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Ilex acquifolium is a very decorative, medium-sized, dense, pyramidal, evergreen tree with oval, leathery, spiny, glossy, dark-green leaves. Small, greenish-white flowers bloom in spring and summer and are followed by attractive, red berries that appear in autumn and winter. Plants are either male or female, and both sexes are required in order to have fruit. Ilex acquifolium can grow in poor, very acidic soils, even heavy clay, but prefers average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates frost, but needs to be protected from harsh winds. It doesn’t like hot and humid summers, therefore, in those conditions, it should be planted in sheltered locations. The English holly is a stunning ornamental tree and a traditional Christmas holly in Europe. It grows like a pyramidal tree, but can be trimmed as a large shrub or beautiful hedge. Great as a specimen plant, foundation plant, for shrub borders, or hedges and screens.

Abies koreana, commonly known as Korean fir, is an evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Pinaceae family. Native to the high mountains of South Korea, this tree species is renowned for its beautiful foliage, attractive cone clusters, and graceful habit. It is a popular ornamental tree grown in gardens, parks, and landscapes around the world.

Korean fir can grow up to 15-20 meters in height with a narrow pyramidal or conical shape. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly as the tree ages. The needles are 1-3 cm long, glossy dark green on the upper surface, and have two white stripes on the undersides. They are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches, giving the tree a graceful and delicate appearance.

One of the most distinctive features of Korean fir is its stunning cones. They are upright and cylindrical, measuring 7-15 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width. The cones are green when young, but turn a beautiful purple or violet-blue as they mature. They also have unique, purplish bracts that protrude from the cone scales, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Korean fir is a hardy tree that prefers cool and moist conditions. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained, acidic soils. It is relatively slow-growing, but can live for several decades with proper care. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance tree.

Betula utilis Snow Queen is one of the most popular varieties of birch trees. It’s a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a pyramid-shaped crown and ascending branches. Its snowy white exfoliating bark is stunning all year round. It is very similar to Betula jacquemontii except it gets its shinny white bark earlier in its life. Its leaves are ovate, dark green, turning bright yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in dropping catkins, while female are greenish and appear in upright catkins. Betula utilis Snow Queen can grow in any type of soil, even sand or clay, as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It does best in cool northern climates. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Himalayan Birch Snow Queen, with its highly ornamental white peeling bark, is an exceptional tree, perfect as a specimen plant or in beds and borders. Great for cottage and urban gardens.

A deciduous, early-flowering large shrub or small tree with a dome-shaped crown. In spring, before the leaves emerge, clusters of mildly fragrant, star-shaped, white flowers appear. They are followed by small, edible, red to dark red, berry-like fruits in summer. The leaves are oval, toothed, dark green in summer and yellow, orange and red in autumn. Elegant growth habit makes it attractive even in winter. Amelanchier Canadensis is easily grown. It prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils, but it tolerates most soil types and both wet and dry locations. For best autumn colours and berry production, it should be planted in full sun. Very resilient, usually pest-free and disease-free. This attractive tree is perfect as a specimen plant, suitable for hedges, great for banks and slopes. It is especially nice when planted around ponds, lakes, and streams. It doesn’t mind marshy ground. It can also be used for erosion control.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink & Rose' is a reliable and highly ornamental deciduous shrub, well suited to a wide range of garden settings. It forms a neat, upright habit, making it ideal for borders, feature planting, or as part of mixed shrub schemes. Its large, conical flower heads emerge creamy white in summer, gradually deepening to soft pink and rose tones as the season progresses, providing long-lasting colour well into autumn.

This hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Unlike some other hydrangeas, it is more tolerant of sun exposure and slightly drier conditions once established, making it a versatile choice for many UK gardens. It is fully hardy and copes well with colder winters, requiring little protection.

Annual pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain a strong framework and encourages larger blooms. As a cultivar of Hydrangea paniculata, it flowers on new wood, ensuring consistent performance each year. Its manageable size and dependable flowering make it an excellent choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Amelanchier Ballerina is an ornamental, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with vase-shaped crown. Its long-stemmed, glossy, oval, leaves are bronze in spring, dark green in summer, and red-purple in autumn. The autumn colour is very attractive. White and slightly blushed pink flowers grow in large, loose clusters. Small edible red to deep purple berries appear in July but are mostly eaten by birds. Amelanchier Ballerina is a resilient and tough tree. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. It likes moist lime-free soils, preferably clay or sandy, and will grow well in damp places. It is resistant to frost, can withstand wind, and tolerates partial paving and air pollution. This attractive ornamental plant is suitable for any garden. It looks great in small, patio, roof, or rock gardens. Good for growing in containers. Perfect for urban gardens and for planting in narrow streets.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis,' commonly known as the Imperial Alder, is a cultivar of the European alder (Alnus glutinosa) renowned for its striking ornamental qualities. This deciduous tree is a favoUrite among landscape enthusiasts and horticulturists for its impressive appearance and adaptability.

Imperial Alder typically reaches a height of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and forms a broadly pyramidal shape. Its dark green, glossy leaves are deeply cut and serrated, measuring about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. During the growing season, the foliage provides a lush and vibrant backdrop to garden landscapes.

One of the standout features of Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' is its stunning catkins. In late winter or early spring, long, pendulous catkins emerge, adding a unique and captivating element to the tree's appearance. These catkins sway gracefully in the wind, creating a charming visual effect. Additionally, this cultivar displays a lovely yellow fall coloUr, which adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Imperial Alder is highly adaptable to various soil types and moisture conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardens and parks. Its ability to tolerate wet soil and even occasional flooding makes it an excellent choice for riparian zones or areas prone to seasonal waterlogging.

Beyond its aesthetic value, Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' also contributes to the ecosystem by supporting various wildlife species. Its catkins provide a source of food for birds and insects, and its roots help stabilize soil along riverbanks and wetland areas.

In summary, Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' is a captivating cultivar of the European alder celebrated for its striking appearance, adaptability, and ecological contributions. Whether used as a focal point in a garden or to enhance riparian habitats, this tree adds a touch of elegance and functionality to its surroundings.

Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ is a small, slow growing, deciduous tree of weeping habit, usually grafted on a stem, with slender pendulous branches. Narrow, ovate, green leaves are green-bronze when they emerge and turn orange and red in autumn. Single, deep pink flowers open from dark pink buds and bloom abundantly in early spring and cover the branches before the leaves emerge. Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Rubra’ is adaptable to any type of soil, except heavy and waterlogged. It prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. It is very resistant to heat and frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, winter winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Weeping Cherry ‘Pendula Rubra’ is a wonderful, elegant, flowering cherry tree, perfect as a specimen plant for smaller, informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great in beds and borders, for informal hedges and screens, and suitable for growing in containers.