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Many customers are often concerned that if their garden is near the coast, they will be very limited on the plants that will be able to cope with their conditions, and therefore survive. Coastal gardens are susceptible to gales during the winter months and drying winds during the summer months. This can lead to their foliage scorching and their fragile stems to break. Coastal gardens also have to cope with salt-laden winds, which only tough plants will be able to tolerate. In order to expand your choice of plants for your coastal conditions, it is very wise to first invest in suitable plants to create a windbreak. Creating a windbreak can make a huge difference and is often much more effective than building a wall or erecting fence, as during strong winds, the wind can blow through the windbreak plants which act as a filter. Coastal plants often have tough, leathery foliage or hairy leaves. These help to protect the plant from potential salt damage, and also help to reduce moisture loss. There are many factors to consider when purchasing tolerant plants, and here’s some of the main points: It is always a good idea to observe gardens in your area to see what is already growing successfully. This will give you an indication of what plants to consider for your garden Know your area – consider how far back from the sea you are, and whether your garden is sheltered or very exposed Consider the coastal plants you wish to use as your windbreak, and what will work with these to create your beds Is your garden in a very windy position? In which case, you need to avoid your plants struggling due to wind rock (destabilisation of the plant’s root system whilst it is establishing itself) What are your soil conditions? You may need to be a little more patient than usual as some varieties will take longer to establish themselves as they have to acclimatise to harsher conditions than normal. It is not unusual for some coastal species to suffer from burning of the foliage and in most cases, this is nothing to be concerned about When choosing a coastal plant to create a windbreak, the following come recommended: Griselinia littoralis Griselinia littoralis is a fast growing, large evergreen shrub ideally suited to coastal conditions. It is an excellent hedging plant as it forms a neat and tidy hedge – ideal for creating a windbreak. Griselinia littorlias has light apple-green broadly ovate shaped leaves. Small yellow-green flowers are followed by purple fruits on the female plants where both sexes are grown together. It will grow in free drainage soil in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade too. It is easy to maintain and has an eventual height of 4-8m and spread of 2.5-4m. It can be easily kept in shape, ideal if you like a neat garden. Elaeagnus x ebbingei Elaeagus x ebbingei is a very hardy, salt tolerant evergreen shrub, and very easy to grow. The foliage is dark green with a silvery underside. In September-October, it produces fragrant, creamy flowers. These are followed by orange speckled silver fruit late into the winter. Elaeagnus x ebbingei will tolerate partial shade and dry conditions, although it is best to avoid chalk and wet areas. It can also tolerate sheltered or exposed conditions, making it another ideal consideration for a coastal plant for a windbreak. It has an eventual height of 2.5-4m and spread of 2.5-4m. Quercus ilex (Holm Oak \ Evergreen oak) Quercus ilex is another coastal plant to consider for a windbreak. It can be grown either as a clipped hedge or stand-alone tree. It has black, finely cracked bark and glossy dark green, ovate leaves, with a pale white-grey underside and short hairs. Quercus ilex is very hardy and an excellent choice for coastal positions, as it is able to withstand the salt conditions. It likes a well-drained soil and will cope with being hard pruned. It will grow in either full sun or partial shade. Its eventual height is 12m+ and its width is 8m+.   Once you have decided upon the primary plants for your windbreak, you then need to consider your complimentary planting. Again, depending on how far back from the coast you are, and how effective your windbreak is, you can consider the following: Convulvulus Hebe Lavender Rosemary Euonymous Teucrium fruitcans Cistus Potentilla fruiticosa Agapanthus By adding further shrubs to your garden design, you will be able to create colour, height, ground cover and overall interest. You can also consider some Mediterranean plants – for example Chamaerops humilis or Cordyline australis. Whilst trying to develop a coastal garden can seem rather daunting and challenging, with the right advice and right plants, you will be able to create a garden that will flourish. At Arundel Arboretum, being located on the South coast, we naturally stock a wide range of coastal plants for you to consider. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff are always able to advise you on the most suitable species for your conditions. Please do pop in and we will be very pleased to help you.

Large shrubs play an important role in any garden design and can provide immediate impact and maturity to your design. Large shrubs are very versatile, and there will be one suitable to your conditions.  Whether your soil is wet, dry, sandy, acidic or alkaline, there will be a shrub for you!  At Arundel Arboretum, we have an extensive range of large shrubs suitable for your conditions.  Large shrubs provide the framework for your beds and they provide shelter and food for birds and wildlife.  They will also provide height and shade to your garden. Large shrubs can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous.  There are many interesting varieties noted for either their flowers (Camellia), berries (Cotoneaster), attractive stem colour (Cornus) and variations in foliage shape and colour. Large climbing plants can also be considered.  You could consider varieties of Clematis or Trachelospermum.  Large climbing plants can provide coverage for a wall or fence and provide the backdrop to a stunning garden design. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we are a leading stockist of large shrubs, and a small taster of suitable large shrubs for your garden include:- Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a delightful, dense evergreen shrub.  It has radiant dark green leaves, and produces large pink buds that appear in the autumn.  These burst open in the winter to reveal fragrant white flowers, which can last up to six months.  Once the flowers begin to fade, black berries follow which the birds adore.  The berries are a very useful food source for birds throughout the winter months.  Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ will grow happily in shade or sun, exposed or sheltered positions.  This plant is an ideal choice for difficult positions and once it has established itself, it is fairly drought resistant.  Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ can be grown in a border as a shrub, shaped and cut into a topiary or trained as a standard.  These can look particularly attractive in pots either side of a doorway or gateway. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bouquet Rose’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bouquet Rose’ is a hardy shrub producing large pink flowers in late summer\early autumn.  The flower heads have a “mophead” appearance, but keep a neat, compact form.  This plant is ideal for your beds and borders, but will be happy planted into a container.  This makes it a very versatile and attractive plant for many parts of your garden.  Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bouquet Rose’ will grow in sun and semi-shade positions.  The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.  The plant should be kept well watered during dry weather and will need protection from heavy frosts.  The intensity of the flower colour will depend upon the pH level of your soil. Acer palmatum Acer palmatum is a slow growing, deciduous Japanese maple that can be grown as a shrub or small tree.  The delicate foliage is small, five-lobed deep green leaves in the spring, which turn a stunning red in the autumn.  Acer palmatum has an overall height of between 6-10m.  It requires well drained soil with an acidic pH.  It can be grown in a semi-shaded position – too much sun will scorch the fragile foliage. We have an extensive range of large shrubs for all seasons, and we would be very happy to assist you with your purchase. Furthermore have a look at what we have on offer in our shrubs section. Please do call in to browse our quality stock – our knowledgeable staff will be only too willing to show you around and advise on the best large shrubs for you. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum.

August can be seen as a quiet month for the garden, but in actual fact there are many jobs that can be undertaken now that will ensure your trees and shrubs will look their best next year. If you’re looking for jobs to keep you busy as the summer season comes to a close, here are some ideas that you can do to prepare your garden for next year: Watering – continue to keep on top of your watering. Whilst we have had some welcome rain, our gardens still need watering, especially if you have planted new trees and shrubs this year. Any plants in pots will continue to need water too. Try to use stored water or “clean” washing up water. If your lavenders have finished flowering, they can be cut back now. This stops them becoming woody and leggy and should ensure you have another good season of flowers next year. Continue to deadhead flowering shrubs. This might encourage a few more flowers for this year, and will ensure fresh growth and blooms for next year too. Evergreen hedges can have a final trim before the cooler temperatures arrive. Wisteria and other climbing shrubs can be pruned back once they have finished flowering. Camellias and rhododendrons – continue to keep well watered (but do not overwater). This should ensure the development of the buds for next year. Weeding! Keep on top of this to ensure they don’t seed. If you are looking to plant trees and shrubs over the winter months, start to plan what you would like and consider whether you want to plant a container tree or whether you would like to plant a bare root or root ball one.  You can continue to feed newly planted trees and shrubs, carefully following the instructions. Weather permitting, you should be able to continue to feed for another 3-4 weeks. Here at Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in West Sussex, we will be very happy to help you with any questions about caring for your garden in August. Come down for a visit today!

Many of our clients visit Arundel Arboretum as they are looking to provide instant impact in their garden, our excellent selection of mature plants can do just that. With a wonderful selection of mature plants in stock to choose from you can enhance your garden instantly. Mature plants will provide an impressive statement to your garden design whether you plant one specimen plant or a few.  There is so much choice available today, and there is no longer the necessity to wait for the plant to grow to achieve the look you require.  Mature plants can be planted as a feature statement, to create screenage from a neighbouring building, to provide privacy or even shade.  Mature plants literally transform your garden immediately. Which mature plants do I choose? Primarily our clients are looking to purchase mature plants in order to create screenage to block out other buildings surrounding them.  Depending upon the plant selection, you may need to purchase more than one to create the look you require.  However, one specimen mature plant may be enough to create the desired effect. Evergreen or Deciduous? If you are looking to purchase a mature plant for year-round screenage, then an evergreen plant is the right one to choose.  If you are not concerned about winter screenage or privacy, then a deciduous tree makes an equally good option.  During the winter months, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful structure of a deciduous tree when all the leaves have fallen.  Many have very attractive bark – for example, Prunus serrula or Betula utilis var. jacquemontii.  Deciduous trees have massive benefits to wildlife too. Will I get it into my garden? This is sometimes a consideration that is overlooked!  When visiting a specialist nursery such as Arundel Arboretum, we will always ask about access.  It is a very important factor to consider.  When visiting us, we always encourage our clients to bring along some photographs of their garden so that we can see what you are trying to achieve.  Photographs of any restricted access are always very useful and most welcome. Planting and looking after your mature plants Due to their size and maturity, mature plants will require more maintenance than younger ones.  We would always recommend our planting service to our clients, but if you prefer to plant it yourselves, we will always offer advice on the best methods in order to achieve the best for your plant long term.  Always ensure that the tree or shrub is safely secured with the appropriate stakes and ties for the first few years. Mature plants will naturally take longer to establish themselves as they have a much larger root system to support to feed the head.  Lack of maintenance is often the main cause of a plant’s demise, so maintenance is key.  Watering during dry spells is a must.  A drip system could be considered if you are planning to plant a variety of mature plants.  It is also a good idea to keep your weeds under control; otherwise, they will be competing with your plants for water and nutrients in the soil! We have an excellent selection of mature plants in stock.  If you are planning some new plants for your garden, we highly recommend a visit to us.

It is coming into the time of year for many beautiful flowering cherry trees (Prunus) to add a delightful, delicate focus to your garden. They are very versatile trees offering fresh spring colour when they are in full bloom. Many consider that the flowering cherry tree offers the most attractive blossom of all trees. Most flowering cherry trees are particularly hardy and disease resistant. They can also tolerate poor soil conditions, including clay and some chalk soils. Many varieties originate from China and Japan, but they grow happily in the UK and are easy to grow making them a popular choice. Many people will purchase a flowering cherry tree for the attractive spring blossom, but numerous varieties of flowering cherry will have autumn interest too. Their leaves will change to beautiful yellows, reds and golds before the leaves fall off. There is a considerable choice of shape and size with flowering cherry trees. These range from weeping, upright or spreading varieties to large and small trees, suitable for all gardens, especially small gardens when space is a premium. Flowering cherry tree blossom can range from dark pink, pale pink and white. Flowers can be single, semi-double or double flowers. Three varieties you could consider are: Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ / Flagpole Cherry Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ is a small columnar tree. This variety is ideal for a small garden. It has clusters of large fragrant single or semi-double shell pink flowers. The leaves are bronze turning green into summer and turning yellow in autumn. This tree is often used for small spaces. Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ is an ideal tree for urban areas, because it is tolerant of pollution. It does not however, like wet soils or shallow chalk. Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ can be planted in a sunny, exposed position. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ / Great White Cherry Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ is a medium to large tree. It has pink buds that are followed by very large white, dazzling flowers. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ has rich coppery-red young leaves which turn green in summer eventually turning a vibrant yellow/orange in autumn. This variety is often known as the Great White Cherry and has an attractive rounded habit. It does not do well in wet soils or shallow chalk. It is also pollution tolerant, so again it is good in urban areas. You can plant Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ in a sunny position, and it will cope with being unprotected. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ / Winter flowering Cherry Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers from November to March on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds. Prunus 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 is another tree suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions, but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection. `

The maintenance and care of all your plants is of vital importance, especially in their first year, when your trees and shrubs are establishing themselves in your ground conditions, so we have collated some tips on watering plants. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we ensure that all of our customers are given the best possible advice on how to look after their plants. Watering plants appears to be one aspect where customers are often concerned about getting it right. We always advise the following:- * Water your trees and shrubs well when they are first planted. Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be kept moist but not wet in order to help them grow and be resistant to pests and diseases. It will also enhance their ability to produce flowers and fruit. * Once planted, you should check the ground every day. If the ground is wet, you do not need to water, so walk away! If the ground is dry or starting to dry out, you need to water. You should be checking your ground very regularly at first so that you work with your ground conditions. To ensure that you know exactly how wet or dry your ground is, it is a good idea to place your finger into the ground to ascertain how far down the water has gone. Newly planted trees and shrubs will require regular watering for the first few years of their life in order to establish a healthy root system. * Depending upon your ground conditions, you could be watering every day, every other day or every 3-4 days. * Water slightly away from the root ball to the canopy edge of your plants. This encourages the fibrous roots to chase the water and will help to establish a stronger root system and therefore a stronger, healthier plant. A weak root system will create a weak tree or shrub, which will be susceptible to disease and will not be able to cope with high winds, as the root system will not be strong enough to keep the plant anchored in the ground. You want to keep the roots moist but not saturated. There is no need to water the foliage of your trees and shrubs. * If your trees and shrubs are in containers, you will probably need to water every day, even twice a day in severe dry weather, as there is less soil to hold water. Again, you need to work with your conditions. * You should continue watering plants through until the autumn, but as the weather cools, you will need to water less. Your plants will need to start to “harden off” for the winter and by reducing the watering; there is less chance of frost damage to the roots.  Again, work with your ground conditions. Newly planted plants – Newly planted plants are more susceptible to water stress than established plants and watering should always be high priority. More established plants will not need as much water or maintenance. It can be beneficial to spread a layer of mulch to your beds to help keep the moisture levels in the ground. However, it is imperative that the mulch does not cover the top surface of the root system (which should always be slightly proud of the surface) and it must not touch the trunk or stems of your trees and shrubs. This will suffocate them and leave them open to diseases or even kill them. A layer of no more than 3”-4” will suffice. During this hot spell, it is most important to keep on top of your watering. Failure to do so, will be to the detriment of your plants and could eventually kill them. We are watering our stock twice a day now to keep all of our stock healthy and looking its best. If you are concerned about how often to water and would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our extensive range of evergreen trees and shrubs at our evergreen tree nursery continue to sell very well. We have a large range of different species and sizes to choose from. However, as we move towards late spring and early summer, many of our customers are still contacting us concerned about their evergreen trees and shrubs shedding their foliage. The term “evergreen” can be misleading as all leaves on evergreen trees and shrubs will eventually wear out and drop as the new growth emerges. The old foliage will lose its green appearance and will show black spots. This is perfectly natural. It is where the old leaf is breaking down and once on the ground will naturally decompose and this is where compost comes from! The sole purpose of leaves is to absorb sunlight, which will be converted through photosynthesis into food. The leaves or needles on evergreen trees and shrubs give the appearance that they never shed their foliage. At the beginning of spring, when they start to shed their old leaves in abundance, as the new bud shoots are coming through, there is the misconception that something is wrong. Nature is doing what it should and there is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are ever concerned, always seek the advice of an expert as soon as you can. Whatever your reasons for wanting an evergreen tree or shrub, we are sure we can accommodate your requirements. Our range includes Leylandii (fast growing), Griselinia littoralis and Quercus ilex (suitable for coastal conditions) and Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ – always a favourite with lots of spring interest. Their delicate white flowers are coming to an end now but what a spectacle they have been. At Arundel Arboretum, a well-defined tree and shrub nursery, we have wide selection of evergreen trees and shrubs suitable for all conditions. We shall look forward to your visit, where our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be very happy to assist you with your purchase and offer advice on any concerns you may have regarding the health of your plants.  

Caring for all of your specimen plants, especially during their first season, is of vital importance. It is during this time that your plants will undergo the most stress. The plants have to find the water table and where the nutrients are in your existing soil. It will also have to adjust to the amount of sunlight and wind it is now exposed too. Overall, maintenance and watering are the key factors to the success of any specimen plant.  Every garden is different and you will need to be aware of your ground conditions. Trees and shrubs should be watered well when first planted. You should then allow the ground to start to dry out before adding more water. Some ground conditions mean you will need to water every day, others it could be every 3-4 days. Work with your ground conditions as overwatering can be just as damaging as under watering. When planting your specimen plants, we recommend adding a mycorrhizal fungus to the newly dug hole before planting your plant. This will help to establish the root system (see our planting guide for further information). About a month after planting, we would recommend adding a fertiliser to the ground. For this to be the most effective, you should apply the fertiliser around the root system – not on top of it. If the fertiliser is added around the root system this will encourage the roots to spread out to the fiser. This will create a stronger root system and therefore a healthier plant. The first feed should be approximately 6” away from the roots, then 12” – 18” away and so on for the first year. We would recommend feeding every 3-4 weeks for the first growing season. Our knowledgeable staff are always able to advise you on the correct maintenance of all specimen plants – please do not hesitate to ask or call in.

Having a south-facing garden will inevitably mean more watering, but a garden like this is an ideal location for a variety of plants. A south-facing garden will have a lot of exposure to sunlight and therefore have a higher demand for water than a shady area. When planning your planting, it is important to bear the maintenance in mind, as failure to maintain watering could mean the failure of all your lovely plants! Watering is especially important during the first season of planting but should be high priority thereafter too. In order to keep moisture in the ground, once your borders are planted, you could consider a layer of mulch, bark, gravel or slate chips. It is imperative, however, not to cover the top surface of the root system of your plants. Covering over the top surface of the root system will eventually cause the plants to die. As a guide, mulch to the canopy of the plant, leaving the trunk and top surface of the root system exposed. Despite a south-facing garden possibly being in full sun for much of the day, there is still a good variety of plants you could consider in your planting scheme. In order to create year-round interest, you could consider planting a selection of evergreen and deciduous plants, which could include:- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ This is a dwarf variety of Lavender and is very happy in a sunny position. It has an eventual height of 50cm and the small deep violet-purple flowers appear May – July. It is very hardy and is an evergreen shrub with narrow, silver-grey leaves. Viburnum x burkwoodii This is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and highly fragrant white/pale pink flowers mid-late spring. It has an eventual height and width of approximately 1.5 – 2.5m and grows very well in full sun or partial shade. The shrub prefers a moist well-drained soil. Acer palmatum ‘Shin deshojo’ This is a stunning variety of Japanese maple with an upright habit. The lobed shaped foliage open crimson-scarlet in the spring becoming green\red in the summer before turning a cascade of stunning red-orange in the autumn. It has an eventual height of 3m and will grow in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny position, but must be sheltered. Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ This is a deciduous tree with a robust pyramidal compact habit. It has glossy dark green leaves turning shades of red and purple in the autumn and produces masses of snowy-white flowers in the spring. It will grow in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position, with an eventual height of 12m and a spread of 4-8m (after 20-50 years). Having a south-facing garden can, therefore, be achieved with lots of interesting trees and shrubs that will give a good amount of colour too. If you would like help in deciding what to plant in your south-facing garden, please do pay us a visit. We will be very happy to assist and advise you accordingly.

Are you looking for garden centres in Sussex that have a beautiful range of plants all year round? At Arundel Arboretum, our garden centre in Sussex, we have a wonderful range that is still looking superb now. One plant to consider is Sedums. Sedums (hylotelephium) and common name of stonecrop, are succulent perennial plants with heads of small, star-shaped flowers. These appear during the summer months and they will continue to flower into the winter. There is a vast range of Sedums all with a variety of flowering colours and flowering times. How to grow Sedums ideally need to be planted in a sunny spot, preferably south-facing in an exposed or sheltered position. They do require a well-drained soil. They require little maintenance other than being cut back in May during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show week – this is known as the “Chelsea Chop!”. By doing this, it will encourage a more compact plant when it starts to re-shoot and avoid taller varieties becoming floppy as they grow through the season. Features We currently have Sedum spectabile ‘Carmen’ and Sedum spectabile ‘Stardust’ in stock. They are clump-forming varieties with grey-green leaves. ‘Carmen’ has soft rose-pink flowers whilst ‘Stardust’ has creamy-white flowers. Once they have finished flowering, the seed heads can be left on over the winter months and cut back the following spring. The seed heads can look very attractive covered in frost and snow. If you are seeking drought tolerant plants, Sedums are an ideal choice for consideration. Wildlife When the flowers start to emerge in the summer, they attract lots of bees and butterflies and because the flowers continue into the early winter, they provide some late nectar for our wildlife too. For further help and information on growing sedums, why not visit Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in Sussex? Our knowledgeable team will be very pleased to help and assist you.

No matter how large or small your garden is, all gardens have the potential to benefit enormously from having a tree. Trees can enhance your garden and the surrounding area in terms of size, colour and textures of the leaves and flowers. Trees provide a superb habitat for wildlife – a subject we are exceptionally passionate about as it is very important to us. In order to make the right choice when you buy a garden tree, here is some helpful advice on things to consider: What are your requirements? Would you like a deciduous or evergreen tree? A single stem tree or a multi-stem? Do you need a fast growing tree or are you able to be patient and wait for your tree to grow? Are you looking for a productive tree – e.g. a fruit tree? Fruit trees are a wonderful addition to any garden and if space is limited, you can even keep it in a pot. How much space is available for your tree to grow? Remember it needs space to grow up as well as spread. Consider a low maintenance tree if you do not have a lot of time for maintenance e.g. pruning. When considering the purchase of a garden tree, it is vital to choose a specialist tree nursery. At Arundel Arboretum, we have many years experience in producing excellent quality trees and shrubs. Our expert staff are always on hand to guide you through your purchase and answer any questions you may have. When deciding on buying a garden tree, you may like to consider the following that are out in flower now:- Amelanchier Canadensis Amelanchier Canadensis is a small deciduous tree. It can also be grown as a large shrub. It produces masses of small, white flowers in the spring. The flowers are then followed by green-red fruits that will eventually turn black. The fruits are excellent for birds. The mid-green leaves will turn yellow\orange\red in the autumn. Amelanchier Canadensis prefers a well-drained soil. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is a Japanese flowering cherry tree. It has an elegant spreading habit. The large, delicate flowers hang down in large bunches during April and May. They open pink and fade to a bright white as the season progresses. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is a pollutant tolerant tree making it ideal for urban areas. Its green foliage turns orange and red in the autumn. It is not tolerant of wet or shallow chalky conditions. 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 the spring. These are followed by green leaves, which turn pale yellow in the autumn. The young bark on a Prunus ‘Pandora’ is a radiant brown. This tree 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. It will be happy in either a sheltered or exposed position. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, where we will be very happy to assist you with your purchase of a garden tree.  

The Easter weekend is traditionally the start of the new gardening year. This year the clocks will have gone forward the weekend before, so our days are now longer than our nights. There is always a lot to do in the garden once the new season gets underway, and to help you get started here are a few simple tasks you can begin with:- Weeding! The weeds will be starting to appear and it is always wise to get on top of them as soon as possible. Pruning – plants like Dogwoods can be cut back to near ground level to encourage strong, vibrant new growth later in the year. Ensure you know what you can prune back at this time of year, as you don’t want to cut back a shrub whose new flower buds are produced from last year’s growth. Have a good look at your garden and start to plan this year’s planting requirements. If you are looking for a traditional plant or something just that bit different, why not visit Arundel Arboretum, your local tree nursery in Sussex? We have an extensive range of trees and shrubs suitable for all conditions, which will enhance all your garden requirements. We are eagerly awaiting the warmer days now and the anticipation of our tree nursery changing daily as more trees and shrubs burst into their vibrant spring colours. We particularly look forward to our stunning Japanese maples coming into leaf, as this is always a spectacular show. Some of the early Prunus (flowering cherry) trees are revealing their splendid spring blossom. Two trees looking good in our tree nursery for blossom now are:- Prunus ‘Okame’ Prunus ‘Okame’ is a splendid small tree with ascending branches. These are covered with an abundance of shell pink single flowers in March and April. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in the autumn. It has an eventual height of approximately 4m and a spread of 4m. It can, therefore, be considered for a small garden. Prunus ‘Okame’ can be planted in full sun, in a moist, fertile soil. It will not, however, be happy in waterlogged or permanently wet conditions. The tree is tolerant of pollution and popular with bees. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ (Purple leaved-plum) Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a small purple leaved tree. It flowers in early spring. The pale pink flowers emerge from a mass of pink buds. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a massed branched, deciduous tree, which is sometimes used for screening. It is a very easy tree to grow and can withstand hard pruning. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ can produce plums, but when it feels like it! It is not, therefore, a regular fruiting tree. It has an eventual height of 8m and a spread of 6m. We shall look forward to welcoming you to our tree nursery, where our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you with all your plant requirements. Please note, we are closed on Easter Sunday.  

Evergreen trees and shrubs have constant interest and are therefore an ideal choice if you are looking for screenage. Many of our customers visit us with concerns about privacy issues whether it is from a new build, to replace any trees or shrubs that have been removed or died or a neighbour’s extension for example. Because evergreen trees and shrubs keep their foliage all year round, (but they naturally shed some foliage that will be replenished with fresh, new growth) they can also act as a natural focal point to your garden. Depending upon the variety you choose, you can also grow your tree or shrub in a container. However, if you choose this option, do remember that the plant will need to be removed from its pot every other year, so that you can cut back 10% of the root system and refresh the growing medium. This will keep your plant healthy. Sometimes, there is a misconception that evergreen plants have to be conifers, but there is a large selection of evergreen trees and shrubs to choose from. When selecting your plants you will need to consider the following:- What interesting features are you looking for? For example, foliage colour, berries or flowers. If you live near the sea, you will need to consider plants that can cope with the salt conditions. Quercus ilex, Griselinia littoralis and Tamarisk make good choices here. How much space do you have? You will need to consider whether the plant you choose will have enough space for its eventual height and spread. Ground conditions and whether your garden faces north, south, east or west. To get an idea of what grows well in your area, it is a good idea to look around your local area to see what grows well. If you are planting an evergreen for screenage, consider whether you would like a bush, (to mask a fence for example) or a standard tree. A standard tree will block out above a fence line and you can still plant smaller shrubs underneath. Bear in mind that not all evergreens can cope with hard pruning. Some can lose their beauty afterwards. Here at Arundel Arboretum, our knowledgeable staff are always available to advise you on the right purchase. We have a large range of plants to choose from. Here is a selection for you to consider:- Quercus ilex (Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak) Quercus ilex is an evergreen tree. It has small leathery green dark green leaves, with a white\cream underside, and black finely cracked bark. Yellow catkins appear in spring. Quercus ilex can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Being an oak, this tree can grow to excessive mass. Annual trimming will keep the tree in shape and under control. If you are near the coast, this is a very good choice. The tree is able to cope with the salt conditions. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a width of 8m+. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub with dark green leaves which are brilliant red when they are young. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ produces small white flowers which appear in April-May, and these are sometimes followed by bright red fruit later in the summer. It is an ideal evergreen specimen shrub as is comes in many forms – bush, standard and half standard. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ can be kept regularly trimmed which will enhance the colour and encourage dense foliage. This, therefore, makes it an ideal shrub for screenage. Magnolia grandiflora (Bull Bay) Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen, which makes a magnificent tree. It is often used as a shrub. Glossy, leathery green leaves above a reddish-brown underside. It produces fragrant large creamy white globular flowers. These are highly fragrant and can be up to 25cm across. As a tree, it is ideal for screening. Magnolia grandiflora can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ is an evergreen shrub. It has dark green foliage and produces beautiful funnel-shaped white flowers. These emerge from mauve buds in late spring. Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 1.5-2.5m and a spread of 2.5-4m. We have a vast selection of rhododendrons in stock, so there is plenty to choose from! Arundel Arboretum is a leading stockist of evergreen trees and shrubs in West Sussex and we are always available to advise you on the right purchase for your garden. Please do come along to our nursery to see our excellent, extensive range of evergreen trees and shrubs.

We continue to be very busy here at Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre. We have just taken delivery of our first load of stock from Spain. It was handpicked by us. We believe this is of vital importance, as an ethical plant supplier, that we source our stock and can trace its history. The stock was delivered to Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre the following week. As usual, we are extremely pleased with the quality and here is a taster of some of the new stock we have: Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) Trachelospermum jasminoides is a highly scented, evergreen vigorous climber. It produces clusters of stunning star shaped pure white flowers, which appear in July and will continue throughout the summer months. With age, they turn cream. Its leaves are dark green, which will turn bronze-red in the winter. Trachelospermum jasminoides is best grown against a warm, sunny wall and eventually reach a height of 8m. It will require sheltering from cold drying winds so bare that in mind when planting. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ (Fig) Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is an ideal fig to grow for the UK climate. It is fully hardy and can be grown in the UK successfully outdoors. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is a popular self-fertile fig which produces an abundant crop of sweet, juicy figs that have a deep red flesh surrounded by brown skins. They have an attractive lobed foliage and striking trunk and branches. They can be fan trained against a sunny wall and will also grow happily in a container. The fruits develop in the spring and will ripen from August-September. A second crop of fruits can develop in late summer if the plant has been protected, these fruits will ripen the following summer. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ has an eventual height of 3m and spread of 4m. Myrtus communis (common Myrtle) Myrtus communis is a bushy, evergreen shrub with dark green glossy leaves, which give off a fragrant aroma if crushed. It has an abundance of fragrant white flowers and their white stamens are quite conspicuous. The flowers appear in July and August and are followed by purple-black berries. Myrtus communis thrives in full sun, with well-drained soil and can even tolerate frosts. However, it will need to be protected if it is in a particularly cold area. Myrtus communis will enhance a sunny border or can be grown successfully against a south or west-facing wall. We also stock them as half standards which can look spectacular. Olea europaea (Olive) – bonsai These look amazing and very different! Olea europaea is becoming more popular and as you will have seen from our previous blog Olive Tree Care – a guide they grow very successfully in this country. We have discovered the Olea europaea as a bonsai and they will enhance your patio with its delicate foliage and will also create a focal point. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a lovely, dense evergreen shrub. It has splendid dark green leaves and produces large pink buds that appear in late autumn. These buds burst open in the winter to reveal fragrant, white flowers, which can last up to six months. Once the flowers begin to fade, they are followed by black berries, which the birds absolutely love. It’s a very useful food source for them throughout the winter months. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is happy in sun or shade, sheltered or even exposed sites. It is an ideal choice for difficult positions and once it is established, it is fairly drought resistant. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ can be grown as a shrub in a border, shaped and cut into a topiary or trained as a standard, which can look particularly good in pots either side of a doorway or gateway. This is just a small selection of the new stock we have at Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre. We pride ourselves on being a plant supplier that can offer exceptional quality stock, and friendly, professional, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre to help and advise you on the right plants for your garden.

Today, customers are often concerned about screenage and come to us for fast growing shrubs for privacy, whether it is for a new build project, to replace existing trees and shrubs that have been removed or an extension to a neighbouring property. An evergreen shrub will provide dense screenage all year round, and they will also act as a windbreak. Most evergreen shrubs require little maintenance to keep them looking good. From experience, we are aware that our customers require shrubs that grow quickly because they want to create a screen and privacy instantly. We have many varieties in stock that fulfill these requirements. Selecting your shrubs Selecting your fast growing shrubs for privacy does require a little thought so that you purchase the right one for your environment. You should always consider where the plants will be positioned so that they can cope with their surroundings e.g. if you live near the sea you need a plant that can cope with the salt conditions. Plants that are suitable for these conditions include Quercus ilex, Griselinia littoralis, Euonymous japonica and Tamarisk. Location The location of your fast growing shrubs is very important if you are creating a screen for privacy purposes, as the plants are likely to be planted near a wall or driveway. You will need to remember that root systems grow down and laterally, and the bigger the plant, the bigger the root system will become. We would not recommend planting Bamboo for example near to walls and pathways, as they have a vigorous, invasive root system. Size When choosing your plants for screening purposes, be sure you are aware of the eventual height and spread to make sure it will be suitable for your needs and will have the space to grow. Ground Conditions Always choose plants that will do well in your ground conditions. Also, take into account the way your garden faces (north, south, east or west) and therefore the way the plants will face and how they will cope with the weather conditions. We suggest you look around your local area to see what grows well. This is always a good indication of what plants are best to invest in. Some plants that can effectively be used for screenage include: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ is a fast growing evergreen shrub. It produces a very dense hedge with large, glossy green leaves. It has upright spikes of white flowers in the spring, which are followed by cherry-red berries, but these are harmful if ingested. This shrub is suitable for damp, shady areas; dry, shady areas and wet areas. It will not tolerate coastal or chalk conditions. The shrub has an eventual height of approximately 5m. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ is another fast growing, upright and bushy evergreen shrub. It has attractive spikes of white clusters of flowers in April-May. These are followed by black fruits. This shrub is able to tolerate deep shade and dry conditions, although the shrub needs to be kept moist for the first year. The dark green leaves are 15-18cm long and can be trimmed to shape. The shrub has an eventual height and spread of 4-6m. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub with dark green leaves, which are brilliant red when they are young. Small white flowers appear in April-May, and these are sometimes followed by bright red fruit later in the summer. The shrub can be trimmed to shape and size and has an eventual height and spread of 5m. Elaeagnus x ebbingei Elaeagnus x ebbingei is a very hardy evergreen shrub, and very easy to grow. The foliage is dark green with a silvery underside. It produces fragrant, creamy flowers in September-October and these are followed by orange speckled silver fruit later into the winter. The shrub will tolerate partial shade and dry conditions, although it is best to avoid chalk. The shrub can be kept clipped to shape and size and has an eventual height and spread of 4m. Griselinia littoralis Griselina littoralis is a dense, upright shrub. It has glossy, light apple-green leathery leaves, and is very good in coastal positions. The shrub produces yellow flowers in April-May. It has an eventual height of 4m and a spread of 2m. Our knowledgeable staff here at Arundel Arboretum are able to advise and help you select the most suitable plants for creating privacy in your garden. We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery and helping you make the right choices your garden.  

Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a comprehensive range of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. They range in height from 1’ – 20’ depending upon variety. These include an extensive range of specimen trees. Specimen trees are usually those that create an impact or focal point in a garden design. It might not be the size of the tree that makes it stand out. It could be its gnarled bark, stunning flowers, graceful arching branches or a standard tree planted for screening that really makes a statement. Specimen trees are generally planted as a standalone tree. However, trees can be planted in a group to create a feature. An example of this is Betula utilis var. Jacquemontii. With their stunning white bark, they will look amazing. Once you have decided to plant a specimen tree in your garden, our experienced staff will be able to help you choose the right one for you. Some things to consider include: What type of tree would you like? Deciduous or evergreen? If your specimen tree is for screening, then it is probably worth considering an evergreen so that you have year-round privacy Height and spread – this is a major factor to consider. Your garden must be able to cope with the plant’s eventual height and spread! Also, consider access to your chosen site – can your tree fit through a gate for example Consider what you want from your tree. Would you like spring blossom, fiery autumn colours, interesting bark, berries for wildlife Also, consider your soil. We will be able to help you choose a specimen tree that will thrive in your conditions Here are a few ideas of specimen trees to consider: Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a very popular deciduous tree. This is due to its architectural shape and 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. jacquemontii has ovate shaped leaves, which 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. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar as it is more suitable for the average garden. It has rich autumn colours of mostly orange and red. An added feature in the winter is the cork that develops on the wood of the tree. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in well-drained, moist soil. This deciduous tree has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Quercus ilex Quercus ilex is a large, evergreen majestic tree. Its leathery leaves are dark glossy green above, and grayish downy beneath. Quercus ilex can take pruning and will grow in full sun or partial shade. This tree is used a lot for screening in either a bush or standard form. It is also a salt tolerant tree, so is ideal in coastal conditions. The finely cracked bark is black. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum where our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to assist with your purchase of a specimen tree. The photographs are only an indication of the stock we currently have.  

We are now officially into spring, which probably explains all the wind and rain! We are continuing to see changes daily as more plants are blossoming. The Prunus Pandora look particularly good at the moment and the buds on the magnolias are bursting into life. Overall, the nursery looks stunning – so many colours and fresh, new growth. This spring it probably looks the best it has ever done. There are many jobs that need to be addressed now, and here are some spring gardening tips to help you along the way:- Evergreen shrubs will be shedding last year’s leaves to reveal lush, new season’s growth. The term ‘evergreen’ can mislead people into thinking that their plant will never drop its leaves. However, once the old leaves get shaded out by the new growth, they are discarded. Now is a good time to feed your trees and shrubs. We always recommend fertilising away from the main rootball to encourage good growth and a stronger root system. Applying the fertiliser about 12” – 18” away from plants that have been planted for a year or two is ideal. If your plants have only just been planted, we would recommend applying approximately 6” away, gradually spreading outwards over the ensuing growing season. Feed every 3-4 weeks in the first growing season. Continue to check support and ties on your trees and shrubs, and replace if necessary. Tie back climbers. Weeding! The weeds are starting to appear with a vengeance! It is vital to keep on top of this as they are easier to control when they are young. To help keep weeds at bay, apply mulch, gravel, slate or woodchips to your beds. Do ensure that any covering is kept away from the trunk of any trees or large shrubs and that the top surface of the root system is still visible. As a guide, only mulch up to the canopy of your plant. Failure to do this will eventually kill your plants. Please see our Planting Plan for further advice. If you have not already done so, cut back your Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) to encourage new colourful winter stems. Pruning can still be carried out on your trees, provided the sap is not starting to rise. If it is, it would be wise to wait now until the autumn. Pruning when the sap is rising will leave an open wound, which makes your tree or shrub susceptible to pests and diseases. Containerised plants – check they are not “pot bound”. If they need repotting, you can remove from their existing pot and remove 10% of the root system, and replant them with fresh compost. This will reinvigorate your plant and keep it fresh and healthy. Paying attention to maintenance now will be very beneficial for your garden. We hope these few spring gardening tips will help you to create a real haven in your garden that you can enjoy for the spring, summer and autumn.

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are small, deciduous trees. They have a graceful growing habit, superb autumn colours and beautiful, delicate foliage. Many Acers grow extremely slowly and are perfect in a smaller garden. They are also ideal to grow in containers.  Japanese Maples are also indigenous to forested areas in Korea and China and as far south as Taiwan. The species can grow to heights of 8-9m over a fifty-year period, depending on growing conditions. However, most cultivars are small, slow-growing trees. Choosing your Japanese Maple There are in excess of 1,000 recorded varieties of Japanese Maples, so it would be impossible to stock them all! That said we are proud to stock a wide range of varieties, and three of our favourites are:- Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ is an upright Acer. It has a pale orange foliage in the spring, turning yellow/green in the summer and yellow/orange in the autumn. Its eventual height is 5m so you’ll need to allow space for this to grow into. Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a compact, upright Acer. It has a maroon foliage in the spring and summer, turning to bright red in the autumn.  Its eventual height is 2.5m. Acer palmatum vars dissectum ‘Viridis’ is a weeping Acer.  It has bright green foliage in the spring and summer, turning gold/crimson in the autumn.  Its eventual height is 1.4-2m so it is ideal for rockeries, pots and smaller spaces.  Choosing and Planting your Japanese Maple If your tree is correctly planted, it will grow well and give you many years of pleasure. When choosing your Acer, you should consider: Japanese Maples will grow in most soils, but they prefer a slightly acidic, sandy, well-drained soil. Japanese Maples do not like very wet, dry or alkaline soils. Japanese Maples will grow best in sheltered positions, due to their delicate foliage they can be susceptible to wind burn and hot sun. Red and purple leaved varieties require some sun to develop their full dark colours Variegated varieties require partial shade to prevent the afternoon sun scorching the foliage Green varieties can tolerate full sun, but they will benefit from a position that will provide some shade Our Japanese maples are all in containers, so they can be planted at any time of the year.  When planting your tree, remember to leave enough room for the tree to spread. Remember that an exposed site of wind and hot sun can wipe out a small tree in no time at all, so position the tree where it is protected from the elements. If the leaves start to turn brown on the tips, your tree is showing signs of stress. If your tree is planted in a very hot, sunny position, the roots can become baked and again the leaves will show signs of stress. Most Japanese Maples have a shallow, fibrous root system that dislike competition from other plants, so ensure that they are not too crowded. Following our Planting Guide for further tips on planting your tree. Growing your Japanese Maple in a container Japanese Maples grow well in containers, but will require extra care. Take care to ensure that there is not too much soil around the rootball, so that the soil does not become waterlogged. It is not wise to use a container that is too big for your Japanese Maple. As a guide, a container no larger than twice the diameter of the rootball and half again as deep should be about right. If you wish to always grow your Japanese Maple in a container, you will need to remove it every 2-3 years and trim 10% of the root system. Then freshen the soil and replant the tree back in its container. You can also replant in a larger container if you wish, but you will still need to remove every 2-3 years to keep the tree and roots fresh. Feeding your Japanese Maple Japanese Maples as a general rule, do not require a large amount of fertiliser for healthy growth. They do not like large amounts of nitrogen especially in the first two years. We would recommend feeding around the root system with a root growth stimulant. Pruning your Japanese Maple The best time to prune your Japanese Maple is in late winter or early spring. Your tree will be in its natural dormant state at that time, and less injury will be caused. When pruning your tree, you should be looking to removing the dead wood and the fine stems. It is wise to remove the lowest branches on young trees. When your tree is 2-3 years old, you can begin to train the tree by removing limbs that are rubbing each other or are too close to one another. You will also need to prune out small twigs and branches on the interior of your tree. This will help form an attractive silhouette. We would recommend pruning your Japanese Maple annually. This will ensure that your tree remains healthy and strong and will bring many years of pleasure to you and your garden. Visit us We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum and showing you our extensive range of beautiful Japanese Maples.

With the current spell of cold, wintry weather, it is hard to imagine the sunny days of spring, when our gardens will start to burst into life again with numerous bulbs and spring flowering trees and shrubs. Winter is traditionally the time to plant trees and shrubs so that they can establish themselves over the winter months when they will require less maintenance.  However, with most nurseries and garden centres supplying their trees and shrubs in containers, planting can take place all year round. If you are considering planting a tree or shrub for spring interest, there are many varieties to choose from. Flowering cherries (Prunus) and Crab Apples (Malus) are often ones that people go for. When deciding what spring flowering plants you would like to incorporate into your planting scheme, consideration should be given to: The size of plant your garden can accommodate What ground conditions it will require Whether it needs to be in a sheltered position What colour its spring flowers are If you are able to plant a few trees or shrubs, consider their flowering period so that you have blossom lasting for the longest time. Flowering time is usually anytime from March until the end of May. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a wide variety of spring flowering plants to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you get started:- Edgeworthia chrysantha (Oriential Paper Bush) The bees absolutely love this bushy, deciduous shrub! Dense flowers appear during late winter and early spring. The flowers range from a pale yellow to a deep yellow or even reddish-orange. The tubular shaped flowers are approximately 10-20mm long with silky hairs on the outside. Oval shaped leaves appear after the flowers have finished. Edgeworthia chrysantha can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height and spread of 1-1.5m. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ is a small deciduous tree. It has a compact, upright growth habit. Single, light pink flowers appear in spring. Its green leaves turn a lovely orange and red in the autumn. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ should be planted in full sun, in either 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. Malus x floribunda (Japanese Crab Apple) Malus x floribunda is a small, round-headed deciduous tree, with arching branches. Its white or pale pink flowers emerge from crimson buds in late spring. These are followed by very small, yellow fruits. Malus x floribunda can be planted in full sun and partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Its eventual height is 8-12m and spread of 8m+. We have a wide range of spring flowering plants in stock. If you would like some advice on the best plants for your garden, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always able to help you select the right plants for your conditions.

Despite the Olive (Olea europaea) being a Mediterranean tree by nature, being associated with warm and sunny weather, they can be grown very successfully in the U.K. The Olive is a very adaptable and hardy plant, and with the right care, your Olive tree will thrive and provide a focal point for your garden or pots. This small to medium sized evergreen tree makes for a fantastic screening tree or a stand-alone specimen. Olive trees have grey-green leathery leaves, which help to form a consistently densely headed tree. Olive trees are easily maintained as a shaped plant or just left to do its own thing. All of our Olive trees are handpicked from Spain and we ensure that they are of the utmost quality and health. We select many sizes and forms (e.g. standards, half standards, plated).  Once you have selected the right Olive for you, we would recommend following the advice on planting and Olive tree care. Position and Planting Your Olive tree will be best suited to a sunny position – ideally south or west facing.  It is advisable to protect it from north and east winds. You must also consider your soil type.  Olives will live happily in acidic or alkaline soils, but they do not like conditions that become waterlogged. Therefore, free draining soil is essential. If your soil is sandy or lacking in nutrients, try adding a root growth stimulant or fertilizer after planting.  If you wish to grow your Olive tree in a pot, this can be done very successfully. You need to be mindful that it will need extra care with watering and will require repotting every other year to keep the tree and roots fresh.  Watering Olive trees do not like wet conditions, and whether you have planted your Olive in the ground or in a pot, they must have free drainage. During the summer months, your Olive will only need small amounts of water (work with your ground conditions) but will require monitoring more closely if it is planted in a pot. It is best to let the soil dry out between watering. Remember that Olive trees are Mediterranean plants and therefore are used to drought conditions, and can tolerate long periods of time with little or no water. It is not necessary to water Olive trees during the winter. Feeding Olive trees are naturally used to be adapted for poor, stony soils. Therefore, they only require a little feed, which we would recommend annually in the Spring. For the best results, use a liquid feed fertilizer approximately 12” – 18” away from the root system. This will encourage the roots to spread out further. Winter Protection Olive trees are quite hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -10C for short periods of time. If the temperature drops for a long period, your Olive would benefit from being wrapped with suitable horticultural fleece. If your Olive is in a pot, we would recommend putting them under cover (e.g. conservatory or greenhouse). Alternatively, the plant and the pot can be wrapped to avoid the roots freezing. Pruning There is, apparently, an old Tuscan proverb that says an olive tree is well pruned only if a swallow can fly in its branches! We would recommend pruning your Olive tree in early spring. This will encourage a vigour of new bud growth. You can prune your Olive tree to any shape you like, and they are extremely easy to prune.  Their maintenance is simply a matter of reducing the lengths of the branches by the amount they have grown each year, or every other year, depending on how often you prune. If however, you wish to try to produce fruit from your tree, then you need to remember that the fruits appear on branches that grew during the previous spring and summer. The growing season in the U.K. is short for the production of edible fruit, but it is possible with some trees.  Do not eat Olives straight from the tree – they are very bitter. At Arundel Arboretum, we have an exceptional selection of Olives. We will be very happy to assist you with your purchase and Olive tree care.