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Malus domestica 'Discovery' is an excellent early-producing apple tree with an upright, compact growth habit. Attractive white flowers emerge in spring, and delicious bright red apples, with hints of green and yellow, are ready for harvesting in late August and September. The apples are hard and crisp, sweet and slightly acidic, with delicate light flavour that has a touch of strawberry. As every early-producing variety, it can be stored only for a short period of time. Discovery Apple tree is very easy to care for. It is resilient and undemanding. It prefers neutral, well-drained soil, and full sun in a sheltered position. It is generally disease-resistant and pest-resistant and tolerates frost very well. It is not self-pollinating. It needs to cross-pollinate with other apple trees. As a partial tip-barer, it can be grown in cordons and espaliers. Suitable for containers and large pots.

M26 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock (smaller than MM106) used for apple trees, particularly in orchards and home gardens. It produces trees 10-12 feet in height, making them easier to manage and harvest. M26 ensures early fruit production, good anchorage, and medium vigor. However, it requires staking during early years and is moderately susceptible to fire blight.

Acer campestre, or the field maple, a medium-sized deciduous tree, is the UK’s only native maple tree. Its round, dense, bushy crown is asymmetrical and capriciously growing. The branches have corky fissures. The foliage is dark green, turning golden yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green flowers are followed by winged fruits. Acer campestre is a very adaptable tree. It likes rich and well-drained soil, but also grows well in high pH soils or acid soils. It is tolerant to draught and air pollution and resistant to frost and wind. In its first years, it is very shade tolerant, but subsequently, it requires more light. Apart from growing in woods and hedgerows, it is often planted in broad streets, coastal and industrial areas. It is perfect for medium and large gardens, as a tree or a hedge, and suitable for roof gardens and growing in containers.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana' is a lovely, dwarf, slow-growing, coniferous, evergreen shrub with a dense, dome-shaped habit and blue-green, needle-like leaves that curve inwards, yellowish-green in summer, bronze in winter. Spherical cones appear in autumn.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana' can grow in any type of soil, but prefers moist and well-drained soils. It preforms best in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh and drying winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant. It keeps its neat, rounded shape without any maintenance. Very easy to grow and a good alternative to boxwood.

Japanese cedar 'Globosa Nana' is a lovely, little, soft and fluffy shrub with great shape and beautiful foliage. It is perfect for informal, cottage, and rock and gravel gardens. Excellent for beds and borders, low hedges, or for growing in pots and containers. Suitable for making topiaries.

Photinia 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is a strikingly beautiful, dense shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage. This particular variety is expertly shaped into a perfect ball, showcasing its dense, lush growth. The leaves are initially a brilliant red when young, gradually maturing to a deep, glossy green, providing a stunning contrast that catches the eye throughout the seasons.

This robust shrub thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It's highly adaptable to different environments, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular pruning helps maintain its distinct spherical shape and promotes new growth, ensuring a vibrant display of red foliage in spring.

Growing to a manageable size, this Photinia variety is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens, and its compact, ball-like form makes it an excellent choice for borders, focal points, or as a structured element in garden design. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardy and low-maintenance, 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is not just a visually appealing plant; it also serves as a natural privacy screen or hedge. Its dense foliage provides an excellent backdrop for other plants, enhancing the overall beauty of any garden setting.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a slow-growing, dense, compact, upright, slightly columnar, deciduous shrub or small tree with globe-shaped habit and beautiful, narrowly lobed, deeply-divided leaves, bright red in spring, ruby red in summer, crimson red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by winged seed pods.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' prefers fertile, humus-rich, loamy or sandy, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in partial shade but is adaptable to full sun. Best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade. Excessive exposure to sun or lack of soil moisture can cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but has to be protected from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, needs little to no pruning.

Japanese maple 'Shaina' is a gorgeous red-leaved Japanese maple perfect for small informal, cottage, urban, gravel or Japanese-style gardens. Great for beds and borders. Excellent for growing in containers.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings.

Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade and generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds.

It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Sequoiadendron giganteum pendulum, also known as the weeping giant sequoia or pendulous giant sequoia, is a cultivar of the giant sequoia tree species native to the Sierra Nevada region of California. It is a unique tree with a distinctive weeping habit, which makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The weeping giant sequoia is a slow-growing conifer that can eventually reach heights of up to 100 feet and a spread of 40 feet. It has a narrow, conical shape with drooping branches that give it a graceful, elegant appearance. The bark of the weeping giant sequoia is reddish-brown and fibrous, and can grow up to two feet thick in older trees. Like all giant sequoias, the weeping giant sequoia is a long-lived tree, with some individuals living for over 3,000 years. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is tolerant of drought, heat, and cold temperatures.

Jacobinia, is a beautiful, tropical, upright growing, flowering, evergreen shrub with large, dark green leaves and stunning, bright red and yellow, nodding flowers from late winter through springs lightly scented. It's a compact plant, reaching a height and spread of 0.2–0.6m. Due to its sensitivity to cold, it's best kept indoors in a conservatory or greenhouse during winter or in colder regions. 

Jacobinia pauciflora thrives in partial shade and well-drained, moist soil, making it ideal for understory planting or container gardening. It blooms mainly during the cooler months, adding vibrant color when other plants are dormant. Relatively low-maintenance, it benefits from light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Due to its compact size and appealing blooms, Jacobinia pauciflora is a popular choice for decorative borders, patio gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Jacobinia is a wonderful, long-blooming, tropical plant, easy to grow in tropical areas and in containers. It is perfect for Mediterranean gardens. Great as a foundation plant in shady spots, or as a low flowering hedge. Excellent for beds and borders, and as a houseplant.

Malus Domestica 'Granny Smith' is a very popular and well-known apple tree with small, green leaves with pointed tips, and beautiful, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers with yellow stamens blooming in spring. Flowers are followed by large, round, green, juicy, firm and crisp apples with acidic flavour, harvested in October and November. If sorted well, they can last for 6 months. Malus Domestica 'Granny Smith' prefers moderately fertile, deep, loamy moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. It can withstand some frost but for good and regular crop, it needs warmth and isn’t suitable for colder climates. It is self-fertile but needs another variety blooming at the same time nearby for better crops. One of the best pollinators for other varieties. Requires some pruning and thinning. Apple 'Granny Smith' is a beautiful tree and a wonderful addition to any garden, but it is primarily grown for its delicious fruit, great for eating fresh and perfect for cooking.

Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' is an attractive shrub renowned for its vibrant foliage and compact growth habit. With its stunning golden-yellow leaves, this cultivar brings a touch of brightness and elegance to any garden or landscape setting.

The 'Gold Queen' shrub belongs to the Euonymus genus, which is native to East Asia. It typically reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 centimeters) with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as a low hedge. The shrub has a dense and bushy nature, creating a lush and full appearance.

The most distinctive feature of Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' is its striking foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped and glossy, with a radiant golden-yellow color that remains vibrant throughout the year. The golden hue intensifies during the spring and summer months, providing a brilliant contrast against other greenery in the landscape. In autumn, the leaves may take on a reddish tint, further adding to its visual appeal.

In addition to its stunning foliage, 'Gold Queen' produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in late spring, followed by small ornamental fruit capsules that open to reveal bright orange seeds. While the flowers are not the main highlight of this shrub, they add a subtle touch of interest.

Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of various soil types and can withstand occasional dry periods once established. Regular pruning can help maintain its compact shape and promote dense growth.

This cultivar serves as a fantastic focal point in mixed borders, rock gardens, or as a striking accent plant. Its vibrant golden foliage adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the landscape, making Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' a popular choice among gardeners looking for a versatile and visually appealing shrub.

Doodia media, commonly known as the rasp fern, is a small to medium-sized terrestrial fern native to eastern Australia and parts of New Zealand. It belongs to the Blechnaceae family and is well regarded for its striking appearance and ease of cultivation in temperate gardens.

This evergreen fern typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm, forming neat clumps of erect or arching fronds. The young fronds emerge a vivid pink or red, creating a vibrant contrast against the mature, dark green foliage. Each frond is pinnate, with leathery leaflets that have a slightly toothed or rasped texture—hence the common name.

Doodia media prefers shaded or semi-shaded environments with consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. It thrives in sheltered woodland settings, rock gardens, or as part of an understory planting beneath larger shrubs or trees. Though relatively hardy, it does best in frost-free areas or where winter temperatures remain mild.

This fern is valued for both its ornamental qualities and its low maintenance requirements. It can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it suitable for patios and shaded courtyards. The colourful young growth adds seasonal interest, particularly in spring and early summer.

Propagation is typically by division of clumps in early spring. While generally pest-free, Doodia media may suffer in prolonged dry conditions or if exposed to direct, harsh sunlight.

In summary, Doodia media is a decorative and adaptable fern ideal for adding texture and colour to shaded areas of the garden. Its reddish new growth and tidy habit make it a desirable choice for gardeners seeking year-round foliage interest with minimal care.

Acer palmatum Sango-kaku or Coral Bark Maple, is a large, deciduous shrub with upright, vase-shaped habit. It is famous for its coral red bark and branches that look astonishing in contrast to its yellow foliage. Five-lobed leaves are pinkish yellow in spring, green in summer, and yellow in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, reddish flowers are followed by samaras in late summer and autumn. Coral Bark Maple prefers moist, but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, yet it can grow in any type of soil. The best leaf colour is achieved when grown in partial shade, but it also tolerates full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum Sango-kaku is a very unusual and attractive plant. It can be a stunning focal point, especially in winter. Great for small, urban and cottage gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant or for beds and borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit', commonly known as the Golden Spirit smokebush, is a deciduous shrub admired for its striking foliage and unique flowering. This cultivar stands out due to its vibrant golden-yellow leaves, which provide a dazzling display from spring through autumn.

In the spring, new leaves emerge in a bright lime-green hue, maturing to a rich golden-yellow as the season progresses. These leaves are oval-shaped with a slight waviness at the edges, adding texture and interest to the plant. During autumn, the foliage transforms again, taking on hues of orange, red, and purple, offering a spectacular end-of-season show.

The Golden Spirit smokebush grows to a height and spread of approximately 2.5 to 3 metres, making it an excellent choice for both small and large gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, adding to its versatility in various garden settings.

One of the most captivating features of Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' is its airy, plume-like flower clusters that appear in early summer. These flowers, though individually insignificant, collectively form large, fluffy panicles resembling puffs of smoke, hence the common name "smokebush." The flowers are initially greenish-pink, fading to a soft beige as they age, and they add a whimsical, cloud-like quality to the shrub.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Golden Spirit is a low-maintenance plant. It requires minimal pruning—usually just the removal of any dead or damaged wood and an occasional thinning to maintain its shape and vigour. This shrub is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ is an upright, evergreen, ornamental shrub or small tree with lance-shaped, leathery, glossy, variegated leaves – brilliant red with pink margins when young and dark grey-green with creamy-white margins when mature. Panicles of inconspicuous, small, white flowers bloom in spring and are sometimes followed by red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ thrives in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soils, except waterlogged and compact. Once established, it is resistant of frost and drought. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. With two or three flushes of new shoots throughout the year, Photinia x fraseri ‘Louise’ is exceptionally attractive all year round. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in small gardens. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens, or for growing in containers.

Physocarpus 'Magic Ball' is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden styles, valued for its compact habit, colourful foliage, and easy maintenance. This hardy deciduous shrub forms a neat, rounded shape, making it particularly suitable for smaller gardens, mixed borders, courtyard planting, and contemporary landscapes where space may be limited. Its richly toned foliage provides strong seasonal colour contrast throughout the growing season, while clusters of delicate pink-white flowers in summer attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support garden biodiversity.

The plant performs well in full sun or partial shade and adapts to most well-drained soils, including clay and loam, once established. It is tolerant of urban conditions and demonstrates good resilience to cold weather, making it reliable in many UK gardens. Minimal pruning is required beyond occasional shaping or removal of older stems to encourage fresh growth and vibrant foliage colour.

Physocarpus ‘Magic Ball’ works beautifully as a specimen shrub, in low hedging, or planted alongside ornamental grasses and flowering perennials for long-lasting visual interest.

Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment.

Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Chaenomeles x superba 'Pink Lady', commonly known as the flowering quince, is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its vibrant spring display. It is a hybrid variety belonging to the Rosaceae family and is appreciated for both its ornamental value and hardy nature.

The 'Pink Lady' typically grows to a height and spread of about 1.5 metres, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings, from hedges and borders to standalone specimen plants. Its growth habit is dense and thorny, which can provide added security as well as beauty.

One of the standout features of 'Pink Lady' is its profusion of stunning, bright pink flowers. These blooms, which appear from late winter to early spring, are cup-shaped with a delicate yet vivid hue that can lift the spirits during the duller months. The flowers often emerge before the leaves, creating a striking contrast against the bare branches. Each blossom comprises five petals, which are subtly ruffled, adding to the plant's charm.

Following the flowering period, 'Pink Lady' produces small, yellow-green fruits resembling tiny apples. These fruits are hard and bitter when raw but can be cooked to make jellies and preserves, adding another layer of utility to this attractive shrub.

The foliage of 'Pink Lady' is equally appealing, with glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The leaves are oval-shaped with finely serrated edges, turning a rich yellow in the autumn before falling.

Chaenomeles x superba 'Pink Lady' is robust and easy to grow, thriving in a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position and is tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions. Regular pruning after flowering can help maintain its shape and encourage more prolific blooming in the following season. This makes 'Pink Lady' a versatile and low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking year-round interest.

Azalea japonica ‘Blue Danube’ is an excellent choice for many gardens, particularly where acidic soil conditions can be provided. This compact, evergreen shrub offers year-round structure with its neat, dark green foliage, making it valuable even outside its flowering season. In late spring, it produces a striking display of rich violet-blue blooms that add vibrant colour to borders, woodland-style plantings, or container arrangements.

It thrives best in partial shade, where it is protected from harsh midday sun and cold, drying winds. A position beneath light tree cover or on a north- or east-facing aspect is ideal. The plant prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and benefits from regular mulching with organic matter such as leaf mould or bark to retain moisture and maintain acidity.

‘Blue Danube’ is particularly suited to smaller gardens due to its compact habit, typically reaching around 60–90 cm in height and spread. It works well in mixed shrub borders, rock gardens, or as part of an ericaceous planting scheme alongside rhododendrons and camellias, providing reliable seasonal interest with relatively low maintenance requirements.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.