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Sorbus aucuparia 'Chinese Lace' is a distinctive ornamental tree valued for its unique aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It features finely cut, intricate, lace-like leaves, which grant the tree an elegant and delicate appearance. The tree produces clusters of vibrant orange-red berries, which are a prominent feature in the late summer and fall, providing a striking contrast to the foliage and attracting various birds and wildlife.

This variety of Sorbus aucuparia is celebrated for its adaptability to different environmental conditions, tolerating a range of soil types and prospering in both full sun and partial shade. It’s relatively resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscapes.

The ‘Chinese Lace’ showcases a splendid display of color during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a mixture of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a visual spectacle. This decorative feature makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to add autumnal color to their gardens.

Its compact growth habit and moderate height make it suitable for smaller gardens or for planting in restricted spaces. It provides structure, texture, and color to landscapes, blending well with other plants or standing alone as a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the surroundings.

The Acer palmatum 'Garnet', commonly known as the Japanese Maple 'Garnet', is a captivating and popular deciduous tree renowned for its stunning foliage. This small, graceful tree features deeply dissected leaves with a delicate, lacy appearance, emerging as vibrant crimson-red in the spring. Throughout the summer, the foliage maintains its rich garnet hue, providing a striking contrast against the greenery of other plants. In autumn, the leaves transition to a brilliant scarlet, adding a spectacular splash of color to the landscape.

'Garnet' grows slowly, typically reaching a height and spread of 2-3 meters, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, patios, or as a focal point in larger landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered location with partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture.

This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases. The Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is highly valued for its year-round interest and ability to provide a touch of elegance and serenity to any garden setting. Its unique foliage and compact form make it a perfect addition to Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, and mixed borders.

Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku Shidare’, also known as the weeping cherry ‘Kiku Shidare Zakura’, is a stunning ornamental tree ideal for adding elegance and seasonal drama to gardens. Its compact size and graceful, pendulous branches make it particularly well-suited for small to medium gardens, courtyards, or as a specimen tree in prominent positions.

In early to mid-spring, it becomes a focal point, erupting in masses of fragrant, deep pink double blossoms that create a waterfall of color. The tree typically reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet (2.5 to 3.5 meters), making it manageable and easy to incorporate into landscape designs. For best results, it should be planted in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained, fertile soil.

A sheltered spot protects its early blossoms from harsh winds or frost. Its romantic weeping habit and vivid spring display make it perfect for creating a peaceful, picturesque garden setting.

Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’ is a small, neat, compact, dense, evergreen shrub with a beautiful, colourful bamboo-like foliage - fiery red when it emerges, deep green in summer, and again red in autumn. The conical clusters of small, white flowers bloom in summer. It doesn’t produce fruit.

Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’ can easily grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in fertile, hummus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun with some afternoon shade. Once established, it can withstand some drought. It is resistant to frost, but may need some protection from harsh winds. Generally, pest-free and disease-free, low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Heavenly Bamboo 'Seika' is a very ornamental shrub with all year interest, great for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. It is most effective when planted in groups or masses. Perfect for shrub borders, foundations, informal low hedges, or as a groundcover. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Photinia x fraseri Robusta is an ornamental, fast-growing, rounded, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with large, finely serrated, glossy, oval leaves – crimson to copper when young, dark green when mature. Small, inconspicuous, white flowers in dome-shaped clusters bloom in spring and are followed by red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri Robusta grows best in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except waterlogged and compact. Once established, it is resistant of frost, drought, heat and urban pollution. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Photinia x fraseri Robusta is great as an accent plant, but perfect for tall hedges and screens which are useful for noise reduction or wind protection in cottage and urban gardens.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with ovate to round, densely branched crown, smooth bark that becomes grooved as it matures, and oval, sometimes heart-shaped, blue-green leaves, bronze when young, yellow, orange and red in autumn. The fallen autumn leaves smell like cinnamon, burnt sugar or ripe apples. Tiny, inconspicuous, fragrant, reddish flowers bloom in spring before the foliage. Cercidiphyllum japonicum grows best in rich, loose, fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in partial shade, but tolerates full sun. Doesn’t tolerate drought. It is resistant to frost and wind, but prefers locations sheltered from harsh winds and hot afternoon sun. The leaves may be damaged by late frosts. Tolerant of urban conditions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Japanese Katsura Tree is an elegant, architectural tree, perfect as a specimen plant in large, informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens. Excellent for avenues and broad streets.

A Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), commonly known as Pineapple Guava, trimmed into a neat ball shape makes an excellent and attractive feature for a garden. This evergreen shrub or small tree has dense, glossy, oval leaves with silvery undersides, creating a rich green, textured sphere when formally pruned.

In a ball form, it works beautifully as a specimen plant, low hedge element, or in symmetrical plantings along paths and driveways. It is well suited to Mediterranean, coastal, and temperate gardens, being tolerant of wind, drought once established, and light frost.

Beyond its sculptural shape, the plant offers seasonal interest with striking red and white edible flowers in spring, followed by fragrant, oval green fruits in autumn. The compact, rounded form provides year-round structure while still allowing for fruit production, making it both ornamental and productive.

Overall, a ball-shaped Pineapple Guava is a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually refined choice that suits formal and contemporary gardens as well as relaxed, edible landscapes.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger', commonly known as Japanese cedar, is a compact, dwarf cultivar prized for its dense, lush green foliage and globular growth habit. This cultivar reaches an ultimate height of approximately 3 to 4 feet, making it an ideal choice for small garden spaces, rock gardens, or as a striking container specimen. The 'Dinger' variety thrives best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy and adaptable, but like most Cryptomeria, it benefits from protection against harsh, drying winds.

In the landscape, Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' is often used to add structure and year-round color, thanks to its evergreen nature. It can serve as a focal point in mixed beds, borders, or as formal or informal groupings in larger gardens. Its slow growth rate and manageable size reduce the need for frequent pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Amber Glow' is a striking deciduous conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is a dwarf cultivar of the dawn redwood tree, which is native to China. The Amber Glow variety is highly prized for its stunning coloration, which adds an extra layer of visual interest to any landscape. The tree's foliage is a unique combination of green and gold hues, which take on a beautiful amber glow in the fall. The soft needles are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches, creating a delicate, lacy effect. As the tree matures, its bark develops an attractive, fluted texture that adds another layer of visual interest. This variety of Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of around 6-8 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet over 10 years. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is also tolerant of wet soils and can be grown near bodies of water.

Hosta Big Daddy is a slow-growing, clump-forming perennial with an attractive, large, blue-green foliage. Very ornamental, broad, rounded, textured, blue-green leaves retain their beautiful colour most of the growing season if grown in shady conditions. White to pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear on tall flower scapes in summer and rise above the foliage.

Hosta Big Daddy thrives organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture. Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage, but it is more slug resistant than other hosta varieties. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. One of the best blue hostas and a perfect plant for shady areas. Great as a background plant, for beds and borders, mixed with other perennials, or planted under the shrubs and roses. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Multi Stem is a striking evergreen choice for gardens needing colour, structure and year-round presence.

Grown as a multi-stem specimen, it creates an architectural, airy framework with several upright trunks supporting a rounded canopy. This form feels softer and more natural than a single standard, making it ideal for contemporary gardens, mixed borders or as a focal point in lawns and gravel schemes.

Its greatest feature is the brilliant flush of glossy crimson-red young foliage in spring, which gradually matures to deep green, often repeating after light pruning in summer. Clusters of small white flowers may appear in late spring, adding seasonal interest and supporting pollinators.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is well suited to UK conditions, thriving in most well-drained soils including chalk, and tolerating coastal exposure once established. It performs best in full sun or partial shade, where colour development is strongest.

Low maintenance and responsive to pruning, it can be lightly shaped to encourage fresh red growth. As a multi-stem specimen, it delivers vibrant colour, height and evergreen structure throughout the year.

Ligustrum japonicum ‘Aureum’, commonly known as Golden Privet, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant, year-round display. Its glossy green leaves are beautifully edged with golden-yellow, creating a luminous contrast that instantly brightens borders, hedges, and mixed planting schemes. Dense and bushy in habit, it offers both ornamental appeal and practical use as a screening or boundary plant.

This versatile shrub is easy to grow and maintain, thriving in most well-drained soils and tolerating both full sun and partial shade. Its resilience makes it suitable for urban gardens as well as more traditional landscapes. In summer, clusters of small white flowers may appear, attracting pollinators and adding seasonal interest.

Whether planted as a neat clipped hedge or left to develop naturally, Ligustrum japonicum ‘Aureum’ delivers long-lasting structure, color, and texture. A reliable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty with year-round impact.

Sorbus vilmorinii, or Vilmorin's Rowan, is a small, spreading, deciduous tree with flat, fern-like, pinnate green leaves, turning red and purple in autumn. Corymbs of small, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by rose pink berries fading to white in autumn, and persisting on bare branches throughout the winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Vilmorin's Rowan is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Sorbus vilmorinii is a lovely, small, ornamental tree, perfect for small cottage, coastal and urban gardens. It is great as a specimen plant, for beds and borders, informal hedges and screens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers.

The Acer ‘Koto no Ito’, a stunning variety of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), is highly prized for its delicate, finely dissected foliage and elegant cascading form. The name Koto no Ito translates from Japanese as “Harp Strings”, aptly describing its thin, thread-like leaves that resemble the delicate strings of a traditional Japanese koto instrument.

This captivating maple is a slow-growing, deciduous tree, reaching approximately 2.5–4 metres (8–13 feet) in height over many years. In spring, its narrow, deeply lobed leaves emerge in a fresh green shade, adding an airy, graceful texture to the garden. As the seasons progress, the foliage matures to a deeper green before undergoing a spectacular autumn transformation, turning vibrant shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

One of the standout features of ‘Koto no Ito’ is the way its fine, almost wispy leaves flutter in the wind, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display. This delicate, feathery appearance gives the tree an ethereal quality, making it a popular choice for Japanese-style gardens, courtyards, and containers.

Unlike some Japanese maples, ‘Koto no Ito’ is relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, though it thrives best in partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds helps preserve its delicate foliage.

This tree’s compact size and elegant form make it a perfect choice for smaller gardens, patios, or as a striking focal point. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or alongside other Japanese maples, ‘Koto no Ito’ brings a sense of tranquillity and natural beauty to any landscape.

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.

Pinus parviflora ‘Schoon’s’ is a beautiful and highly sought-after variety of Japanese White Pine, prized for its elegant form, attractive foliage and suitability for both traditional and contemporary gardens. Originating from Japan, this refined evergreen pine develops a naturally graceful habit, with twisting branches and soft, blue-green needles that are held in delicate clusters of five. The fine-textured foliage gives the tree a light, airy appearance, making it an excellent choice where year-round structure and visual interest are required.

In the UK, ‘Schoon’s’ is particularly valued by enthusiasts of Japanese-style gardens and those looking to create a specimen tree with character. It responds exceptionally well to pruning and training, making it ideal for bonsai, niwaki (cloud-pruned garden trees), or simply as an architectural feature in a border, courtyard or gravel garden. With age, the bark develops an attractive rugged texture, adding further winter interest and a sense of maturity.

This slow-growing evergreen prefers a sunny, open position with free-draining soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral soils, but dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, although young trees benefit from regular watering during dry spells, particularly when grown in containers. A sheltered position is beneficial in exposed areas, especially where cold winds may cause damage to the fine needles.

‘Schoon’s’ remains compact compared with many other pines, making it suitable for smaller gardens where a specimen tree is desired without excessive growth. Over many years it can develop into a highly sculptural tree, with a characterful silhouette that improves with age.

An excellent choice for collectors, Japanese-inspired planting schemes, rock gardens and formal landscapes, Pinus parviflora ‘Schoon’s’ offers year-round beauty, low maintenance and a timeless elegance that makes it a standout evergreen feature in the UK garden.

Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree with a wide-spreading growth habit and large, heart-shaped leaves, glossy purple when young, dark-green and purple as they mature. Trumpet-shaped, creamy white flowers marked with yellow and purple brown, grow in upright clusters throughout spring and summer, and are followed by long, bean-shaped fruit. Hence the name Indian Bean Tree. Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ will tolerate any kind of soil as long as it is well-drained, but prefers fertile, moist soils in full sun. It needs to be sheltered from hard winds and protected from spring frosts when young. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very resilient, easy to grow and low maintenance. Catalpa biganoides ‘Purpurea’ is a hybrid between Catalpa bignonioides and C. ovata that originated in France more than 100 years ago. It is an attractive shade tree, great for cottage and informal gardens, parks and streets.

Helleborus 'Charmer' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its elegant flowers, hardy nature and ability to brighten the garden during the colder months. Belonging to the genus Helleborus, this cultivar is well suited to UK gardens where it provides reliable colour from late winter into early spring, a time when few other perennials are in bloom.

‘Charmer’ produces graceful, outward-facing flowers that are typically soft pink to rose-pink in colour, often with delicate shading or subtle veining across the petals. The blooms are cup-shaped and surround a central cluster of pale yellow stamens, which add contrast and visual interest. These flowers are carried on sturdy stems that rise slightly above the foliage, allowing the blooms to be clearly visible despite their naturally nodding habit. Flowering generally occurs between February and April, bringing a welcome splash of colour to shaded borders and woodland-style plantings.

The foliage of Helleborus ‘Charmer’ is evergreen, forming a neat, clump-forming mound of glossy, dark green leaves. Each leaf is deeply divided into lobed segments, giving the plant a textured, ornamental appearance even when it is not in flower. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year and provides structure and ground cover in shaded areas of the garden.

At maturity, the plant typically reaches around 30–40 cm in height with a spread of approximately 45–60 cm. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for planting in mixed borders, beneath deciduous trees or shrubs, or in containers on patios and shaded terraces.

Helleborus ‘Charmer’ thrives best in partial or dappled shade and prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It benefits from the addition of compost or leaf mould and generally requires very little maintenance. Removing older leaves before flowering helps showcase the blooms and encourages healthy new growth.

With its delicate pink flowers, evergreen foliage and early flowering season, Helleborus 'Charmer' is a reliable and charming addition to woodland gardens and shaded border

Prunus 'The Bride’ is a lovely, ornamental, broad vase-shaped flowering cherry tree, with flat-topped, rounded crown when mature, and narrow, ovate, bright green leaves, bronze-green when young, orange and red in autumn. Stunning, large, single, pure white flowers with red anthers open from pink buds and bloom in early spring covering the branches before the leaves emerge. Prunus 'The Bride’ prefers fertile, rich, moist, well-drained soils, but can grow in a wide variety of soils, except waterlogged and very dry. It thrives in full sun. Very resistant to frost. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Attractive for bees, butterflies, and birds. 'The Bride' Cherry is a very decorative, dense and shrubby cherry tree with abundance of beautiful white flowers. Perfect as a specimen plant in informal, cottage, Japanese-style, and urban gardens. Great in beds and borders or for informal hedges and screens. Very suitable for growing in containers.