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We just love autumn! Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading Sussex garden centres continues to be transformed into a riot of dazzling autumn colours. Our Sussex garden centre takes on a new look daily with an explosion of yellows, oranges, reds and purples. Are you contemplating some new plants for your garden to plant during autumn? Autumn and winter are traditionally the best times to plant – your new trees and shrubs can establish themselves over the autumn and winter months and thus require less maintenance. The soil should still be warm from the summer and moist from the autumn rain. If you are looking to plant shrubs for autumn interest, a visit to Arundel Arboretum now will provide you with an extensive selection of shrubs displaying their stunning colours. Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to assist you and to get you started, you may like to consider these:- Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’ Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’ is a medium-sized evergreen shrub. It has a bushy appearance and will eventually grow to approximately 2-4m x 2-4m. Its young red leaves will turn a coppery-green and eventually a dark green. In mid-spring, creamy-white flowers appear on its branched panicles. Happy in full sun or partial shade, but in a sheltered position. Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeper is a large, deciduous climber. It grows vigorously and will eventually reach heights of more than 12 metres! Its ovate leaves turn a fantastic bright red and orange in the autumn. Tiny green flowers can be followed by attractive blue-black berries. Parthenocissus quinquefolia will grow happily in full sun, partial shade and even shady positions, in either an exposed or sheltered position. Can also be planted in a north, south, east or west-facing location. Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ (Stag’s Horn Sumach) Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ is an open, upright deciduous shrub. Its fern-like, divided dark green leaves transform into stunning reds and oranges in the autumn. Yellow-green flowers appear during the summer and these are followed by crimson-red fruits on the female plants. Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’ should be planted in full sun, avoiding a north-facing aspect. It will be happy in either an exposed or sheltered position.  

As January draws to a close, it is still a quiet time as far as gardening is concerned due to the frosted layers and sprinkles of snow. However, on crisp, sunny winter days, there are plenty of small jobs to be getting on with. Paying attention to the smaller jobs now will end up being rewarding later in the year. Here are a few jobs to consider getting on with now that will save you time going into the summer months: Look into plants that can still be planted this time of year; Bare root, root ball trees and shrubs are great. Have you discovered that a particular shrub or tree is in the wrong place? As long as you can move it with a good rootball, you can move it to a more suitable position in your garden. Continue to clear away dead leaves and other debris from your garden. Weeds – they are starting to appear! Keeping them under control will save a lot of hard work and time later in the year. If you have kept an area of your garden uncut as a shelter for wildlife – keep it uncut for as long as possible especially during this cold snap where wildlife needs it most. Keep bird feeders topped up with feed and fat balls. Ensure your garden birds have a fresh supply of drinking water and defrost if frozen. Bird boxes – clean out existing bird boxes so that the birds will use them again. If you don’t currently have any bird boxes in your garden – why not consider putting one up? It’s a great winter task that will help shelter birds. They should be positioned out of prevailing winds and strong sunlight. Clean garden pots, tools, water butts and greenhouses ready for the new season, saving you the task later in the year. Check stakes and ties and other supporting systems for your trees, shrubs and climbers to ensure they are doing their job properly. Adjust or replace as necessary. Wisteria – these can be pruned now. Cut back shoots by 2-3 buds on their lateral stems. This will ensure healthy blooms come the spring. Cut back ornamental grasses – they can be cut back to within a few centimetres above the ground. Prune apple and pear trees – these are best done when the trees are still dormant. Plums\cherries\apricots – leave these alone until the summer. Pruning now will make the susceptible to Silver-Leaf infections. Here at Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex, our friendly team are always delighted to help and assist you with any concerns you may have about what jobs to undertake now. Why not pop in and have a look around our nursery? If you are planning to plant some new trees or shrubs this year, we have an excellent range to choose from. We shall look forward to your visit.

Fast-growing shrubs for privacy are plants often considered by our clients if they are planning to plant a hedge, particularly if it is for screenage purposes.  Hedges can also be planted to provide a definitive boundary to a property or define a certain area of a garden or act as a windbreak too. With their many benefits to your home and garden, they are worth the consideration. There are many varieties of trees and shrubs that can be considered for screenage purposes, including evergreen and deciduous. We are here to help you decide on the perfect one for you. Evergreen trees and shrubs will keep their leaves all year round – so if you are planting for privacy then this is probably the right choice for you. Deciduous plants will look good from spring-autumn but will be bare during the winter months. There are several other points to consider when purchasing your plants, which we can certainly help you with, and you will need to think about: Consider where the plants will be planted in your garden. Will there be enough room for them to spread to their optimum size? Labels on plants will often give an indication of the eventual height and spread – do not be put off by this – it is an indication and often over a 20-year period! Also, consider if you are planting for privacy\screenage you are likely to be planting near a boundary wall, fence or possibly a driveway. Root systems will grow down laterally and the bigger the plant, the bigger the root system will become. You need to ensure that the root system will not become invasive and for that reason, we would not recommend planting Bamboo, as they have a vigorous, invasive root system. Do your plants need to cope with coastal conditions for example? If so, plants to consider for these conditions include Quercus ilex and Griselinia littoralis Which way does your garden face? Will your chosen plants, for example, be able to cope with a scorching mid-day sun? What is your soil type? One way to see if your chosen plant will cope in your garden is to have a look around your local area and see what other people are growing. This is always a good indication of what grows well in your area. Visiting a specialist nursery such as Arundel Arboretum, you can be confident that you will be getting the right advice for the right plants for you. We have an excellent selection of suitable plants in stock, and five that you may like to consider include:- Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ This is one of our favourites and we have mentioned it many times before! It has so much to offer – easy to look after, fast-growing, a dense, but delicate growth habit and beautiful white flowers in June and July. The dark green leaves are deeply serrated to give added interest. Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ is also classed as a reasonably hardy tree and it should be able to withstand temperatures of between -5 to -10. It will grow happily in full sun, in good well-drained soil. We would advise that if your Hoheria is planted in an exposed position or is subjected to adverse weather it could get damaged. We would also recommend providing shelter in cold areas. Further information about Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Snow White’ can be found here. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ (Cherry Laurel) Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ is a fast-growing evergreen shrub and an excellent choice if you do not wish to plant Leylandii. It is also an ideal plant for a shady area and is hardy. It will grow in most soils, but it does not like shallow, chalky or very wet ground. Fragrant, white flowers appear in spring and these are followed by cherry-like red fruits, which will eventually turn black. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2-4m. Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) Prunus lusitanica is an evergreen laurel, but has a smaller, neater leaf and creates more of a formal appearance than Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’. It has dark green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers in spring, which are followed by small, dark fruits. Prunus lusitanica will grow happily on chalky soil, but cannot withstand wet ground. It is a medium-fast growing laurel. It will grow in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 12m and a spread of 8m. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ This is another of our favourite fast-growing shrubs for privacy, again because there is so much interest to this plant! In the spring, it will produce a massive flush of bright red new foliage, which is followed by an abundance of delicate white flowers – although less so if you have regularly cut your plants back to encourage vibrant red leaf growth rather than the flowers. Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel) Laurus nobilis is another evergreen shrub worthy of consideration. It has a dense habit and medium growth. Its aromatic leaves are useful in cooking.  Small, pale yellow flowers appear in the spring, followed by glossy black fruits in autumn. Laurus nobilis can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of between 8-12m and a spread of 8m+. We have an excellent selection of fast-growing shrubs for privacy and others that you may wish to consider in stock. Why not pop in and have a look? Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist and advise you further on the right plants for you.

Evergreen trees and shrubs are often the first choice of many of our clients today. However, there are many specimen plants that are deciduous worthy of consideration for your garden. One could argue that all plants are specimen plants as all trees and shrubs hold their own beauty – whether it’s their structure, leaf colour or texture, flowers, berries etc. Large specimen plants are often grown by themselves in order to create a greater impact and can often be found in a lawn, bed or border for a dramatic ornamental effect, unlike smaller trees and shrubs that can be planted to complement an existing planting scheme. The chosen specimen plant is often the focal point of a garden design. Which Specimen Plant to Choose? The type of tree or shrub to choose for your focal point is very much down to personal choice, and some points to consider would include:-  do you have a favourite colour? You may like to consider something that has dramatic autumn colour – for example a variety of Liquidambar.  is there a particular structure you like? An upright, Hornbeam would be a contender – either as a full tree or a standard tree is space an issue? Choosing a smaller specimen plant would be crucial, ensuring that is has enough space to spread and grow. A weeping variety of tree could be considered providing it does not get too big. At Arundel Arboretum, we have an extensive range of trees that could be planted as a specimen plant, and to help get you started, here are five trees to consider:- Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ (Sweet Gum) Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar, as it is more suitable for the average garden. It is a medium sized tree with an eventual height of 12m and spread of 8m (after about 20 years). Its maple shaped leaves are green throughout the spring and summer. It has rich autumn colours of mostly orange and red. An added feature during the winter months is the cork that develops on the trunk of the tree. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Upright Hornbeam) Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is a medium sized deciduous tree. When the tree is young, the crown is narrow, but as it matures, it becomes more compact. Its green, finely serrated foliage emerges in spring and summer, before turning yellow in the autumn. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ can be grown in full sun and partial shade, and has an eventual height of 12m after approximately 20 years. Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ (Young’s Weeping Birch) Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ is a small, deciduous tree with peeling white bark and pendulous branches, which often reach the ground to form a dome shaped tree. Yellow-brown catkins are produced in the spring. Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ can be grown in either a sheltered or exposed position, and has an eventual height and spread of 4-8m. Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ (Willow) Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ is a beautifully structured, weeping variety of willow tree. Its dramatic pendulous branches have bright yellow furry catkins during the spring, and these are very popular with the bees! Their mid-green leaves are soft grey underneath. During the winter months, the weeping branches provide a structural focal point. Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ has an eventual height and spread of approximately 2.5m, so this is an ideal choice if you have a small garden and space is of a premium. It will grow happily in full sun, in most soil types but needs a moist well-drained site. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ (Dawyck Purple) Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ is an upright variety of beech. This variety is a medium-sized deciduous tree, and its young red foliage turns a striking purple during the summer. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ is a very neatly shaped, slender tree with an overall height and spread of 10m x 3m. It therefore makes an ideal choice for many gardens, especially if space is limited. They look good planted as a focal point or as an avenue of trees. In order to gain the best colour, they can be planted in full sun. It can tolerate most soil conditions, but it is best to avoid wet positions.

Here at Arundel Arboretum, we currently have an excellent selection of deciduous trees. These are great if you’re looking to create a form of screening in your garden to cover unsightly views or create shelter from the wind. Additionally, they can be hugely beneficial for wildlife, not to mention they also look great in your outdoor space thanks to their decorative bark, coloured foliage and blooming flowers. You will often find that most deciduous trees are single stem, however, occasionally they can also be grown as multi-stem. Alongside their excellent screening properties and aesthetic appeal, deciduous trees can often help to bring your planting scheme together due to their shape and height. Once they have lost their leaves in the autumn, their silhouette brings added interest during the winter months.   We stock a wide range of deciduous trees for you to pick from, including Prunus, Malus, Sorbus and Birch, just to name a few. A firm favourite of ours is the Cercidiphyllum Japonica, also known as the Katsura tree or Candy Floss tree. Their beautiful heart-shaped leaves have an aromatic smell of burnt candy floss which is where the name comes from!   Choosing the Right Deciduous Tree for Your Garden  When considering which tree is perfect for your garden, there’s a lot to consider. Luckily, our team of experts are on hand to help, here are a few of the questions they might ask to establish the perfect tree for you:   What shape are you looking for?  How big is the space which you are looking to fill?  Are there any buildings nearby that could be affected by the roots?  How quickly are you looking for growth?  How close to the coast do you live? How much sunlight or shade will your tree receive?  How windy is your garden?  Although this may seem like a lot of questions, they’re all important factors when it comes to figuring out which tree is best for you. When To Plant Your Deciduous Tree  To make the process easier, all of our trees come in pots, meaning they can be planted all year round. Having said this, planting them in the autumn/winter months will mean your trees require less maintenance. During the winter months, the tree won’t have to support it’s spring and summer growth, therefore it can firmly establish itself. How To Plant Your Deciduous Tree  You must nail the planting – failure to do so will set back the growth of your tree and could even kill off your plant. Ensure that your tree is planted so that the root system is just above the surface, to allow maximum breathing space for the roots. 

Are you looking to plant a deciduous tree that will provide stunning spring blossom, have mid-green, pinnate leaves and an array of autumn colours? Sorbus trees (Moutain Ash\Rowan) are a group of deciduous trees that provide a good deal of interest for most of the year, and would make an ideal choice if you were looking to source a specimen plant for your garden. Most Sorbus varieties have pretty, pinnate leaves. These are complemented by delicate spring blossom – either white or pinks and stunning autumn berries. These can be white, yellow, pink, red or brown – depending upon the variety of tree. There is a great variety to choose from to encourage wildlife into your garden – blackbirds, robins and thrushes will all love the nutrient-rich berries! These trees also make an ideal choice for a small or medium sized garden. Most varieties of Sorbus are fully hardy in the United Kingdom. Planting and Growing Sorbus trees The best time to plant trees and shrubs is during the planting season which, depending upon the weather, usually runs from November – March.  This is the time of year when bare rooted and rootball trees should be planted.  Trees and shrubs establish themselves better over the winter months, but if you are buying your tree in a container, it can be planted all year round. However, you must remember that maintenance is key – especially in the first two years. Sorbus trees are tolerant of pollution and they make an excellent choice if space is limited. Care of your Sorbus Sorbus trees are easy to grow and once they are established, they are low maintenance too.  They rarely require a prune – but a light prune or thinning to maintain their shape during the winter can be undertaken if required. At Arundel Arboretum, we have an excellent selection of specimen plants in stock, including many varieties of Sorbus.  To help get you started, you may like to consider one of the following:- Sorbus cashmiriana Sorbus cashmiriana is native to the western Himalayas, which includes Kashmir. Clusters of pale pink or white flowers appear in late spring. These are followed by large clusters of white berries. In periods of good weather, the berries can last on the trees well into the winter. Sorbus cashmiriana will grow happily in full sun or partial shade. An excellent choice for a small garden. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Chinese Lace’ Sorbus aucuparia ‘Chinese Lace’ is a small, deciduous variety of Sorbus with a rounded head. Its deeply cut dark green leaves turns purple-red in the autumn. During the spring, single white flowers appear.  These are followed by clusters of dark red fruits. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Chinese Lace’ is an ideal tree to consider for a small garden with an eventual height and spread of 3m x 2m.  It is a hardy variety and tolerant of pollution and can also cope with some coastal conditions. Sorbus ‘November Pink’ Sorbus ‘November Pink’ has a broadly columnar growth habit. Its green-blue pinnate leaves turn red-orange in the autumn. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers appear in late spring. These are followed by round, pale pink fruits that fade to white going into the winter. It has an eventual height and spread of 10m x 8m. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Autumn Spire’ Sorbus aucuparia ‘Autumn Spire’ has an upright growth habit. White flowers appear in spring and these are followed by yellow berries in the autumn, which are loved by the birds! Its dark green pinnate leaves turn a spectacle of red and yellow in the autumn. This variety is also one to be considered for polluted or exposed areas, but wet or waterlogged ground should be avoided. An ideal choice if you are looking for a tree to attract wildlife. Sorbus hupenhensis ‘Pink Pagoda’ Sorbus hupenhensis ‘Pink Pagoda’ is a compact, medium sized deciduous tree. It produces creamy-white flowers in late spring, which are popular with bees. The flowers are followed by rose-pink berries which turn a paler pink in the winter. The grey/blue-green leaves turn red-orange in the autumn.

Here at our garden centre in West Sussex we love plants that encourage wildlife, butterflies being one of our favourites, helping add even more colour to gardens. Buddleja also is known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’ – with good reason – butterflies, bees and other insects absolutely love these plants! With their panicles of small, delicate flowers, they are a delightful addition to any garden, particularly during the summer months, when many shrubs have finished flowering. If you don’t have herbaceous or bedding plants in your garden, then buddleja varieties are a worthy consideration. Their flowers come in a variety of colours, which include shades of pink, blue, purple and white. They are easy to grow and will grow in almost any position, but will attract more bees and butterflies if they are planted in full sun. Buddleja varieties can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs and can be trained to grow as a tree if desired. At Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre in West Sussex, we have a good selection of Buddleja to choose from. With many to fit your garden an here are some you may like to consider: Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’ is a large, deciduous buddleja. Its arching branches are adorned with stunning, pure white flowers during the summer months. The scented flowers have yellow eyes. This buddleja will grow happily in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position. It has an eventual height and spread of between 2.5-4m. Can take a hard prune in the spring. Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ is another large, deciduous buddleja. This variety has rich, purple-red scented flowers during the summer months. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It has an eventual height and spread of 2.5-4m. Prune hard in the spring for excellent flowers in the summer. Buddleja ‘Pink Delight’ Buddleja ‘Pink Delight’ is a medium-sized, deciduous variety of buddleja. Large, bright pink panicles of flowers with orange eyes appear in the summer months. The silvery foliage will over the summer change to a pale green. Plant in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Buddleja ‘Pink Delight’ has an eventual height and spread of 2.5-4m. Prune in the spring. Buddleja alternifolia ‘Unique’ Buddleja alternifolia ‘Unique’ is a small, compact variety of buddleja, so if space is an issue, then this variety is well worth considering. It has prolific clusters of lilac flowers during the summer months, which look very attractive against its silver-green foliage. The fragrant flowers do not produce pollen, but it does produce nectar so will still attract butterflies. It has an eventual height of 1m, so can even be kept in a large container. Relatively easy to look after, it will only require a light prune in the spring. This will encourage better flowers for the ensuing season. Buddleja davidii ‘Buzz Sky Blue’ As the name suggests, this Buddleja produces masses of blue flowers during the summer months. This variety is also good to grow in containers if space is of a premium. It has an eventual height and spread of 1.2m. Buddleja davidii ‘Buzz Sky Blue’ is renowned for attracting butterflies, bees and other insects. It has nectar and pollen-rich flowers, and its seeds are an ideal food for the birds. This variety will grow happily in full sun and partial shade. If you are considering planting a buddleja in your garden and need some advice on which one to choose, why not pop into our garden centre in West Sussex?  A member of our knowledgeable team will be more than happy to help you and show you our beautiful range.

Have you thought about purchasing a Japanese Maple to enhance your garden? The Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) at our tree nursery in West Sussex are continuing to transform our nursery into a stunning array of colour and foliage. Japanese Maples are deciduous trees and are renowned for their delicate foliage and graceful growing habit. They provide a superb addition to any garden adding elegance and beautiful spring, summer and autumn colours. They are an ideal choice for any garden, and if space is at a premium, they can grow very successfully in pots. For a premium growth of our Japanese Maple we would suggest keeping it in a sheltered area where it would grow best, this is due to their delicate foliage. Red and purple varieties require some sun to fully develop their rich dark colours. Variegated varieties should have partial shade to prevent the strong afternoon sunshine scorching their foliage. Green-leaved varieties are more tolerant of full sun, but again it is best to keep them in semi-shade to help avoid scorching their foliage. We have an extensive range of Japanese Maples in stock, and if you are considering planting one, here are five you may like to consider: – Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ is a low-growing tree with a mound forming head. Its deep cut green leaves emerge in the spring along with its red-purple flowers. During the autumn, its foliage turns various shades of yellow, orange and red along with bright red fruits. Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ should be planted in partial shade in a sheltered position.  It has an eventual height and spread of approximately 1-2.5m. Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ is a medium sized, bushy Japanese Maple with an upright growth habit. Its golden yellow foliage emerges in spring, which turns yellow\green during the summer months. During the autumn, it will turn a spectacular orange\gold. Its reddish-purple flowers may be followed by red fruits. Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ has an eventual height of 5m. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’ Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’ is a small Japanese Maple with a graceful, spreading habit. It produces orange\red foliage in the spring, which turns a bronze-red during the summer months, before turning a deep, fiery orange in the autumn. Tiny, reddish-purple flowers appear in spring, which are followed by red-flushed green fruits in the summer. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’ prefers a sheltered position, and has an eventual height of 2 -2.5m and spread of 1 -1.5m. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is one of the larger specimens of Japanese Maples, as it can grow to between 4-8m with a spread of 2.5-4m. This variety can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its coral red young branches are very prominent during the winter months, giving some much-needed colour. The five-lobed leaves open a pinkish-yellow in the spring, turning green during the summer, before turning yellow in the autumn. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ produces small, reddish flowers. Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a slow growing Japanese maple, with an upright, compact growth habit. Its deeply lobed leaves are maroon red during the spring and summer months, before turning a bright red in the autumn. Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ can tolerate being planted in full sun, but aware of the afternoon sunshine. It has an eventual height of 2.5m. Japanese Maples are an excellent choice due to their stunning colours, and attractive, delicate foliage. Come and visit Arundel Arboretum, where our knowledgeable staff will be able to assist in choosing the right one for you and your garden.

With welcoming in the New Year and Christmas already feeling like a distant memory we are eager to get back into the garden with it being the perfect time for flowering cherry trees. We hope you have had a relaxing festive break and an excellent start to 2020, and are ready for some colour to be added to your gardens. Our winter flowering cherry trees are looking good and adding some much-needed colour on these dull days we are currently experiencing.  Flowering cherry trees are normally associated with beautiful spring blossom, but there are winter-flowering cherry trees too, which can add a bit of cheer to your garden. With their delicate flowers, they are an ideal choice if you are looking to plant a winter flowering deciduous tree in your garden. We have a good selection in stock, and to get you started you could consider one of these:- Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a spreading, deciduous winter flowering cherry tree, and is also known as the Rosebud Cherry. Its delicate semi-double pink-white flowers are a pleasure to see during the autumn and winter months are they are looking good just now. This variety will grow happily in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position. If you have a small garden, this is an ideal choice as it has an eventual height and spread of 4-8m. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is best planted in moist, well-drained soil. Prunus ‘Marie Mallet’ Prunus ‘Marie Mallet’ is an exceptionally pretty flowering cherry tree, and although is an early spring flowering variety, is actually in flower now! This weeping variety is easy to grow and has white flowers flushed with pink. It will grow happily in full sun or partial shade and has an eventual height and spread of 5m after about 20 years. Prunus ‘Marie Mallet’ can be planted in any good well-drained soil. Its green foliage transforms into rich autumn colours. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers, which appear from November to March on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds – so looking after our garden friends too! Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ has green foliage that turns shades of orange/yellow in the autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and is pollution tolerant, so is a tree suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection. If you are looking for a nursery with flowering cherry trees for sale, we shall look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum. Our staff are always available to answer your questions and give you further help and advice on the right tree for your garden.

Here at Arundel Arboretum, a tree nursery in Sussex, Ornamental cherry (Prunus) trees are an extremely popular tree for spring interest. They are an attractive and versatile tree and especially colourful in spring when they are in full blossom. There are so many varieties to choose from giving a display of white, pink or even red flowers. Flowers can be single, semi-double or double. Many also have the benefit of spectacular autumn colour. Most flowering cherry trees are particularly hardy and disease resistant. They can also tolerate poor soil conditions, including clay and some chalk soils. It is always wise to check your soil and the tree you would like before purchasing to make sure it will thrive in your conditions. At Arundel Arboretum tree nursery in Sussex, we have an excellent range of flowering cherry trees to choose from. To help you decide, here are five you may like to consider: Prunus ‘The Bride’ Prunus ‘The Bride’ is a small, deciduous tree with a rounded growth habit. In spring, it is massed with pure white single flowers that have a deep red centre. It can be planted in full sun, in a sheltered or exposed position. Prunus ‘The Bride’ has an eventual height and spread of 4m-8m. Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is a delightful, deciduous shrub. It has single, stunning white flowers with pink centres in spring, followed by mid green leaves on its zig-zag array of branches. It can be planted in full sun, in a sheltered or exposed position.  Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ has an eventual height and spread of 1.5m-2.5m. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ is an elegant, weeping cherry tree.  In spring, it is covered in an abundance of pink flowers, which are excellent for bees. Its mid-green leaves turn fiery orange and red in the autumn. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ has an eventual height and spread of 3m, so is an ideal choice if space is limited. This tree is pollution tolerant. Prunus ‘Pandora’ Prunus ‘Pandora’ is a small deciduous tree with a broadly vase-shaped canopy and upright habit. Single, very pale pink flowers appear in spring, which are followed by green leaves, which turn pale yellow in the autumn. The young bark is a radiant brown. Prunus ‘Pandora’ has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ is an excellent small, deciduous tree. It has a compact, upright growth habit and is therefore a good contender for a small garden. It produces single light pink flowers in spring. Its young foliage appears bronze in spring, turning green during the summer before becoming red and orange in the autumn. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ can be grown in full sun, in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. We have an excellent selection of flowering cherry trees in stock that can really enhance your garden or project. We shall look forward to your visit to Arundel Arboretum, where a member of the team will be delighted to show you our stunning range. Or feel free to contact us for anymore information.

Fruit trees can be a lovely addition to your garden. Depending upon the variety you choose, they can be planted in the ground or grown happily in pots in your garden or on your patio. Our fruit trees have had an abundance of blossom this year and have looked stunning. Fruit is now starting to develop and the Victoria plums in particular look as though they will produce a bumper crop this year. Fruit trees are also popular because they add structure and interest to a garden, and you can reap the rewards of growing your own fruit! Fruit trees will encourage wildlife into your garden too. We have talked in a previous blog (Are your fruit trees being sabotaged by insects?) about how to control the insect population. Insect life is so important for our wild birds and we would never discourage this. All of our nest boxes have had young in them this year and it has been so good to see and should be actively encouraged. We have so enjoyed watching the young fledge. We have an excellent selection of fruit trees in stock this year. We have also been able to source some very old traditional varieties including Joe’s Sheep’s Nose and Slack ma Girdle for cider making! A visit to us to see our fruit tree varieties is highly recommended. Some of the varieties we have at the moment include:- Cox’s Orange Pippin Most people regard the Cox’s Orange Pippin as the best of all varieties of eating apples. It is aromatic, juicy and crisp, with a superb flavour. The fruit will be ready to pick in October. Bramley’s Seedling This is by far the most popular cooking apple. The Bramley’s Seedling produces a fantastic crop of large fruit, with a creamy flesh. This apple is juicy and full of flavour. Picking time is October. Victoria Plum The Victoria plum is probably still the most popular plum. It produces a good amount of fruit, which should be ready for picking from late August.

Whilst we are still in the depths of winter, our gardens can often lack in colour and interest, finding the perfect winter flowering plants can be a challenge. With the weather often rather dull, our gardens are probably not always looking their best so adding some colour to brighten up your view can make the day feel brighter. We are here to help you with some careful planning to find winter flowering plants for your garden that will fit with your garden needs, giving a much-needed lift and create some winter interest. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have an excellent selection of trees and shrubs that will provide some much-needed interest to carry you through the winter months.  Before you make your choice, you may like to think about what you would like to achieve.  Our knowledgeable team will be able to assist you. There are many winter flowering plants to consider, and you may like to give some thought to the following to help you make the right decision: – Would you like winter berries? If so, a variety of holly may be worthy of consideration. Are you looking for attractive bark? Prunus serrula, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii or Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ are contenders here Scent – winter flowering varieties of Daphne could be ideal. Colourful foliage – varieties of Hamamelis. Their spider-like flowers appear on bare branches during the winter months. Be sure to choose a winter flowering variety if winter flowers are your requirement as there are many varieties. Here are three you may like to consider: – Daphne  odora ‘Aureomarginata’ Daphne are colourful shrubs, and they usually bloom in late winter and early spring. They’re fantastic for small gardens, with various types perfect for different situations – in window boxes, large containers and mixed borders, There are evergreen and deciduous varieties. Most Daphne bear clusters of small flowers in shades of red or pink and sometimes white or green. Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ is an evergreen variety with deep green leaves and narrow, yellow margins.  Clusters of purple-red flowers appear in February and March.  These are followed by red fruits.  It is ideal for a small garden, with an eventual height and spread of 1.5m. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ Japanese Maples are beautiful trees and shrubs, and are ideal for most gardens.  In the spring, they burst into life with their delicate foliage of reds, greens, yellows, oranges and purple.  In the autumn, you are further rewarded with spectacular autumn colours.  During the winter, some varieties have striking stems. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ has very striking winter stems.  Also known as the Japanese Coral Bark Maple, its deeply lobed orange-yellow leaves appear in the spring.  These turn a soft yellow in the autumn.  Once the foliage has dropped, you are then rewarded with stunning stems. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ Hamamelis are commonly known as Witch Hazel.  They are recognised for their spider-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red.  They bring colour and fragrance to your winter garden.  They can be slow-growing, but eventually will become large, spreading shrubs or small trees. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ is a large, deciduous, spreading shrub.  Its broad leaves turn red and yellow in the autumn.  During the winter months, it is adorned with coppery-orange flowers.  It will grow happily in full sun or partial shade.  It has an eventual height and spread of 2-4m. If you would like further help or advice on choosing winter flowering plants, why not pop in and see us?  Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help you.

If you are keen to plant a deciduous tree that will give stunning spring blossom, autumn berries and be an excellent choice for wildlife then why not consider a variety of Hawthorn (Crataegus)? Not only do some varieties provide a food source for our wildlife, some even produce edible fruits that can be transformed into fruit jellies – but do check which varieties are suitable for this These trees are classed as being tough and hardy native trees, and there are several varieties to choose from and they all make excellent, specimen trees for your garden. They are also adaptable trees and can cope with urban and coastal planting – but do check before you buy that your chosen tree can withstand coastal conditions. We have a good selection of hawthorns in stock now, and four you may like to consider include:- Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ is a rounded, thorny deciduous tree. It produces masses of scented double white flowers in the late spring\early summer. The oval green leaves turn yellow and red in the autumn. It also produces red berries, which are ideal for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Plena’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and spread of 4-8m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a beautiful small, deciduous tree. It is a variety of Midland Hawthorn and has sharp thorns on its branches. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ has an almost weeping habit. It produces single dark red flowers in the spring. These have a pronounced white eye and are followed by red berries. The green leaves turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. Crataegus laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is a very hardy tough ornamental tree, with an eventual height of 5m and spread of 4m. It will grow in most well-drained soils.  It can survive on exposed, coastal (but be aware of how close to the coast you are), polluted and damp conditions. This tree is also good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a small-medium deciduous tree. It produces double red flowers in the spring. The lobed glossy, small dark green leaves turn red in the autumn when it also produces red fruits. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ can be grown in full sun and partial shade. It can also be positioned in sheltered and exposed positions and can withstand a little salt wind, so it is a tree that could be considered if you are near the coast. It is a tough tree, good for wildlife, with an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 4-8. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a deciduous, small flowering Hawthorn. The tree produces masses of double pink flowers in May. It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves. These turn yellow and bronze in the autumn. The red berries that appear in autumn are good for wildlife. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ is a very hardy tree and has sharp thorns. It is an ideal tree for limited space and can withstand difficult conditions. These include coastal, exposed, polluted and damp conditions. This tree has an eventual height of 5m and width of 4m. Crataegus laevigata ‘Rosea Flore Pleno’ can also withstand heavy pruning. Now is an ideal time to consider planting a hawthorn tree, whilst the blossom is still in abundance – you can really see what you are getting! We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex.

As we delve further into winter, our gardens will still not be requiring too much attention, but of course we still want to enjoy them all the same. There are many trees and shrubs that you can consider for winter interest, and with a little careful planning, your garden can be a haven of colour and interesting structure from our deciduous trees. Points to consider for a colourful winter garden include: Attractive winter flowers – varieties of Viburnum, Hamamelis, Mahonia and Chaenomeles Striking stems – varieties of Cornus Interesting bark – Acer griseum, Prunus serrula, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Winter seed heads – keep on the plants as long as possible. They are attractive and a food source for our birds over the winter months Evergreen foliage – particularly some conifers – for example Juniperus Skyrocket ‘Blue Arrow’ At our established tree nursery in West Sussex, we have an excellent selection of trees and shrubs to consider for your winter garden. Here are five that you might like to consider:- Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ (Chinese Witch Hazel) Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ is a large deciduous shrub with a spreading crown habit. Its broad, oval leaves turn a buttercup yellow in the autumn and winter. During the winter months, they will sometimes project a slight scent.  Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in either a sheltered or exposed position. They have an eventual height and spread of between 2-4m. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a, spreading deciduous tree. Its pale pink\white flowers are a delight during the autumn and winter months. This tree will grow happily in full sun in a sheltered or exposed position.  Its eventual height and spread is 4-8m, making it an ideal candidate for a small garden. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol is a small evergreen shrub that can also be grown as a tree. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are virtually spineless. Small white flowers appear during the spring and summer. These are followed by striking red berries during the autumn and winter months. Ilex aquifolium ‘J.C. van Tol can be grown in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position.  It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of approximately 2-4m. Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ is a small, evergreen shrub which again can also be grown as a tree.  It has broad, ovate dark green leaves, which are edged yellow. It can grow well in full sun, in a moist, well-drained soil. A colourful shrub all year round, with a few berries during the winter months. Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2-4m. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its attractive coral-red young branches are very prominent during the winter months. It has five-lobed leaves open pinkish-yellow in the spring, turning green during the summer, before turning a soft yellow in the autumn and produces small reddish flowers. This Japanese maple can withstand full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m We also stock an excellent range of evergreen shrubs that have stunning winter colours and equally worthy of consideration. If you would like help and advice on the right plants for winter interest, why not pop along and have a chat? We are always available to advise you on the correct plants for your garden.

There has been talk recently of concerns of lack of rain during the winter months. Whilst this is something all gardeners need to consider for the future, it is particularly true in the case of the south of England. Climate change presents us with many challenges, one of which is our green space, ensuring our gardens are keeping up with the challenges of possibly less water in the future and using water much more wisely. One way of trying to help the environment into the future is to plant drought tolerant plants. With some careful planning and conditioning of your ground, whilst thinking of the watering needs of your chosen plants, there is a good range that can tolerate dry conditions once they are established. There are many practical factors to consider when choosing the correct drought tolerant plants, which include:- Try to plant any silver leaved, less hardy, sun-loving plants in April when the soil is beginning to warm up. By doing this, they establish their roots well before winter arrives. Otherwise, they could suffer from root rot if planted in the autumn when the ground will be getting cold and damp. By planting smaller specimens, they get used to their growing environment gradually as they develop. Smaller specimens will also require less water initially than a larger plant, and will be more able to acclimatise to their conditions. Consider adding organic matter to the soil before planting. This can help to improve both water availability and drainage, but do not add fertiliser. Adding fertiliser can encourage too much lush growth which may flop in summer, require extra watering, and be affected by frost in the winter. Use mulches to retain moisture in the soil, but please remember to only mulch up to the canopy of the tree or shrub. Do not cover the top surface of the root system or mulch up to the trunks, as this will cause the trunk to sweat and cause problems which could result in the death of your tree or shrub. Remove all weeds regularly so they do not further deprive your plants of water. All new plants will need to be watered thoroughly when they are first planted and will need to be kept watered during their first season to help them establish. However, once they are established they will become much more drought tolerant. Many drought tolerant plants have silver or grey-green leaves so that their light leaf colour can reflect the severe rays of the sun. Other plants may have fine hairs on their leaves or stems which help them to trap moisture. You can also tell if a plant is adaptable to growing in drought conditions because they may have waxy leaves, be sticky or have small needle-like leaves. At Arundel Arboretum, we have a good selection of drought tolerant plants. Here are a few you could consider:- Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ (dwarf Japanese Mock Orange) Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ is an evergreen shrub. It has deep green, glossy leaves with small heads of creamy-white scented flowers which appear in the summer. Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ is an excellent shrub for coastal conditions. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of windy and other coastal conditions. Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ will grow on most soils except waterlogged or chalky conditions. It is slow growing and has a compact growth habit. Cordyline australis / New Zealand Cabbage Palm Cordyline australis is a small evergreen tree. It has pale green foliage with arching linear to lanceolate leaves emerging from a single trunk. It produces small fragrant creamy-white flowers. Cordyline australis is very hardy against salt laden winds. It is sometimes used for screening. It will grow in full sun and partial shade but prefers a sheltered position. It will also grow in well-drained or moist soil. Cordyline australis has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m. Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) Trachycarpus fortunei is a single stemmed palm, with large fan-shaped dark green leaves and light green to ash grey underside. It produces pendulous yellow flowers in the summer, which are followed by blackish-blue fruits. Trachycarpus fortunei is the hardiest palm in Britain. It has an eventual height of 20m and a spread of 2.5m. It can be kept in pots or large containers but must be sheltered from cold, drying winds. Yucca rostrata Yucca rostrata is a stunning desert yucca also known as Beaked Yucca. It has numerous long, blue-grey leaves that can be up to 40-60cm long, and produces fleshy white flowers. Yucca rostrata is a superb architectural plant to bring interest into the garden. When properly rooted, they can withstand temperatures of about -14°C, if they are kept dry in the winter. They can be planted in full sun and in a raised bed is ideal. They are slow growing and have an eventual height of 3-4m and a spread of 1m. They require an alkaline soil. Water sparingly and keep dry during the winter. There are many other drought tolerant plants you can consider including Agapanthus, Holly (Ilex), Eriobotrya, Taxus (Yew), Lavender, Sedum and Salvia and one of our favourites – Olea (Olive). We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum and advising you on drought tolerant plants for your garden.

Once the stunning autumn colours have faded, it’s common to think a winter garden will be dull and uninteresting. However, with some careful planning, you can create a spectacular winter garden. An essential part to this is using evergreen plants, which will provide focal points and structure around your garden. These will be more noticeable during the winter months, and you could consider including evergreen topiaries such as Taxus and Ligustrum. Alternatively consider an evergreen hedge, which could be planted either to define your boundaries or to create various areas of your garden. Suitable evergreen plants could include Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’, Griselinia littoralis or even Fagus sylvatica – whilst this is not an evergreen, it does normally hold its coppery leaves, which can look stunning as a hedge in the winter sunshine. Other points to consider for your winter garden:-      Attractive winter flowers – varieties of Helleborus      Striking stem colours – varieties of Cornus      Appealing colours and textures of bark – Acer griseum and Prunus serrula      Winter seed heads – attractive and a food source for birds      Interesting skeletal formations      Evergreen foliage Winter flowering evergreen shrubs are often the most fragrant and good for encouraging wildlife into your winter garden. Evergreen shrubs to consider include:-      Mahonia x media ‘Charity’      Hellebours nigra      Hamamelis x intermedia      Leucothoe      Skimmia rubella      Viburnum bodnantense      Nandina domestica      Cornus ‘Flaviramea’ Deciduous trees should not be excluded from your winter garden. Whilst they will have lost their leaves, many trees have striking features during the winter months. These include orange-yellow berries on Malus ‘Evereste’, stunning white bark on Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, peeling bark on Acer griseum and the rich, shiny mahogany-red trunk of Prunus serrula. The silhouette of deciduous trees can also look stunning and you can appreciate the shape and structure of your trees far more during the winter months. Another consideration for your winter garden would be to plant in containers. This way, when they are less interesting at other times of the year, the containers can be moved out of the way. If you choose highly scented plants in containers, consider positioning them near your house so that you can appreciate them fully during the winter months. At Arundel Arboretum, we have a wide variety of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs to enhance any winter garden. Our friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff is always ready to help you with any advice you may need to make the most of your winter garden. We look forward to your visit.

If you are considering a Japanese maple for your garden, now is an ideal time to purchase as you can see its autumn colours and planting now will give it time to establish over the winter months. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) come into their own in the autumn, when their foliage turns breathtaking shades of fiery red, vibrant orange and yellow. They’re versatile in that they can be planted in beds and borders. Many Japanese maples are slow growing and compact. They can be grown successfully in pots, making them an excellent choice for small gardens. Japanese maples are vulnerable to wind, frost and strong sunlight, and this should be taken into consideration when planning on where to plant it. Some varieties do need sunlight in order to enhance their colours, but direct sunlight can scorch their delicate foliage, so it is wise to plant them in a sheltered position. We have one of the largest selections of Japanese maples in the area, and to get you started, here are 5 you could consider:- Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’ Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’ is a small, deciduous Japanese maple. Its bright red spring foliage deepens to purple-red in the summer, turning crimson in the autumn. This Japanese maple should be planted in moist, well-drained soil, using ericaceous compost. Acer palmatum ‘Sumi Nagashi’ has an eventual height of 4m and a spread of 3m. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’ Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’ is a small, deciduous Japanese maple with a moulding growth habit. Its deeply cut, bright green leaves turn bright yellow and orange in the autumn, with small, reddish flowers appear in spring. This Japanese maple should be planted in a sheltered position using ericaceous compost. It can withstand full sun and partial shade. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’ has an eventual height and spread of 1.5-2m. Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple, with a round growth habit. Its large, seven-lobed bright green leaves turn a brilliant orange-scarlet in the autumn. This Japanese maple produces small red flowers and fruits. This is a hardy plant and can withstand being planted in full sun or in a sheltered position. It has an approximate eventual height and spread of 2.5-4m. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ is a large, deciduous Japanese maple. It can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Its attractive coral-red young branches are very prominent during the winter months. It has five-lobed leaves open pinkish-yellow in the spring, turning green during the summer, before turning a soft yellow in the autumn and produces small reddish flowers. This Japanese maple can withstand full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 4-8m and a spread of 2.5-4m. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ is a medium-sized, deciduous Japanese maple with an upright growth habit. Its bright green leaves have finely cut lobes that are tinged red when young. They turn a stunning yellow/orange/crimson in the autumn. This Japanese maple should be planted in a sheltered position out of direct sunlight and wind, in a moist, well-drained soil. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’ has an eventual height and spread of approximately 3m. We would love to show you our extensive range of Japanese maples and we look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, where our knowledgeable staff will be very happy to help you choose the right Japanese maple for you.

Once we enter the winter months, it’s easy to think that our gardens are going to be devoid of colour, scents and interest, but with some clever planning, it is still possible to have an interesting garden during the winter months. This can come from flowers, different coloured berries, dramatic stems and scents.  Scented plants could be suitable for planting in containers so that during the winter months, they can be positioned closer to your house allowing you to appreciate their welcoming fragrance. During the summer months, when they are probably not looking their best, you can move them to a more discreet part of your garden. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we produce an extensive range of trees and shrubs that can be considered for a winter flowering garden. Here is our pick of five to give you some inspiration:- Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ (Winter flowering Cherry) Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers from November to March which appears on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ has green foliage which turns shades of orange/yellow in the autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and is pollution tolerant, so suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. This tree can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch) Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a very popular tree, due to its architectural shape, brilliant white bark on its trunk and larger branches. The multi-stem variety is very effective. They are often planted in groups of three for a stunning effect. Betula utilis var. jaquemontii has ovate shaped leaves that turn yellow in the autumn. In early spring, the male yellow-brown catkins appear and these can be up to 12cm long. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has an eventual height of 12m+ and width of 4-8m. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position.  Ilex aquifolium (common Holly) Ilex aquifolium is a medium-sized evergreen tree. It is slow growing in infancy with dark green, glossy, spiny leaves. Ilex aquifolium produces small insignificant white flowers in spring. These are followed by bright red berries on pollinated female plants. Ilex aquifolium can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 12m and spread of 4-8m. Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter’ Fire (Dogwood) Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ is a spreading, deciduous shrub, with an overall height and spread of approximately 2m. The long orange-red and yellow young shoots bear oval-shaped leaves with tiny white flowers during the summer. Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ is primarily grown for its stunning coloured stems that are striking during the winter months. This shrub can be grown in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ (Chinese Witch Hazel) Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ is a deciduous vase-shaped shrub with an open growth habit. Its bright green leaves turn yellow/red in the autumn. These are followed by large, spider-like dark red flowers, which emerge mid to late winter. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ is a hardy shrub that requires a sheltered position in a moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It has an eventual height and width of approximately 4m. If you would like further help and advice on the right winter flowering garden plants for your conditions, why not pop in and see us? Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be delighted to help you. 

There are many varieties of evergreen shrubs worth considering if you are looking to plant an evergreen hedge. At Arundel Arboretum, a hedge nursery in West Sussex, we have an excellent range of plants to consider when planting a hedge. These include; Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’, Griselinia littoralis, Taxus baccata, Elaeagnus and Laurels. However, why not consider a variety of Pittosporum? We have a good selection of different varieties in stock. They are all easy to maintain and make an excellent choice if you are looking for a small hedge to, for example, edge a border. We have several varieties in stock and here is some information on ones that we feel could work for you: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Beach Ball’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Beach Ball’ is a compact, bushy evergreen shrub. It has small, glossy light green leaves, which are edged creamy yellow. It makes an ideal specimen shrub for borders, growing in a container or establishing as a small hedge. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Beach Ball’ produces purplish-black flowers in spring and these are followed by brown fruits in late summer. This shrub has a maximum height of 1m after approximately 10-20 years, depending upon its ground conditions. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ is a variegated, evergreen shrub. Its wavy shaped leaves are edged in pink and cream. This is a drought tolerant variety of Pittosporum. It is ideal for growing as a hedge, for screenage, for borders or in containers. It does need protection in cold areas from cold, drying winds. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ is a non-fruiting variety. It has an eventual height of 4m after approximately 10-20 years, depending upon its ground conditions. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Wrinkled Blue’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an evergreen shrub, with silver-blue wavy-edged elongated shaped leaves. It is an ideal shrub for using as hedging and screening. It can also be grown in borders and containers. This is a non-fruiting variety, which can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Wrinkled Blue’ does need to be protected from cold, drying winds. It has an eventual height of 4m after 10-20 years, depending upon its ground conditions.  Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golden Ball’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golden Ball’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with golden-green oval leaves. It requires little maintenance to keep its rounded shape. Although Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golden Ball’ is another non-fruiting variety, it does produce deep purple flowers in spring. It has an eventual height of 0.5m after 10-20 years. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a compact, bushy evergreen shrub that can also be grown as a small tree. It has variegated oval green and yellow leaves which are produced off red branches. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ produces male maroon flowers in the spring, which are followed in the autumn by brown fruits. This variety of Pittosporum can be grown in partial shade, but in order to get the best leaf colour, it is best planted in full sun. It does need to be protected from cold, drying winds. It has an overall height of 2m after 10-20 years. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Glo Ball’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Glo Ball’ is a round, compact evergreen shrub. Its small olive-green leaves are edged creamy-yellow. This variety can be well trimmed and is ideal to grow in borders, containers or a low hedge. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Glo Ball’ produces purple-black flowers in the spring, that are followed by small brown fruits in late summer. It has an eventual height of 1m after 10-20 years. If you are considering planting a small evergreen hedge, then why not pop in to see what we currently have in stock? We are always able to advise you on the most suitable plants for your requirements and are sure our helpful and happy team can inform you on the best decision to make. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum.

Here at Arundel Arboretum, we continue to be transformed into a spectacle of vibrant autumn colours. However, some people do get concerned that the stunning leaves start to show signs of ill health with leaf blotches and sometimes mildew attack. This is absolutely nothing to worry about! As we move further into autumn and winter, trees naturally reduce their defences and can, therefore, be more prone to a fungal attack. Just remember that deciduous trees’ leaves naturally deteriorate so all is well! It is the bacterial breakdown in the leaves that create compost. If you are looking to plant a deciduous tree in your garden, why not pop along to see what we have? You will be able to see your chosen tree in all its autumnal glory! There is a large variety of deciduous autumn trees to choose from. Here is a small selection to get you started:- Acer griseum / Paperbark Maple This is one of our absolute favourites! Acer griseum is a simply stunning, small, slow growing deciduous tree that produces paper-thin curls of cinnamon bark on the trunk and main branches. These will become translucent in the light. The leaves turn a stunning red-orange in the autumn. Acer griseum has an eventual height of 8-12m and spread of 4-8m. Acer griseum prefers a sheltered position and moist, well-drained soil. Sorbus commixta / Japanese Rowan Sorbus commixta is a broadly conical tree with divided dark green leaves, which turn yellow to red or purple in the autumn. It has clusters of white flowers in the late spring. These are followed by orange-red to red berries. It should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. Sorbus commixta can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ is a large deciduous tree originating from North America. It’s noted for its vibrant, stunning autumn colour. The dark green foliage in spring and summer is followed by shades of scarlet red, orange and yellow leaves in the autumn. This Acer has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ will grow on most soils and will prefer a sunny or partial shade position. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ is a compact, deciduous weeping tree. Pink flowers appear in the spring. These are followed by heart-shaped dark red leaves, which turn purple in the summer. Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ has stunning autumn colours and has an eventual height and spread of up to 3m. A slow growing tree that will be happy in full sun or dappled shade. Plant in a well-drained soil. Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ is a small, deciduous tree with superb autumn colour, when the leaves turn red, orange and purple. White flowers appear in spring, which is followed by creamy-yellow berries that turn amber-yellow. Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. With an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m, it should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. We have a good selection of autumn trees, which will enhance your garden. We look forward to seeing you, where our helpful staff will be able to assist in the right autumn trees for you.