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Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa' is a distinctive cultivar of Japanese maple that is well-known for its compact and layered growth habit. It stands out due to its small, palmate leaves that are densely packed and overlap, giving it a striking, sculptural, and somewhat tiered appearance. The leaves typically exhibit a rich green color throughout the growing season and undergo a stunning transformation to shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, offering spectacular autumn interest.

This maple cultivar reaches a moderate height, usually growing to about 4-6 feet, making it a perfect choice for small gardens, containers, or limited spaces. It prefers a location with partial to full sun and well-drained soil but appreciates some shade in hotter climates to avoid leaf scorch. Regular watering is essential, especially in dry conditions, but it's crucial to avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

'Mikawa yatsubusa' is not just revered for its aesthetic appeal but also for its resilient nature. While it’s slower-growing compared to other maples, it's hardy and adaptable, tolerating a variety of environmental conditions, and it requires minimal maintenance, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced gardeners. The unique structure and vibrant color display of 'Mikawa yatsubusa' make it a focal point in any landscape, adding texture, color, and architectural interest.

Alnus incana 'Aurea',  known as the Golden Alder, is a deciduous tree prized for its striking yellow foliage and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cultivar is a variation of the grey alder (Alnus incana), native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and is widely cultivated for its ornamental appeal.

Reaching a height of 6 to 10 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, Alnus incana 'Aurea' is medium-sized, making it suitable for smaller gardens as well as larger landscapes. It is noted for its smooth, greyish bark, which contrasts beautifully with its bright golden-yellow leaves that emerge in early spring. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a lime green, maintaining a light and airy appearance. The leaves are ovate, serrated, and slightly sticky to the touch when young.

In winter, this tree adds visual interest with its small, cone-like fruits and hanging catkins that persist on the branches. The catkins are yellow-brown and appear before the leaves in early spring, contributing to the tree’s year-round appeal.

Alnus incana 'Aurea' is an extremely hardy tree, thriving in a variety of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils. It is often planted in areas prone to flooding or along riverbanks, as it is highly tolerant of waterlogged conditions. The tree also fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships with root nodules, which improves soil fertility.

Though low-maintenance, the Golden Alder benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. This fast-growing tree is a great choice for those looking to introduce colour and texture to their garden while supporting local wildlife, as it provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a large, deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk and very appealing, dense, oval to rounded crown. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. Flowers appear in separate male and female catkins before the leaves, in spring, and are followed by winged nuts. European Hornbeam is a low maintenance and easy to grow plant. It is satisfied with any type of soil, but prefers fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free and pest free. It can tolerate drought. Carpinus betulus is an excellent tree and a nice addition to any garden. It is great as a specimen plant or in a group. Because of its tolerance to pruning, it is perfect for hedges and privacy screens.

Sorbus aucuparia ‘Cardinal Royal’ is a slender, vigorous, deciduous tree of narrowly columnar habit, with pinnate, dark green leaves, silvery underneath, orange and yellow in autumn. Small, creamy-white flowers grow in loose clusters and bloom in spring. They are followed by lovely, red berries attractive to birds. Mountain Ash 'Cardinal Royal' thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to various soil conditions, even damp. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind. Very easy to grow, tolerant of urban pollution, coastal conditions, and exposed areas. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Cardinal Royal’, with its autumn foliage, profusion of white flowers and attractive red berries, is an excellent slender ornamental tree. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in cottage, wildlife, urban, and coastal gardens. Great for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is an unusual, deciduous, multi-stemmed, suckering shrub, well-known for its stunning contorted and twisted branches that curl and spiral in all directions. Long, golden yellow catkins appear in late winter or early spring, before the foliage, and hang loosely from the branches like ornaments. The leaves are ovate, dark green in summer, yellow in autumn. Usually does not produce fruit. Corylus avellana 'Contorta' likes rich, moist but well-drained soils, but tolerates average garden soil. Heavy clays should be avoided. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Root suckers should be removed to maintain its appearance. Generally, pest-free. It can withstand frost and wind. Corylus avellana 'Contorta', with its unusual appearance, makes a stunning specimen plant, especially in winter garden. It is a great choice for hedges and screens, shrub borders, patio edges, or along sidewalks. Perfect for informal and cottage gardens. Suitable for containers and growing on roof gardens.

Arbutus unedo multi-stem is an evergreen, ornamental, multi-stem, capriciously growing shrub or small tree with glossy, leathery, mid-green foliage. It is very unusual and stunning all year round. Clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom from autumn to mid-winter. Round, yellow fruits appear in winter and slowly become ripe in the next 12 months, gradually turning red. They are still on the tree when new flowers show up in autumn. A grey-brown bark peels, revealing cinnamon-colored inner bark. Arbutus unedo multi-stem grows slowly in a multi-stem form. It can grow in all kinds of soils and climate conditions, but prefers acidic, moist and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant to drought, disease-free and pest-free. Very resilient. This unusual, colorful and very attractive plant is perfect as a specimen plant, great for shrub borders, hedges, coastal gardens, and for growing in containers.

Ginkgo biloba is known as a “living fossil”, one of the oldest tree species. It’s a large, long-lived, coniferous, deciduous tree with deeply grooved, grey-brown bark and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Ginkgo has either male catkins or female single flowers on long stems. Female plants bear unpleasantly scented plum-like fruits, which are actually hard seeds with silvery yellow seed coats.

Ginkgo biloba grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Ginkgo biloba is a perfect specimen plant for large gardens. Great as a shade tree, lawn tree, or planted in espaliers. Very good for streets and parks. Slower-growing varieties are suitable for growing in containers. While young, the crown can be trimmed and trained as desired.

The Azalea japonica, meticulously pruned into a spherical form, presents a botanical masterpiece that stands approximately one meter in both height and width. This exquisite ornamental shrub, celebrated for its captivating beauty, exemplifies nature's artistry.

Throughout the year, this Azalea variety showcases its allure through a symphony of colors and textures. In spring, it bursts into a profusion of radiant blossoms, each petal resembling a delicate work of watercolor art. Shades of pink, red, or white intermingle harmoniously, creating a captivating visual spectacle. The lush, glossy green foliage serves as an elegant backdrop to this floral spectacle.

As the seasons progress, the Azalea continues to enchant with its evergreen leaves, providing year-round interest. The meticulously maintained spherical shape adds a touch of formality and sophistication to any garden or landscape, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and contemporary settings. Its compact size ensures that it can be placed in various locations, from garden borders to pots on patios, offering versatility in garden design.

This one-meter-tall, one-meter-wide Azalea japonica embodies the harmony of nature and human cultivation, a living testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved ornamental shrub.

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.

Acer ‘Kogane Nishiki’ is a striking and rare cultivar of the Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), celebrated for its unique golden-yellow foliage and elegant structure. The name ‘Kogane Nishiki’ translates from Japanese as ‘Golden Brocade’ or ‘Golden Embroidery’, reflecting its luminous, textured leaves. 

This deciduous tree features deeply lobed leaves that emerge in spring with a bright yellow-green hue, often with hints of soft orange or pink at the edges. As the seasons progress, the foliage transitions to a richer golden tone before taking on warm amber and orange hues in autumn. This continuous colour evolution makes it a highly sought-after ornamental tree for gardens, particularly in Japanese-style landscapes and small garden spaces.

‘Kogane Nishiki’ typically reaches a compact height of around 2–4 metres, making it ideal for container planting, patios, and sheltered spots. Its graceful branching structure adds year-round interest, even when bare in winter. The bark is smooth and provides an elegant contrast to the vibrant leaves.

Like most Japanese maples, it prefers a partially shaded location with protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate foliage. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is best, and regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry spells.

This cultivar is favoured for its delicate beauty, striking seasonal colour shifts, and suitability for small gardens. Its radiant golden leaves add contrast to darker green plants, making it a standout feature in any planting scheme. Whether as a specimen tree or part of a larger design, Acer ‘Kogane Nishiki’ offers a stunning visual display throughout the year.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus', commonly known as porcupine grass or Japanese silver grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to eastern Asia. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add texture and structure to their landscape design. This cultivar is distinguished by its upright growth habit and striking foliage. Its narrow leaves are green with yellow margins, and they grow in an evenly spaced, horizontal banding pattern that gives the plant a distinct porcupine-like appearance. In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown, creating a stunning display of colour in the garden. Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a substantial plant that can be used as a specimen or in mass plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.

Prunus ‘Pink Cascade’ is a remarkable variety of weeping cherry tree, celebrated for its plethora of breathtaking, pink blooms that adorn its branches every spring. This tree has a unique, compact, and cascading habit, with branches that bow elegantly towards the ground, creating an enchanting visual display. It serves as a prominent focal point in any landscape, drawing the attention of onlookers with its serene beauty.

The beautiful blossoms of ‘Pink Cascade’ emit a sweet, subtle fragrance, attracting a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which contribute to the ecological balance of the garden. This makes it a valuable addition not only aesthetically but also environmentally.

Growing to a moderate height, this prunus variety is versatile and fits well even in smaller gardens where space is a premium. Its green, deciduous leaves create a lush backdrop during the summer, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant blossoms, and turn to delightful shades of orange and red in the fall, adding multi-season interest.

The ‘Pink Cascade’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring standard care like watering, pruning, and occasional feeding. It prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s a symbol of renewal, epitomizing the transient beauty of spring.

Viburnum davidii is a compact, low-growing, mounded evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with leathery, deeply-veined, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, acquiring burgundy tones in winter. Small, white flowers in rounded clusters bloom in spring and are followed by attractive, round, berry-like fruits that change their colour from green to pink to metallic turquoise when ripe. Only female plants produce fruit. Viburnum davidii grows best in average, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. In hot summer climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It’s an evergreen plant but tends to be semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder climates. Male and female plants are separate and female plants need male pollinators to bear fruit. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Viburnum davidii is a wonderful, exotic-looking shrub, perfect for informal hedges, foundation plantings, shrub borders or wall-side borders. Excellent as a ground cover. Suitable for informal and cottage gardens, as well as woodland areas.

Prunus avium, or Wild Cherry, is a medium-sized deciduous cherry tree, with brown bark, silvery when mature, and serrated, dark green leaves, yellow and orange in autumn. The clusters of pure white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by small, glossy, red-purple cherries, edible but a bit bitter, ready for harvesting in summer or autumn. Attractive to bees and birds. Toxic for pets.

Wild Cherry thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, but doesn’t tolerate too wet soils, therefore, good drainage is essential. It can withstand frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Late frosts may damage the flower buds. Needs periodic chemical spraying. Low maintenance plant.

Prunus avium is a nice ornamental tree for large informal, cottage and wildlife gardens, great for beds and borders and wall-side borders.

Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' is a vigorous, dense, vase-shaped, upright, evergreen shrub with oval, leathery, variegated foliage - grayish dark-green leaves with silvery undersides and irregular golden-yellow margins. Small, fragrant, tubular, creamy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by cherry-like, edible fruits. Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' can grow in almost any type of soil, but it prefers average, moist, and well-drained soils, in full sun to partial shade. It can withstand frost, but its shallow roots need to be protected with mulch. It doesn’t like wet conditions. It is tolerant of dry conditions and coastal winds. Fast growing and vigorous. Almost maintenance-free. May become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Elaeagnus x submacrophylla 'Viveleg' is a nice, variegated variety of Silverberry. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or for banks and slopes. Great for informal, cottage, coastal, and wildlife gardens.

Cotoneaster x watereri, often referred to as Waterer's Cotoneaster, is a popular and versatile shrub that has become a cherished addition to many gardens and landscapes in the United Kingdom. This deciduous hybrid shrub is renowned for its attractive appearance, hardiness, and adaptability.

One of the standout features of Cotoneaster x watereri is its elegant form and foliage. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 meters, forming a dense and arching habit. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and glossy green, providing a lush backdrop to its other ornamental features.

One of the most captivating aspects of this shrub is its profusion of flowers and berries. In late spring and early summer, Cotoneaster x watereri bursts into a display of delicate white or pale pink blossoms. These small, star-shaped flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.

As summer progresses into autumn, the shrub transitions into another phase of beauty. It produces an abundance of small, round, and brightly colored berries, typically red or orange. These berries not only add visual interest but also serve as a valuable food source for birds during the colder months, enhancing its ecological significance.

Cotoneaster x watereri is known for its adaptability to various growing conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. It is also remarkably hardy and resistant to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for intensive maintenance.

Maintenance for this shrub is generally straightforward. Pruning can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased branches, but it is often not required. Regular watering during dry spells, especially during its establishment phase, helps ensure its healthy growth.

In conclusion, Cotoneaster x watereri, or Waterer's Cotoneaster, is a cherished shrub in the UK that offers year-round appeal. Its graceful form, glossy foliage, profuse blossoms, and colourful berries make it a versatile and visually pleasing addition to gardens and landscapes. Whether used as a specimen plant, a hedge, or ground cover, this adaptable shrub adds beauty and ecological value to outdoor spaces in the United Kingdom.

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red' is a bold and elegant cultivar of the Norway maple, prized for its deep, rich purple foliage that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. This slow-growing, deciduous tree typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 meters with a spread of 10 to 12 meters, forming a broad, rounded crown. Its glossy, lobed leaves provide dramatic color contrast in gardens, parks, and streetscapes. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear before the leaves, adding subtle seasonal interest. 'Royal Red' is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types and urban conditions, including pollution and drought once established. It is an excellent choice for creating a striking focal point or providing bold, long-lasting color in the landscape.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as bear grass, is an excellent addition to a wide variety of garden styles thanks to its striking form, toughness, and low-maintenance nature. Its long, narrow, arching leaves create a graceful fountain-like shape that adds movement and texture to planting schemes, making it ideal for modern, Mediterranean, gravel, and xeriscape gardens. This plant excels as a standalone focal point or when grouped with other drought-tolerant species to create bold, sculptural displays.

One of its greatest strengths is its resilience. Nolina hibernica thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing impressive tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions once established. This makes it particularly suitable for gardens where water conservation is important or where conditions are too harsh for more delicate plants. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, helping maintain structure through winter when other plants may fade back.

In addition to its environmental tolerance, bear grass requires minimal upkeep. It rarely needs pruning and remains naturally tidy, making it perfect for gardeners seeking impactful yet easy-care plants. Whether used in borders, rock gardens, coastal settings, or contemporary landscapes, Nolina hibernica brings architectural beauty, longevity, and practical reliability to any outdoor space.

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, or Eder ‘Eva’, is a large, upright, deciduous shrub with deeply dissected, lacy, dark purple, almost black, leaves, rich red in autumn, and flattened panicles of tiny, lemon-scented, white to pale pink flowers in summer, followed by edible, purple-black berries in early autumn. Attractive to birds and bees. Elder 'Eva' tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers medium to wet, moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. It grows best in full sun, but can withstand partial shade. Low maintenance, but unpruned plants can become unattractive in appearance. Adaptable to coastal and urban conditions. Tough and resilient plant. Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, with its unusual foliage, and attractive flowers and edible berries, is an excellent landscape plant. It is perfect as an accent shrub or background plant in informal, cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Great for shrub borders and informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is a dense, neat and tidy, evergreen shrub or small tree of compact, rounded to conical habit, with narrow, long, glossy, dark green leaves. Young stems are vivid red. Small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by dark purple berries in autumn. Attractive to pollinators and birds.

Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' is adaptable to a wide range of soils and conditions. It thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, but doesn’t’ like very exposed sites, therefore, needs to be sheltered from strong winds. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Portuguese Laurel 'Angustifolia', differs from the classic variety for its greater density and narrower leaves. It is, therefore, superb for formal hedges. It forms great windbreaks and privacy screens. It reduces noise and pollution. It can be grown as a topiary tree.