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Alnus incana, commonly known as grey alder, is a deciduous tree belonging to the birch family, Betulaceae. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it is a resilient species often found in riparian zones, wetlands, and areas with moist soils. This medium-sized tree typically grows to heights of 15 to 25 metres, with a slender trunk and smooth, greyish-brown bark, which often develops fine fissures with age.

The leaves of Alnus incana are oval to elliptic in shape, measuring 5 to 10 centimetres in length. They are characterised by their serrated margins and a dark green upper surface, with a paler, slightly downy underside, giving them a distinct two-tone appearance. The leaves emerge in early spring and typically turn yellow before falling in autumn.

Grey alder is monoecious, meaning that both male and female reproductive structures are found on the same tree. The male catkins, which are long and pendulous, appear in early spring before the leaves, while the smaller, more upright female catkins develop into woody cones that persist on the tree through the winter. These cones release small winged seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water.

One of the notable features of Alnus incana is its ability to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium *Frankia*. This allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and contribute to soil fertility, making it a valuable species for land restoration and erosion control.

Grey alder is often planted in landscaping and reforestation projects, particularly in areas prone to flooding or soil degradation. Its rapid growth, hardiness, and ecological benefits make it an important species in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.

Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as the black alder, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, including the British Isles. It is a versatile and resilient species, often found thriving in wetland areas, riverbanks, and marshes, where its roots can help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion.

The black alder typically grows to a height of 20-30 metres, with a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded with age. Its bark is dark brown and fissured, often developing a distinctive, almost black hue as the tree matures. One of its most notable features is its leaves, which are rounded with a slightly serrated edge and a glossy, dark green surface that turns yellow in the autumn.

In early spring, Alnus glutinosa produces catkins – the male catkins are long and yellowish, while the female ones are shorter and reddish. These mature into woody, cone-like fruits that persist on the tree throughout the winter, providing a valuable food source for wildlife. The black alder also forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil and benefiting neighbouring plants.

Due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, Alnus glutinosa is often used in reforestation and habitat restoration projects. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including insects, birds, and aquatic species, making it a vital component of the British natural landscape.

The Blue Engelmann Spruce, scientifically named Picea engelmannii 'Glauca', is a captivating evergreen renowned for its blue-green needles that add a unique color contrast to any garden setting. Typically reaching an ultimate height of 50 to 70 feet, this slow-growing, conical tree serves as a striking focal point in larger landscapes or as part of a mixed conifer collection. Its compact and dense growth habit makes it highly suitable for use as a privacy screen or windbreak.

Preferring cooler climates. It adapts well to a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Full sun is ideal to encourage the best growth and needle coloration. Regular watering helps young trees establish, but once mature, they are relatively drought-tolerant. This tree is a resilient choice for high-altitude gardens or northern landscapes, embodying both beauty and hardiness in its serene presence.

Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is a beautiful and highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. It is known for its delicate foliage and stunning fall colors. This tree is an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to any landscape.

The mature height of Acer palmatum 'Jordan' typically ranges from 10 to 15 feet, with a spread of 8 to 12 feet. It has an upright, rounded habit with multiple trunks and branches that create a beautiful silhouette.

The foliage of 'Jordan' is a deep red color in the spring and summer, and turns a vibrant crimson in the fall. The leaves are palmate and deeply lobed, giving the tree a unique and elegant appearance. This cultivar is also known for its excellent resistance to leaf scorch and other common diseases.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Jordan' is an exceptional tree that adds a lot of visual interest and beauty to any landscape. Its relatively small size and stunning foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller yards or as a focal point in a larger landscape.

Acer palmatum 'Phoenix' is a stunning deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. This particular cultivar of the Japanese maple is a popular ornamental plant and is prized for its vibrant, fiery foliage. 'Phoenix' has a unique combination of shades of red, orange, and yellow that make it stand out in any landscape. Its leaves are deeply lobed and have a delicate, lacy appearance that adds an elegant touch to any garden.

At maturity, Acer palmatum 'Phoenix' typically reaches a height of around 3 meters (10 feet) and a spread of approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet). Its growth rate is relatively slow, so it is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens. This compact size makes it an ideal choice for container planting, and it can also be grown as a stunning focal point in a mixed border. When placed in a prominent location in a garden, the brilliant fall colors of 'Phoenix' are sure to attract attention and provide a visual feast for the eyes.

Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Norway maple, is a large deciduous tree native to continental Europe and western Asia and is a popular ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and streetscapes due to its hardiness and adaptability to urban conditions.

The Norway maple can reach heights of 20 to 30 metres, with a broad, rounded crown. Its bark is greyish-brown and smooth when young, becoming ridged and furrowed as the tree matures. The leaves have five to seven lobes, but are typically dark green. In autumn, the foliage turns bright yellow, creating a striking display. The leaves exude a milky sap when broken, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.

In spring, Acer platanoides produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge. These flowers are arranged in upright, corymb-like inflorescences, making the tree visually appealing during the early part of the growing season. The tree also produces characteristic winged seeds known as samaras, which appear in pairs and are often referred to as "helicopter seeds" due to the way they spin as they fall to the ground.

Norway maple is a fast-growing species and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and compacted soils. Its adaptability to polluted urban environments makes it a favoured choice for street planting. 

Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' is a stunning cultivar of Japanese maple that is highly sought after for its unique golden-yellow foliage. This deciduous tree typically grows to a height of about 1.5 meters and has a bushy, rounded habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or patio containers.

The leaves of Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' are deeply lobed, giving them a delicate and airy appearance. The foliage emerges as a bright golden-yellow color in the spring and maintains this striking hue throughout the summer months. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn a subtle green before taking on shades of orange and red, creating a beautiful contrast against the autumn landscape.

This cultivar is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Occasional pruning can help maintain its compact size and shape.

Overall, Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' is a stunning and versatile tree that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

At maturity, Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' typically reaches a height of around 1.5 to 2 meters, with a similar spread. However, this can vary depending on growing conditions and the specific cultivar. The plant has a slow to moderate growth rate, and it may take several years to reach its full size. In general, Japanese maples are known for their elegant and graceful appearance, and 'Summer Gold' is no exception. Its compact size and bushy habit make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point in a larger landscape. With proper care and maintenance, this beautiful tree can provide years of enjoyment and beauty in your outdoor space.

Photinia fraseri 'Compacta', when espaliered on a metal frame, presents a striking and structured display of horticultural artistry. This particular variety of Photinia, known for its compact growth habit, reaches a height of 120cm and spans 80cm in width, making it an ideal choice for espalier training. The metal frame, robust and unobtrusive, provides the necessary support for this method of cultivation, guiding the plant's growth in a controlled, two-dimensional form.

The leaves of Photinia fraseri 'Compacta' are its most notable feature: vibrant and glossy, they emerge as bright red shoots, offering a vivid contrast against the greenery. As the leaves mature, they transition to a deep, rich green, maintaining their luster throughout the seasons. The espalier technique emphasizes the plant's natural beauty, showcasing its dense foliage in a symmetrical pattern.

This living art form, a blend of nature and craftsmanship, not only serves as an ornamental feature in gardens but also as a practical solution for space-limited areas. The plant's ability to thrive with minimal lateral space, combined with regular pruning and training, results in a visually appealing, living wall of lush foliage, perfectly complemented by the understated elegance of the metal frame.