Bamboo

an attractive ornamental plant

Planting:

Plant bamboo in the spring in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered area. Plant three to five feet apart to create a dense screen. Bamboo will grow in most soils but adding garden compost or manure to the soil before planting will help improve its ability to hold moisture.

Care:

Bamboos need watering regularly during dry periods. Once established it is recommended to fertilize regularly with a high nitrogen organic fertilizer.

Pruning:

Bamboos require some pruning to maintain their attractiveness. Remove any weak or damaged canes, cutting them to ground level.

 

 

Photinias

a popular evergreen shrub

 

Planting:

Photinia can be planted in most soils, even clay, but will be improved by adding garden compost or manure to the soil before planting. Photinias are best planted in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. They can be planted in either a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden.

Care:

Once established avoid over watering your photinia. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer in spring.

Pruning:

Photinias do not require much pruning but will benefit from a little tidying up in spring and summer to retain the shape of the plant. Avoid pruning after mid-august, to protect any new growth from autumn frosts.

 

 

Evergreens

always green throughout the year

Planting:

Evergreen trees can be planted all year round. Plant in well drained soil in a sheltered area that gets full sun in summer and shade in the winter.

Care:

If planted in the right place evergreen trees do not require too much maintenance. They will benefit from regular watering and mulching.

Pruning:

Evergreen trees will generally only need pruning to damaged branches. Avoid pruning in late summer or autumn as new growth may be stimulated which may not harden before winter

 

 

Olives

create a Mediterranean feel

Planting:

Olive trees can be planted outdoors in spring, in a protected sunny position with well-drained soil.

Care:

Once established, olive trees are extremely drought resistant. Ideal in pots & containers on the patio.

Pruning:

Olives do not require much pruning as they grow very slowly. Remove damaged branches in late spring or early summer. Thinning out branches will help let light in to the centre of the tree.

 

 

Palms

an attractive ornamental plant

Planting:

Plant hardy palms in well drained soil in a sheltered location. Ideal for patio containers or directly into the garden once established.

Care:

Keep well watered and ensure the soil has good drainage.  If container grown, protect the pot from cold temperatures in the winter by wrapping in bubble wrap or covering with fleece.

Pruning:

Palms cannot be pruned, simply remove any dead leaves, cutting them as close to the trunk as possible.

 

 

Bay Tree

a popular evergreen shrub… grow it, clip it, eat it

Planting:

Use a soil based compost and plant in well drained soil in a sheltered sunny or partially shaded area of your garden. Bay trees can be planted directly in the garden or also thrive well in containers. Use a soil based compost such as John Innes No.2 and water moderately.

Care:

If planted in a container, re-pot every two years in spring. Protect in freezing temperatures with fleece or move to a garage/shed to protect foliage.

Pruning:

Bay trees grown in containers are very tolerant to light pruning and can be trimmed back to a lower leaf or bud in spring or summer.
Bay trees grown in the ground can withstand very hard pruning and it is unlikely a well-established tree could be permanently damaged.

 

 

Ornamental Trees

 

 

Silver Birch

(Betula pendula)

a delight during winter months

Planting:

Prepare a site well by clearing away any weeds or grass then plant carefully in a hole the same depth as the pot.

Care:

These are shallow rooted trees and may require plenty of water during dry periods.

Pruning:

Late autumn is the best time for pruning although, once established this will not be required.

 

 

Hawthorn

(Crataegus)

deciduous trees & shrubs

Planting:

Clear away any weeds or grass and plant carefully in a hole, the same depth as it was in the pot.

Care:

Hawthorns are easy to grow, simply keep moist during any prolonged dry periods.

Pruning:

January and February are the best months for pruning. Remove any broken or split branches. Cut off any suckers that appear at the base of the plant.

 

 

Mountain Ash

(Sorbus)

autumn berries, attractive to birds 

Planting:

Plant in a sunny or partially shaded location in well drained soil.

Care:

spring and have clusters of red, pink or white berries in the autumn. Some varieties will provide good autumn colour.

Pruning:

Sorbus require little or no pruning. Any damaged branches should be removed during late winter or early spring.

 

 

Crab Apple

(Malus)

small deciduous tree

Planting:

Plant in a sunny or partially shaded location in well drained soil.

Care:

This low maintenance tree should provide pink, white or purple flowers in the spring and fruit in the autumn. Good for autumn colour and very attractive to birds. Fruit is suitable for making crab apple jelly.

Pruning:

Malus do not require much pruning. Any diseased or damaged branches should be removed in January or February.

 

 

Flowering Cherry Tree

spring colour with full blossom

Planting:

well by clearing away any weeds or grass.  Plant carefully in a hole the same depth as it was in the pot.

Care:

These are shallow rooted trees and may require plenty of water during dry periods.

Pruning:

Little pruning is required, remove old or broken branches in late spring, after flowering.

 

 

Fruit Trees

 

 

Plum Tree

harvest of delicious plump fruit

Planting:

Plant in sun or semi shade where the ground is not too wet.

Care:

Blossom will cover the tree in early spring.

Pruning:

Pruning should be carried out during the summer months when the tree is in full leaf with young fruit. Any damaged or diseased branches should be removed.

 

 

Cherry Tree

open trees or against walls & fences

Planting:

Plant in a sunny or semi shaded area in well drained soil.

Care:

Keep trees well watered during the early stages of fruit development. The tree will blossom in spring.

Pruning:

Pruning should be carried out during winter months when the tree is completely dormant.

 

 

Apple Tree

easy to grow

Planting:

Container grown trees can be planted in the ground at any time of the year except when the conditions are frosty. Plant in a semi shaded area or in full sun.

Care:

Ensure the ground has adequate drainage so the roots don’t absorb too much water.  Train branches not to crowd each other aiming to create an open shape with five or six main branches.

Pruning:

Pruning should be done during the winter months from November through to early March. Yearly pruning should ensure a good cycle of fruiting wood.

 

 

Pear Tree

easy to grow

Planting:

Container grown trees can be planted in the ground at any time of the year except when the conditions are frosty. Plant in a semi shaded area or in full sun.

Care:

Ensure the ground has adequate drainage so the roots don’t absorb too much water.  Train branches not to crowd each other aiming to create an open shape with five or six main branches. Enjoy flowers during the spring months.

Pruning:

Pruning should be done during the winter months from November through to early March. Yearly pruning should ensure a good cycle of fruiting wood.