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Clapp’s Favourite is a classic English dessert apple, valued for its attractive appearance, refreshing flavour and early cropping season. This traditional variety remains a popular choice for gardeners looking to extend the apple harvest into the earlier part of the season.

The fruit is medium to large, with a distinctive greenish-yellow skin flushed and streaked with bright red as it ripens. When cut open, the flesh is juicy, crisp and tender, with a pleasantly sweet flavour balanced by a refreshing acidity. Clapp’s Favourite is particularly enjoyable when eaten straight from the tree, making it an excellent choice for the family fruit garden.

One of its greatest advantages is its early ripening period, with fruit generally ready to harvest from late August into early September, depending on the location and growing conditions. This makes it a useful variety for enjoying home-grown apples before many of the more familiar autumn cultivars are ready.

The tree produces attractive blossom in spring, with delicate white to pale pink flowers providing an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. It also makes an attractive feature tree, combining spring blossom with a crop of colourful fruit later in the year.

For the best results, plant Clapp’s Favourite in a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil. A sunny site will encourage good fruit development and help the apples achieve their best flavour. Regular watering during dry periods, particularly while the tree is becoming established, will also encourage healthy growth and reliable cropping.

Clapp’s Favourite is not generally regarded as a self-fertile variety, so it is best planted alongside a compatible apple variety that flowers at a similar time to ensure good pollination and fruit production.

An excellent choice for traditional and family gardens, Clapp’s Favourite combines spring blossom, attractive fruit and an early summer harvest, making it a rewarding addition to the home orchard.

Prunus domestica 'Old Green Gage' is a popular cultivar of European plum known for its juicy and flavorful fruit. This variety has been grown for over 200 years and is still a favorite among gardeners and fruit enthusiasts today.

The fruit of 'Old Green Gage' is small to medium-sized, round or oval in shape, and has a greenish-yellow skin with a pink blush. The flesh is firm, sweet, and aromatic, with a distinctive honeyed flavor that is both tangy and tart. The fruit ripens in mid- to late-summer and is excellent for eating fresh or using in jams, jellies, and other culinary creations.

The tree itself is medium-sized and compact, with a rounded canopy and dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. It is self-fertile, making it an ideal choice for backyard orchards or small gardens. 'Old Green Gage' is also known for its excellent disease resistance and hardiness, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for fruit growers.

Overall, Prunus domestica 'Old Green Gage' is an exceptional variety of plum that offers a unique and delicious flavor, coupled with a compact and easy-to-care-for tree. It is a must-have for any fruit garden or orchard, and its popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Red Devil Apple plant is a deciduous, hardy, vigorous tree with a bushy, upright habit, attractive pink-white flowers, and stunning, deep red fruit. Its creamy flesh is white, but stained with red and produces beautiful pink juice. Red Devil apples ripen in mid-September and are harvested till mid-October. The fruit has juicy and moderately sweet and sharp taste with a hint of strawberry flavour. They store well and can be kept till January.

Red Devil Apple was bred by Hugh Ermen, in Faversham, Kent in 1975, and introduced in 1990 as an excellent, modern dessert apple. It is very resilient, generally disease-free, and adaptable to most weather conditions. It grows in almost any type of soil as long as it is moist and well-drained. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is self-fertile and doesn’t need a pollination partner.

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.

Camellia R.L. Wheeler is a bold and beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its large, vibrant rose-red blooms that appear in mid to late season. The flowers are often peony or semi-double in form, with ruffled petals that create a full, lush appearance. Its deep green, glossy foliage provides year-round structure and contrast, enhancing the dramatic effect of the blooms.

This camellia grows into a medium to large-sized shrub with a strong, upright habit, making it an excellent choice for feature planting, screens, or woodland-style gardens. It prefers a sheltered position with dappled or morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon rays and strong winds.

Like all camellias, R.L. Wheeler thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulching and regular watering help maintain optimal conditions. With proper care, it brings vibrant color and elegance to the garden during the cooler months.

Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium', also known as Lion’s Head Maple, is a small, deciduous, slow-growing Japanese maple with bushy upright habit and peculiar foliage. Masses of small, curled, dark green lobed leaves are very decorative throughout the season, especially in autumn, when they become golden yellow and vivid orange. This vibrant autumn foliage resembles lion’s fiery mane. Small reddish-purple flowers appear in May and are followed by samaras in autumn. It grows best in neutral or acidic soil, moist, but well-drained, in partial shade or full sun. It should be protected from harsh winds, late frosts or searing sunshine because of its delicate leaves that could be damaged. Besides that, it is very hardy and can withstand hard winters. Highly sculptural form of Acer palmatum 'Crispifolium' is perfect for contemporary gardens, but also very effective in small, urban, or Oriental-themed gardens. Ideal for growing in containers.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' is a small deciduous tree that is a member of the dogwood family. It is prized for its stunning ornamental features, including its striking white blooms that appear in late spring or early summer, followed by its unique fruit that ripens in the fall. The 'Milky Way' cultivar is notable for its profuse, large, and showy flowers. The creamy-white blooms are star-shaped and feature four bracts, which surround a small, yellowish-green cluster of true flowers in the center. The tree's leaves are a glossy, deep green color and turn shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, providing a colorful autumnal display. This variety is also known for its exceptional disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that affects many dogwood species. 'Milky Way' can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet at maturity. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

Malus Domestica 'Idared' is a spreading tree of upright habit with ovate, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves, and slightly fragrant, pale pink flowers blooming in April to May. Flowers are followed by medium-sized, spherical, mostly red apples with firm, juicy, slightly sour flesh. It crops regularly and abundantly in October. It can be stored until March. Several weeks after harvesting, its sharp flavour becomes milder and sweet. Malus Domestica 'Idared' grows best in fertile, humus-rich, neutral, loamy or sandy, moderately moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade. It is self-fertile and its pollination needs the presence of other variety that blooms at the same time. Pollination group 2. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Regular pruning and fruit thinning is required. Apple 'Idared' is a lovely tree mostly grown for its fruit. Excellent for eating fresh, and making apple sauces and pies. Great addition to any garden.

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' – A Hardy and Elegant Evergreen

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its glossy, narrow, dark green leaves that add year-round interest to gardens. A relatively new variety, it is prized for its graceful, upright growth habit and slightly weeping foliage, which sets it apart from other Pittosporum varieties.

Native to New Zealand, 'Irish Luck' thrives in the UK’s temperate climate, making it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings. It typically reaches a height of 2.5 to 3 metres and spreads about 1.5 metres, forming a dense, bushy shape. This makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as an architectural focal point in mixed borders. It also works well in containers for patios and courtyards.

One of the key attractions of 'Irish Luck' is its ability to tolerate coastal conditions, strong winds, and light frosts, making it particularly valuable in exposed locations. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

In spring and early summer, Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' produces small, deep purple, honey-scented flowers, which contrast beautifully against the rich green foliage. While not highly conspicuous, these blossoms attract pollinators, adding ecological value to the plant.

Due to its refined, elegant appearance and resilience, 'Irish Luck' is a popular choice for contemporary and traditional gardens alike. Whether used as a hedge, feature plant, or in mixed planting schemes, it brings structure, texture, and year-round greenery to outdoor spaces with minimal effort.

Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus Albovar’ is a charming, slow-growing evergreen shrub, valued for its neat form and attractive variegated foliage. Belonging to the box-leaf euonymus group, this cultivar is particularly compact, making it well-suited for small gardens, edging, or container planting. Its tiny, oval leaves are glossy green, edged with creamy-white margins that provide year-round interest and a refined, decorative effect. The dense, bushy growth habit allows it to be clipped into formal shapes or used as a low hedge, offering a reliable alternative to box (Buxus) in areas where box blight is problematic.

Typically reaching around 60–90 cm in height and width over time, ‘Microphyllus Albovar’ grows at a measured pace, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional trimming to maintain its shape. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Hardy and versatile, it withstands coastal conditions and urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for town, courtyard, or seaside gardens. With its compact stature, glossy variegated foliage, and adaptability, Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus Albovar’ adds elegance and structure to any planting scheme.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena', an exquisite variety of evergreen Japanese azalea that promises to add a burst of colour and charm to any British garden. Boasting vibrant magenta-pink flowers and glossy, deep-green foliage, this azalea variety is known for its compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as a striking feature in mixed borders. Hardy and versatile, the Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is perfect for British garden enthusiasts who are keen to create an eye-catching display throughout the spring.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' thrives in acidic, well-draining soil, making it well-suited for planting in peat beds or borders enriched with ericaceous compost. Choose a site with partial shade to full sun, ensuring that the plant receives adequate light while avoiding scorching its delicate blooms. When planting, space the azaleas approximately 60-80cm (24-32 inches) apart to accommodate their mature size.

To maintain optimal health, water your azalea regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch annually in the spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune your azalea lightly after flowering to maintain its compact shape and encourage new growth.

The Azalea Japonica 'Amoena' is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, with its vibrant magenta-pink flowers and evergreen foliage providing a stunning display in the spring months. Easy to care for and adaptable to various planting situations.

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.

Sambucus Golden Tower is a narrow variety of European elder. It’s a compact, slender, deciduous shrub of columnar habit, with vivid yellow to golden yellow leaves, and flattened panicles of scented, white flowers in spring, followed by edible berries in late summer. Elder Golden Tower is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and will grow well in almost any location, but it prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is very resistant to frost and suitable for growing in outdoor pots even in very cold areas. Tolerant of urban and coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant. It keeps its neat shape without pruning. Sambucus Golden Tower is lovely, resilient architectural shrub, perfect for adding colour and height to small, cottage, urban and coastal gardens. Great for shrub borders, wall-side borders, informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

A Ligustrum texanum shaped as a ball is a beautifully refined ornamental shrub that brings structure, symmetry, and elegance to any garden design. Carefully trained and pruned, it develops into a perfectly rounded sphere of dense, glossy green foliage. Each leaf is small, oval, and leathery, creating a smooth, uniform surface that enhances the plant’s sculpted appearance. When maintained regularly, the spherical shape remains crisp and tidy, offering a polished, contemporary look suitable for both formal landscapes and modern outdoor spaces.

In spring and early summer, the shrub may produce small clusters of creamy white flowers, adding a gentle fragrance and a touch of seasonal interest. Though subtle, these blooms contrast attractively with the deep green leaves, giving the ball shape an added dimension. Its evergreen nature ensures the structure remains intact throughout the year, providing year-round colour and architectural stability even in winter.

Because of its compact habit and adaptability, a Ligustrum texanum ball works beautifully in pairs flanking entrances, in rows along pathways, or as a single specimen in a pot. With consistent pruning and occasional feeding, it becomes a long-lasting, elegant feature that enhances both classic and contemporary garden styles.

Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale', also known as the Pyramid Silver Maple, is a striking, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong, upright form and elegant foliage. Reaching a mature height of 20 to 25 meters with a spread of 10 to 15 meters, it forms a tall, narrowly oval canopy, making it ideal for spaces needing vertical emphasis. Its deeply lobed green leaves shimmer with silvery undersides, creating a beautiful, dynamic effect in the wind. In early spring, small red flowers appear before the leaves, offering subtle seasonal interest. 'Pyramidale' thrives in a wide range of soils, including wetter areas, and is highly adaptable to urban conditions. It provides quick shade, adds architectural interest, and brings year-round texture and movement to landscapes and parks.

Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale', also known as the Pyramid Silver Maple, is a striking, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its strong, upright form and elegant foliage. Reaching a mature height of 20 to 25 meters with a spread of 10 to 15 meters, it forms a tall, narrowly oval canopy, making it ideal for spaces needing vertical emphasis. Its deeply lobed green leaves shimmer with silvery undersides, creating a beautiful, dynamic effect in the wind. In early spring, small red flowers appear before the leaves, offering subtle seasonal interest. 'Pyramidale' thrives in a wide range of soils, including wetter areas, and is highly adaptable to urban conditions. It provides quick shade, adds architectural interest, and brings year-round texture and movement to landscapes and parks.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', or red leaf Japanese maple, is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub with delicate, upright branches and beautiful finely-divided, deep red leaves that change colour throughout the year. It is grown for its stunning foliage and interesting growth habit. Deep burgundy red of spring leaves fades to light green in early summer, then turn to golden, orange, and red in autumn. Unnoticeable red-purple flowers are followed by winged purple fruits.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' thrives in moist, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position. To achieve the best leaf colour, it must be in partial shade, though it tolerates full sun if the soil is moist. It also needs to be sheltered from drying winds. An outstanding ornamental tree, perfect for small yards, urban gardens, or as a front yard accent. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Vitex ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is a compact, deciduous shrub ideal for gardens seeking late-season color, pollinator support, and easy-care beauty. Developed for improved cold hardiness, it thrives in a range of climates. It forms a rounded, bushy habit, typically growing to around 1.5 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or pollinator-friendly plantings.

This hybrid variety features striking, aromatic gray-green foliage and dramatic dark stems that provide contrast throughout the growing season. From mid to late summer, it produces abundant spikes of deep blue-violet flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Unlike many other Vitex varieties, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is sterile, so it doesn’t self-seed or become invasive.

It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or slightly alkaline types. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-water or coastal gardens. Minimal pruning is required, typically in early spring to maintain shape. With its manageable size, vivid blooms, and wildlife appeal, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is an excellent ornamental choice for a wide variety of landscapes.

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', commonly known as the Fernleaf Full Moon Maple, is a stunning deciduous tree cherished for its striking foliage and remarkable autumn display. Native to Japan, this variety is celebrated for its deeply lobed, fern-like leaves which provide a delicate, lacy texture that adds a unique aesthetic to any garden.

In spring and summer, the leaves emerge with a soft green hue, creating a serene and refreshing presence. As the seasons transition to autumn, 'Aconitifolium' truly shines. Its foliage transforms into a spectacular array of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it one of the most brilliant autumnal displays among maples. This transformation adds a dynamic and fiery focal point to gardens, capturing the essence of the changing seasons.

'Aconitifolium' typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 4 meters, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate moisture. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for urban gardens, patios, and container planting.

This maple is not only admired for its foliage but also for its elegant, spreading habit and attractive branching structure, which provide year-round interest. Whether as a specimen tree or part of a mixed border, Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' brings a touch of elegance and seasonal drama to any garden setting in the UK.

Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame' is a stunning selection of the red maple, prized for its brilliant, fiery autumn color and strong, uniform branching. Growing to a mature height of 12 to 15 meters with a spread of 9 to 12 meters, it forms a broadly oval to rounded crown, offering excellent shade through the warmer months. In spring, it produces small clusters of red flowers before the leaves emerge, adding early seasonal interest. The glossy green, lobed foliage turns vivid shades of red, orange, and scarlet in fall, creating a dramatic landscape display. 'Fairview Flame' thrives best in moist, well-drained soils and is adaptable to a range of urban and suburban environments. Its reliable structure, vibrant color, and adaptability make it an outstanding choice for streets, parks, and large gardens.

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a medium-sized, vigorous deciduous shrub with a bushy, dense, capriciously growing, cascading habit and smooth, grey-brown bark. It has beautiful, feathery, deeply cut, red leaves that resemble the colour of garnet stone in spring and summer, and turn scarlet in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, purplish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by pink, winged fruits. It can grow in any soil type except clay, but thrives best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sun very well. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a wonderful shrub that really stands out in the landscape and is probably the most used among similar cultivars. It is stunning as specimen plant, perfect for cottage and urban gardens, rock gardens, and roof gardens. Suitable for growing in containers as well.