By Feature - Small Garden

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is an unusual, deciduous, multi-stemmed, suckering shrub, well-known for its stunning contorted and twisted branches that curl and spiral in all directions. Long, golden yellow catkins appear in late winter or early spring, before the foliage, and hang loosely from the branches like ornaments. The leaves are ovate, dark green in summer, yellow in autumn.

Usually does not produce fruit. Corylus avellana 'Contorta' likes rich, moist but well-drained soils, but tolerates average garden soil. Heavy clays should be avoided. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Root suckers should be removed to maintain its appearance. Generally, pest-free.

It can withstand frost and wind. Corylus avellana 'Contorta', with its unusual appearance, makes a stunning specimen plant, especially in winter garden. It is a great choice for hedges and screens, shrub borders, patio edges, or along sidewalks. Perfect for informal and cottage gardens. Suitable for containers and growing on roof gardens.

The Acer palmatum 'Orange Lace' is a beautiful Japanese maple admired for its intricate, lace-like foliage and dynamic seasonal colors. This bushy, compact tree has finely cut leaves that emerge in a brilliant orange-red in spring, deepening to a lush green with hints of bronze in summer, and then turning fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall. Growing to a modest height of 6-8 feet, 'Orange Lace' has a spreading, graceful habit ideal for small gardens, patios, and containers. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, adding elegance and a delicate texture to any garden setting. With its low-maintenance requirements and spectacular colors, 'Orange Lace' is a favorite for creating a vibrant focal point year-round.

Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' is a captivating variety of Japanese Maple renowned for its eye-catching color transitions through the seasons. It typically exhibits vibrant orange-yellow foliage in spring, subtly transforming to a soft, light green as summer approaches. This stunning foliage coloration is accentuated with a contrasting network of delicate, dark red veins running through the leaves, contributing to its ornamental value.

In autumn, ‘Orange Dream’ puts on a spectacular display as the leaves transmute to a brilliant gold, sometimes with shades of red, providing a lasting impression before they fall. It's a compact, bushy, deciduous tree, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or for growing in containers. Additionally, it’s relatively slow-growing, reaching a height of approximately 3-4 meters over a 10-year period, ensuring manageability.

This variety prefers a sheltered location, avoiding the harshest midday sun, and appreciates well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. Providing adequate protection from strong winds and extreme temperatures will help in maintaining its vibrant leaf color and overall health. Regular watering, particularly in drier periods, is crucial, although it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions.

The aesthetic appeal and manageable size of 'Orange Dream' make it a popular choice among gardeners seeking to add a touch of drama and sophistication to their landscapes.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a distinct cultivar of Japanese Maple notable for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms into brilliant shades of fiery red. This deciduous tree has an elegant, rounded form and typically reaches a height and spread of 15-20 feet, making it a spectacular feature in gardens, especially in autumn.

The leaves of 'Osakazuki' are palmate and lobed, displaying a lush green color through spring and summer, before their autumn transformation. These leaves have a uniquely refined texture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season.

Ideal for small gardens, 'Osakazuki' prefers well-drained, moist soils and sheltered locations to protect its delicate foliage from harsh winds. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade, but for the best autumn color, a location with more sunlight is preferable.

This tree is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering, especially in dryer periods, and mulching to maintain soil moisture. Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for a wide range of landscapes. The vivid, extended display of autumn color, coupled with its graceful growth habit, renders 'Osakazuki' a coveted choice among garden enthusiasts.

Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' is a striking perennial plant, renowned for its vibrant foliage and year-round interest. Its leaves are a vivid, fiery red that intensifies in colour during cooler months, creating a stunning display in any garden. In spring and summer, the plant produces delicate, white to pale pink flowers on tall, slender stems, adding an additional layer of charm.

This hardy plant is evergreen in milder climates and thrives in partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. 'Fire Alarm' prefers well-drained, fertile soil and is relatively low-maintenance, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Its compact, mounding habit makes it perfect for borders, containers, and ground cover, providing a bold splash of colour throughout the year. Resistant to pests and diseases, Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' is a versatile and reliable choice for adding dramatic foliage to any garden setting.

Perfect as a groundcover, edger along paths, in shady shrub borders, under the trees and shrubs, or in pots and containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.