5m so may quickly outgrow your space. Another one to consider is amelanchier which is just about a perfect small tree for smaller gardens and has year round interest.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
I also like amelanchiers - good interest in spring and autumn - can be grown as either a large shrub or tree.
My favourite small trees are the crab apples - lots of pretty blossom in the spring and fruits developing through the summer. If you pick the right one you will have beautiful, jewel like fruits through the winter. The bright red fruits of Red Sentinel remain on the tree until Jan / Feb in my garden (and then the birds have them) and look stunning against a clear blue sky. If you are so inclined you can harvest the fruits for jelly.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
Thank you for your feedback and advice, it's really helpful. Back to the research - or should I just 'go for it', perhaps? After all, gardening has a tendency to be a bit hit-and-miss, but that's one thing that makes it so interesting!
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Yep I agree now!
I planted about 20-30 trees and shrubs only a couple of weeks ago and this wet weather will settle them in nicely.
Depending on how big they are remember to stake them to keep them firm in the ground but stake them low on the trunk so that the top of the tree can still move and just the very bottom of the trunk remains firmly in place.
We have a small garden, and I mean SMALL!! We also have raised borders, but would like to have a stunning tree in one corner. We have been looking at Exochorda macrantha 'The Bride' as it seems pretty, on the face of it, as good as I can think of as an amateur gardener! I'm wanting something that looks flamboyant during the summer and add some structure. Problems: is it easy to look after; we live in an extremely exposed area which is subject to high winds; and how will it cope in battling for sustenance against the demands of a near-by Beech hedge? Alternatives we have been looking at are Gardenia jasminoides 'Crown Jewel' and Gardenia jasminoides Kleim's hardy. Japanese Cherries (particularly Prunus Kiki-Shidare-Zakura') and 'Mock Orange' philadelphus virginal seems nice. Has any body got any ideas or advice?
Thanks
I would forget Gardenia as they are notoriously difficult to grow. Exochorda tolerates a wide set of conditions and would probably be OK. I have that particular prunus and while it looks great in spring, it is very boring for the rest of the year. Philadelphus 'Virginal' is a fast grower and will get quite big - 3m x 2.5m so may quickly outgrow your space. Another one to consider is amelanchier which is just about a perfect small tree for smaller gardens and has year round interest.
I also like amelanchiers - good interest in spring and autumn - can be grown as either a large shrub or tree.
My favourite small trees are the crab apples - lots of pretty blossom in the spring and fruits developing through the summer. If you pick the right one you will have beautiful, jewel like fruits through the winter. The bright red fruits of Red Sentinel remain on the tree until Jan / Feb in my garden (and then the birds have them) and look stunning against a clear blue sky. If you are so inclined you can harvest the fruits for jelly.
Thank you for your feedback and advice, it's really helpful. Back to the research - or should I just 'go for it', perhaps? After all, gardening has a tendency to be a bit hit-and-miss, but that's one thing that makes it so interesting!