Organic Gardening Tips and Methods A Guide To Trees (introduction) Trees are the most permanent elements in any planting scheme. Fortunately there is a wealthy choice of ornamental trees in cultivation to suit the individual climate and growing conditions in your garden. What Are Trees?, Trees are long-lived, deciduous or evergreen, perennial, woody plants that have a lifespan ranging from decades to several centuries. Most have a single stem, with a crown of branches above a clear trunk, although many species produce multiple stems, either naturally or as a result of pruning an training. Trees are diverse in size, ranging from dwarf conifers at 1m (3ft) tall, to forest giants at 90m (300ft) or more in height. They are equally variable in shape, from narrowly conical, through columnar to rounded and spreading, offering strong design elements within the garden. Most conifers are evergreen and cone-bearing. Choosing Trees, Since a tree is probably the most expensive of garden plants and usually the most prominent, selection and siting are the most important decisions, even more so in a small garden with room/space for only one or two specimens. If it is to thrive, you must consider whether a tree is suitable for your gardens climate, soil type and degree of exposure. It is then vital to research the trees final height and spread (both the crown spread above-ground and root spread underground), and site it where it will have room to mature unimpeded by and not interfering with walls, pipes, drains or cables. Designing With Trees, Trees make a strong visual impact in a planting scheme by virtue of their size alone , they can also contribute to the gardens structure. For example, several trees can be planted to form enclosures or define spaces, they can also be used in pairs to frame a view, or in rows to form an avenue or an arch. In exposed or very large gardens, a row of trees can provide wind protection to an area five times its own height. I smaller gardens, trees that tolerate clipping, notably hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), beech (Fagus sylvatica), are ideal for a wind and noise filtering hedge that also affords (gives/provides) a degree of privacy. When a tree is grown singly as a specimen plant, it can create an interesting focal point, which is especially effective if it can be viewed from several angles. The trees shape and ornamental qualities also influence the style of the garden. The neat, crisp outlines of the narrowly columnar Juniperus chinensis Obelisk, for example, or the flame-shaped Carpinus betulus Fastigiata would suit a formal garden design, whereas the rounded, relaxed branch structure of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) or the crab apple (Malus floribunda) provide a natural informality. If you have room/space for accommodating several trees, you can develop a woodland-style garden, in the shelter of which shade-loving plants can be established. In an Oriental-style garden, Japanese maples (Acer species) and Japanese cherries such as Prunus Shirofugen are ideal. Many small trees are suitable for growing in containers and can be used to decorate patios, courtyards and roof terraces. Maintaining Year-Round Interest, Broadleaved evergreens, such as hollies (Ilex) and the Quercus coccifera, provide an invaluable green backdrop throughout the year, while conifers can provide a useful contrast in shape and texture, many have a strong conical outline, others, such as Picea breweriana, weep gracefully. Dwarf conifers range from the neat, rounded domes of Pinus mungo Gnom to the spreading Juniperus x pfitzeriana. Broadleaved, deciduous trees offer a seasonally changing palette of leaf colour, from the fresh , leaf-yellows and lime-greens of spring to the ruddy brilliance of autumn. The form of their foliage is infinitely variable: why not try interesting textural contrasts such as the delicate false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) with the architectural Catalpa bignonoides. Although most flowering and fruiting trees bloom in spring, some produce a welcome burst of colour at other times. Maackia amurensis, many eucryphias and Arbutus unedo bear their flowers in late summer and autumn, while Magnolia campbellii and Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis brighten dark winter days. Fruit For Colour, In autumn, the rowans (Sorbus) offer berries of many colours, among them the creamy yellow fruits of Sorbus Joseph Rock, the pearly white fruits of Sorbus cashmiriana and rich scarlets of Sorbus aucuparia. Many also have splendid foliage. Spring Benefits, ie; Malus Katherine, a profusion of large double flowers in spring gives rise to tiny, red-flushed, yellow fruits in autumn. Summer Promise, ie; Acer shirasawanum Aureum is noted for its elegant habit, compact size and vibrant leaf colour, the verdant greens of late spring and summer turning into peerless autumn brilliance. Attractive Bark, ie; Many eucalyptus, such as Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp niphophila, are renowned for their beautiful, peeling and flaking bark. Conifers On Display, ie; The extraordinary and exciting diversity of size, form, texture and colour can be found in dwarf conifers can be used to create a garden with year-round interest. When grouping/grouped together in an island bed, conifers can be viewed and enjoyed from many angles. All-Round Interest, ie; Cherries (Prunus) often have more than one season of interest and are among the most valuable trees for smaller gardens. As well as a glorious display of blossom in spring, many also provide fine autumn colour. Some, such as Prunus serrula, also have attractive bark. Size Categories Used Within The Tree Group, • Large; Over 15m (50ft), • Medium; 10m-15m (30ft-50ft), • Small; Up to 10m (30ft), NOTE; All information given coincides and complies with the guidelines of The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)....
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:57:16 +0000
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