By Feature - Patio | Planter

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a small, evergreen tree of widely conical to broadly oval habit with spiny, toothed, extremely glossy, emerald green leaves. Small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in spring are followed by abundant and long-lasting crop of attractive, large, orange to red, berries in autumn and winter. It’s a female, partially self-pollinating plant.

'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly is a cross between English holly (ilex aquifolium) and Chinese holly (ilex cornuta). It can grow in various soil types, but prefers fertile, medium moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand frost and wind, but needs to be sheltered from drying winter winds. It is suitable for coastal areas and low maintenance plant.

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is great as a specimen plant, good for hedges and screens, foundations, path edgings, and for growing in containers. Its branches with glossy leaves and red berries are typical Christmas decoration.

Laurus nobilis or Bay Laurel, is a dense, compact, slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal habit, dark grey bark, and aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, dark green leaves used in cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Clusters of small, yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by glossy, dark purple, berry-like drupes.

Bay Laurel can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but thrives in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but doesn’t mind partial shade. It is tolerant of salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. In colder climates, it needs to be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter.

Laurus nobilis is a wonderful, long-lived shrub, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers, great as a topiary, and excellent for hedges and screens. Essential for herb garden.

Phoenix canariensis, or Canary Island Date Palm, slow-growing, stunning evergreen palm tree with a massive, thick, columnar, grey-brown trunk with diamond-shaped leaf bases and rounded crown with elegant, arching, feathery, pinnately-divided leaves. Dense clusters of creamy-yellow flowers bloom in summer, and are followed by reddish-yellow, date-like, not very tasteful fruits on female trees.

Canary Island Date Palm thrives in fertile, loamy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It can tolerate light shade. It can withstand some winter cold but prefers warm climates. It is resistant of heat, drought and salt, therefore, perfect for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require regular pruning.

Phoenix canariensis is a majestic and very popular palm tree, perfect as a specimen or accent plant in coastal and Mediterranean gardens. Great as a street tree, planted along streets and in parks. Very adaptable to growing in containers. In colder climates, it has to be brought inside.

Cordyline australis, or Cabbage Palm, is an impressive, vigorous, palm-like, sub-tropical tree with long, arching, narrow, dark burgundy leaves. The panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers bloom only on mature plants, in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by white or blue-tined berries.

Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soils. It is tolerant to salt, wind, and drought which makes it a perfect coastal plant. It can withstand some cold weather, but frost might damage it. Disease-free and low maintenance. Toxic to animals.

Cordyline australis is an incredible specimen tree because of its tropical looks and bold colour. It’s a great addition to any garden, traditional or modern. Perfect for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, patios and containers.

Eucalyptus cinerea 'Silver Dollar', commonly known as the Silver Dollar Gum, is a striking evergreen tree or large shrub prized for its round, silvery-blue juvenile leaves that grow in opposite pairs along its stems. These aromatic leaves are highly decorative, often used in floral arrangements and valued for their year-round color and texture. In the garden, it brings a soft, silvery contrast to green foliage and is ideal for Mediterranean-style, contemporary, or drought-tolerant landscapes.

'Silver Dollar' grows relatively fast and can reach heights of 4–10 metres if left unpruned, though it can be kept smaller with regular pruning, which also encourages attractive juvenile foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, wind, and some drought once established. Due to its strong vertical growth and distinctive foliage, it makes an excellent specimen plant, screening tree, or background feature. It's best planted in a spacious, open position with plenty of light.

Acer palmatum 'Shishi-gashira', commonly known as the Lion's Head maple, is a beautiful and unique cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. It is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of 6-10 feet and a spread of 5-8 feet at maturity.

The foliage of 'Shishi-gashira' is its standout feature. Its leaves are small and crinkled, with a unique, almost spiky appearance that resembles the mane of a lion, hence the name. The leaves emerge in the spring with a reddish-purple color that gradually changes to dark green throughout the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red, making this tree a true standout in the autumn landscape.

In addition to its striking foliage, 'Shishi-gashira' is also a popular choice for its compact, rounded habit, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a specimen tree in a larger landscape. Its branching structure is also particularly interesting, with densely packed clusters of twigs that form a dense, layered canopy.

This maple tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for a woodland garden or a partially shaded spot in a landscape. 'Shishi-gashira' is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring little pruning or fertilization to maintain its beautiful shape and vibrant foliage.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Shishi-gashira' is an excellent choice for any landscape that values unique foliage, interesting branching structure, and a compact, rounded habit. Its stunning appearance throughout the seasons is sure to delight gardeners and admirers alike.

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as the chasteberry tree, is a species of small deciduous tree belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in various countries, including Greece, Italy, and Turkey. The tree typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) and has a spreading, rounded crown.

The leaves of Vitex agnus-castus are palmate, meaning they are divided into multiple lobes that resemble a hand with outstretched fingers. The foliage is aromatic, with a pleasant herbal scent. The tree produces showy, fragrant flowers in dense clusters known as panicles. The flowers are typically lavender, violet, or pale blue in colour, and they bloom during the summer months.

Following the flowers, Vitex agnus-castus develops small, dark berries that are roughly the size of peppercorns. These berries are a prominent feature of the tree and can persist well into the winter months. They are edible but have a bitter taste and are not typically consumed directly.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the chasteberry tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities. It is often planted in gardens and parks for its attractive flowers and foliage. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, making it adaptable to various climatic conditions.

Overall, Vitex agnus-castus is a versatile tree that offers both aesthetic appeal and potential health benefits. Its delicate flowers, aromatic leaves, and unique berries make it a noteworthy addition to any landscape, while its historical use in traditional medicine continues to intrigue researchers and practitioners alike.

Malus 'Butterball', a highly ornamental crab apple tree, is distinguished by its prolific golden-yellow fruit and its breath taking, fragrant spring blossoms. These blossoms are dense, adding a profusion of white to landscapes. The tree is renowned for its decorative appeal, not only offering visual pleasure but also serving as an attraction for various wildlife, especially birds and pollinators, enriching biodiversity within its vicinity.

The fruits of Malus 'Butterball' are small, with a buttery, yellow hue, persisting into winter, adding vibrant winter interest to gardens and landscapes. The presence of these fruits also serves as a substantial food source for wildlife during the colder months when food is scarce.

This variety of crab apple is celebrated for its compact nature, making it a preferred choice for smaller gardens or spaces where larger trees would be impractical. It is also prized for its resilience, withstanding different environmental conditions, thus making it a versatile choice for different landscapes.

Besides its aesthetic and ecological values, Malus 'Butterball' is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements. It's relatively disease-resistant compared to other crab apple varieties, making it a durable and long-lasting addition to a range of horticultural settings. The tree’s versatility and beauty make it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts and landscape designers alike.

The Malus 'Aros' crab apple tree is a distinctive variety, revered for its exceptional beauty and compact growth. It's renowned for its almost-black, dark purple leaves, a coloration that acts as a dramatic backdrop to its profuse, spring-blooming, pink-tinged white blossoms. Originating from breeding programs, 'Aros' is cultivated for its aesthetic appeal and manageable size, making it an ideal candidate for gardens with limited space or those seeking a focal point.

The blossoms of 'Aros' emit a soft, pleasing fragrance, attracting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity. Post-bloom, the tree produces small, dark red, almost purple crab apples, maintaining ornamental interest throughout the seasons. These fruits are particularly appealing to birds, contributing to the tree's ecological value in supporting local wildlife.

Beyond its visual and ecological allure, 'Aros' is appreciated for its hardiness. It adapts well to various soil types and environmental conditions, demonstrating resilience to common pests and diseases. This makes 'Aros' a low-maintenance option for both experienced and novice gardeners.

This tree's upright and compact growth habit, reaching heights of approximately 10 feet, allows it to be a versatile addition to landscapes. It can be utilized as an accent, a screening plant, or even in container gardens, offering flexibility in landscape design. The dark foliage of 'Aros' contrasts spectacularly with lighter, variegated, or green-foliaged plants, allowing gardeners to create visually striking compositions.

The Malus 'Aros' crab apple tree embodies a harmonious blend of beauty, adaptability, and ecological benefits, symbolizing a union between aesthetic magnificence and environmental consciousness in contemporary horticulture. Whether planted as a solitary specimen or incorporated into a mixed planting scheme, 'Aros' imparts an air of elegance and drama to the landscape, making it a cherished selection among gardening enthusiasts.

Acer palmatum, commonly known as the Japanese maple, is a cherished ornamental tree known for its graceful form and striking seasonal colors. This versatile species features delicate, finely-lobed leaves that display vibrant colors from spring through fall. In spring, new foliage often emerges in shades of light green or red, deepening over summer before transforming into brilliant hues of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. Typically reaching heights of 10-25 feet, Acer palmatum has an elegant, spreading structure that suits small gardens, shaded areas, and container planting. Thriving in well-drained soil with partial shade, it is both low-maintenance and hardy. With its stunning colors and delicate shape, Acer palmatum adds year-round interest, making it a popular choice in landscaping worldwide.

Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the lace leaf Japanese maple, is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its intricate, finely divided foliage. This deciduous shrub or small tree is part of the Aceraceae family and originates from Japan, Korea, and China. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) with a similar spread, making it a perfect choice for small gardens and container planting.

The leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum are deeply lobed and serrated, resembling delicate lace. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a vibrant green in spring and summer to spectacular shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, providing year-round interest. The tree's cascading, weeping habit adds an elegant and graceful element to any landscape design.

Acer palmatum dissectum prefers a position in partial shade with well-drained, moist soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape. This tree is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for adding structure and colour to garden borders, patios, and rockeries in British gardens.