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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.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea', commonly known as the golden sweetgum, is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its distinctive golden foliage and ornamental qualities. A cultivar of the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), this tree is prized for its vibrant autumn colours and uniquely lobed, star-shaped leaves that add a bright accent to gardens and landscapes.

Reaching a mature height of approximately 10–15 metres, 'Aurea' develops a pyramidal shape when young, eventually maturing into a more rounded crown. Its foliage emerges in spring with a bright golden hue, creating an eye-catching contrast against its dark grey bark. As the seasons progress, the leaves take on deeper yellow tones, transitioning into shades of amber, orange, and occasionally red in autumn, depending on the climate and soil conditions.

The tree is well-suited to a range of soil types but thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is moderately tolerant of urban pollution, making it a suitable choice for parks, gardens, and avenues. While it is relatively low-maintenance, young specimens benefit from protection against strong winds and cold exposure, as the cultivar is slightly less hardy than the species.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, 'Aurea' occasionally produces the characteristic spiky seed pods typical of the sweetgum species, although in smaller quantities. These provide added interest in winter but may require occasional clearance in more manicured settings.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a medium-sized tree with year-round interest, offering an ever-changing display of colour and form. Its golden tones brighten any landscape, making it a standout feature in larger gardens or mixed planting schemes.

Ostrya carpinifolia, commonly known as the European hop-hornbeam, is a graceful, medium-sized deciduous tree native to southern Europe and western Asia. It typically reaches a mature height of 15 to 20 meters with a spread of 10 to 15 meters. This elegant tree is valued for its attractive, serrated green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and its distinctive hop-like fruit clusters that add seasonal interest. The bark is gray and becomes finely fissured with age, giving it a textured, ornamental appearance. Ostrya carpinifolia thrives in well-drained soils and sunny to partially shaded locations, making it a versatile choice for parks, large gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. It is also drought-tolerant once established and supports local wildlife.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a distinct cultivar of Japanese Maple notable for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms into brilliant shades of fiery red. This deciduous tree has an elegant, rounded form and typically reaches a height and spread of 15-20 feet, making it a spectacular feature in gardens, especially in autumn.

The leaves of 'Osakazuki' are palmate and lobed, displaying a lush green color through spring and summer, before their autumn transformation. These leaves have a uniquely refined texture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season.

Ideal for small gardens, 'Osakazuki' prefers well-drained, moist soils and sheltered locations to protect its delicate foliage from harsh winds. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade, but for the best autumn color, a location with more sunlight is preferable.

This tree is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering, especially in dryer periods, and mulching to maintain soil moisture. Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for a wide range of landscapes. The vivid, extended display of autumn color, coupled with its graceful growth habit, renders 'Osakazuki' a coveted choice among garden enthusiasts.

Laurus nobilis, or Bay Laurel, is a dense, compact, slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree of pyramidal habit, dark grey bark, and aromatic, narrowly ovate, leathery, dark green leaves used in cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Clusters of small, yellowish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by glossy, dark purple, berry-like drupes. Bay Laurel can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, but thrives in fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but doesn’t mind partial shade. It is tolerant of salt, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. In colder climates, it needs to be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Laurus nobilis is a wonderful, long-lived shrub, perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers, great as a topiary, and excellent for hedges and screens. Essential for herb garden.

Castanea sativa, commonly known as the sweet chestnut tree, is a majestic and long-lived species native to Europe and parts of Asia Minor. Belonging to the Fagaceae family, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, with its towering stature and deeply furrowed bark.

The leaves of Castanea sativa are distinctively long and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that give them a rough texture. During the spring and summer, the canopy is adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to spiky green husks containing the prized sweet chestnuts in autumn.

Sweet chestnuts, often referred to simply as "chestnuts," have been a staple food source for centuries, cherished for their rich, nutty flavor and versatile culinary applications. Whether roasted over an open fire, boiled and mashed into a creamy puree, or incorporated into hearty stews and stuffing recipes, chestnuts are celebrated in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the UK.

Beyond their culinary significance, sweet chestnut trees play a vital ecological role, providing habitat and sustenance for a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, such as blue tits and nuthatches, feast on the tree's seeds, while small mammals like squirrels rely on them as a seasonal food source.

Despite their resilience, sweet chestnut trees face threats from various pests and diseases, including chestnut blight and ink disease, which have impacted populations in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these iconic trees and their valuable genetic diversity for future generations to enjoy.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’ is a dwarf version of Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’. It’s an attractive, compact, slow-growing, upright, bushy deciduous shrub with large, rounded, deep wine-red leaves, orange, red, and yellow in autumn. Soft pink to burgundy, feathery flower plumes appear in summer resembling a cloud of pink smoke. Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’ can tolerate a wide range of soils, except too dry or too wet, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. Once established, it can withstand some drought. It is very resistant to frost and even suitable for outside pots. Low maintenance plant, it requires little to no pruning. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Smoke Bush ‘Lilla’ is an unusual and very attractive, ornamental shrub, perfect as a specimen shrub for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for bed and borders, shrub borders, informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Hydrangea paniculata on a clear stem, often referred to as a standard or tree-form hydrangea, is a versatile and elegant choice for a wide range of garden styles. Its distinctive shape features a single, clear trunk topped with a full, rounded canopy of vibrant green leaves and large, conical flower heads. Throughout summer, these blooms emerge in shades of creamy white, gradually maturing to soft pinks or blush tones as the season progresses, providing long-lasting seasonal interest.

This plant is highly suitable for gardens of all sizes because of its compact footprint and vertical emphasis, which make it ideal for smaller spaces or as a focal point in larger borders. It thrives in both modern and traditional settings, fitting seamlessly into formal designs or more relaxed cottage gardens. Its height and form also make it perfect for planting in pots or as a statement feature by entrances, patios, or pathways. Hardy and low-maintenance, it tolerates a variety of soils, enjoys full sun to partial shade, and rewards gardeners with stunning flowers and structure year after year.

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.

Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as jujube or Chinese date, is a species of small deciduous tree native to China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fruit and various medicinal properties. Belonging to the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), this tree is revered not only for its delicious and nutritious fruit but also for its adaptability to diverse climates and soils.

The jujube tree typically grows up to 5 to 12 meters in height, with shiny green leaves and small, fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruit, resembling a small date, ripens in late summer to early autumn, transitioning from green to reddish-brown or mahogany when fully matured. Jujubes are sweet and tangy in taste, with a chewy texture similar to that of dates.

Throughout history, jujubes have held cultural significance in various regions. In traditional Chinese medicine, the fruit and other parts of the tree are believed to possess medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, sedative, and immune-boosting effects. Jujubes are often used to alleviate stress, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being.

Jujubes are a popular ingredient in culinary dishes and beverages. They can be eaten fresh, dried, candied, or cooked into jams, syrups, and desserts. 

Moreover, the jujube tree plays a role in agroforestry systems, as it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion.

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.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Lady in Red’ is an elegant, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture and seasonal colour to the garden. Upright and refined in habit, it produces a dense fountain of narrow, arching green leaves that gradually develop warm red and bronze tones as autumn approaches.

From late summer into autumn, tall flowering stems rise above the foliage, carrying airy, feathery plumes that emerge with a soft reddish tint before maturing to silvery-pink. The flowers catch the light beautifully and move gently in the breeze, making ‘Lady in Red’ an excellent choice for adding structure and movement to borders.

Unlike many larger Miscanthus varieties, ‘Lady in Red’ has a relatively neat and manageable habit, making it particularly useful for modern gardens, mixed borders and smaller planting schemes. It works equally well as a feature plant or planted in groups to create a soft, naturalistic effect.

This versatile grass is happiest in full sun, where it will develop its strongest growth and best flowering, although it will tolerate some light shade. It prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and becomes increasingly drought tolerant once established. Cut the old foliage back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

‘Lady in Red’ provides interest over a long season. Its fresh summer foliage gives way to rich autumn colouring, while the attractive seedheads can be left standing through winter to provide structure and movement when many other plants have died back. The dried flower plumes also offer valuable habitat and cover for wildlife.

A superb choice for cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, contemporary borders and wildlife-friendly schemes, Miscanthus ‘Lady in Red’ combines graceful form with excellent seasonal interest and relatively low maintenance.

Rhododendron 'Marie Fortier' is a graceful, evergreen shrub admired for its elegant habit and early spring blooms, making it a charming addition to gardens of all sizes. It typically grows to around 1.2–1.5 metres in height and spread, forming a compact, rounded shape that provides structure and year-round greenery.

In early spring, ‘Marie Fortier’ produces trusses of delicate, pale pink flowers with soft shading and subtle spotting, creating a gentle and refined display. Its flowers emerge before many other shrubs, offering early-season interest and attracting pollinators such as bees, helping to support garden biodiversity.

This rhododendron thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter and prefers a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled sunlight. It is particularly well suited to woodland-style gardens, shaded borders, or mixed shrub plantings where it can complement other acid-loving species like azaleas, camellias, and heathers.

With its compact size, dependable flowering, and evergreen foliage, ‘Marie Fortier’ works beautifully as a specimen plant or in groupings for massed colour. Its understated charm, early bloom, and low-maintenance growth make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking elegance and seasonal interest.

Acer griseum is a small, oval to rounded, spreading, deciduous tree with upright branching. It is known for its stunning exfoliating copper-orange and reddish-brown bark and beautiful foliage colours. The bark is constantly peeling into thin papery curls revealing new, cinnamon-brown bark which makes it extremely ornamental and attractive. Leaves are dark green above and silvery green with fine hairs beneath. They turn into beautiful shades of orange and red in autumn. Small yellowish flowers are replaced by winged samaras. Acer griseum prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can grow in almost any type of soil, even clay soil. It prefers full sun or part shade and doesn’t tolerate drought. Propagation is difficult because most of its seed is sterile, but at the same time, it will not produce unwanted seedlings. Very attractive tree for small yards, urban gardens, and woodland gardens. Perfect for a front yard accent. An outstanding ornamental tree for all four seasons.

Davidia involucrate is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with broad, pyramidal habit, exfoliating, cinnamon bark, and ovate, red-stalked, heart-shaped, bright green leaves. Small, reddish-purple flower heads have long, oval creamy-white bracts that flutter in the breeze and resemble white doves sitting on a branch or dangling white handkerchiefs. Hence the common name. It flowers in April and May and flowers are followed by greenish-brown fruits.

Davidia involucrate thrives in organically rich, moist, but well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is virtually, pest-free and disease-free. Very resilient and low maintenance. It doesn’t require routine pruning. Must be protected from hard winds. It may take ten years after planting for tree to flower. Davidia involucrate is a stunning specimen landscape tree and a great shade tree, perfect for cottage, informal, and city gardens. It looks great in shrub borders or on patios planted in containers.

The Tamukeyama Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) is a highly regarded cultivar of the laceleaf Japanese maple, celebrated for its graceful, cascading form and exceptional foliage colour. Originating in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries, it is prized both for traditional gardens and as a striking specimen in contemporary landscapes.

This deciduous shrub or small tree typically reaches a height of around 2–3 metres, with a broad, spreading habit that can extend just as wide. Its finely dissected, lace-like leaves are a rich crimson-red in spring, deepening to a vibrant burgundy in summer, and often taking on fiery scarlet tones in autumn before falling. Unlike some other red-leaved Japanese maples, ‘Tamukeyama’ holds its colour remarkably well throughout the warmer months, even in full sun, provided it is adequately watered.

The branches have an elegant, weeping habit, giving the tree a soft, flowing appearance that works beautifully over rock gardens, near ponds, or as a focal point in mixed borders. It is also an excellent choice for growing in large containers, where its form can be appreciated up close.

‘Tamukeyama’ prefers a sheltered position in moist, well-drained soil, ideally with some protection from harsh winds. While it tolerates full sun, partial shade can help preserve leaf quality in particularly hot or exposed sites. It is hardy in most parts of the UK, although young plants benefit from frost protection during severe winters.

With minimal pruning and basic seasonal care, the Tamukeyama Japanese Maple rewards gardeners with year-round interest — delicate new spring growth, summer richness, autumn brilliance, and an intricate branch silhouette in winter. Its enduring beauty and adaptability have ensured its place as one of the most cherished Japanese maple varieties in both private gardens and public landscapes.

Ginkgo biloba Mariken is a dwarf, coniferous, slow-growing, spreading, slightly weeping, deciduous tree with dense, spreading branches and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, bluish green leaves, golden yellow in autumn. Flowers are green and insignificant and are not followed by fruits since the plant is male. Ginkgo biloba Mariken 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, therefore, it will thrive in city environments. Needs to be sheltered from hard winds. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. It transplants and establishes easily. Low maintenance. Ginkgo biloba Mariken, with its globe-shaped form and interesting foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in small gardens, great for beds and borders, as a foundation plant, planted along pathways, or for growing in containers. Suitable for bonsai. Great for small, informal, cottage, rock, or urban gardens.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' Std is a large, deciduous tree with neat, pyramidal, semi-opened crown and smooth, grey bark, not fissured and corky as the species. Its deeply-lobed, maple-like leaves are glossy green and turn golden-yellow, orange, and scarlet red, then burgundy and deep purple, in autumn. Small, inconspicuous flowers are followed by interesting, hard, spiny, rounded, capsules, gum balls, that remain on branches throughout winter. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' Std is an adaptable to various conditions, but prefers nutrient-rich, fertile, slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils, in full sun. It is very resilient, tolerant of drought, heat, salt, urban pollution, even flooding. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' Std, with its beautiful autumn foliage, is a stunning ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or a shade tree in large informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. It is suitable for streets and urban areas but fruit litter may become a problem.

Hesperaloe parviflora, commonly known as red yucca, is an exceptionally adaptable and low-maintenance plant, making it highly suitable for a wide variety of garden settings. Despite its name, it is not a true yucca but a clumping succulent with narrow, arching, evergreen leaves that provide strong architectural interest year-round. Its tall flower spikes, typically bearing coral-red or yellow tubular blooms, appear from late spring through summer and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, adding vibrant life to the garden.

This plant excels in hot, dry conditions and is highly drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscapes, gravel gardens, desert-style plantings, and water-wise landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it tolerates heat, wind, and poor soil remarkably well. Its compact, tidy growth habit also suits modern and minimalist garden designs.

Hesperaloe parviflora is hardy in many climates and can withstand surprisingly low temperatures, making it suitable even for regions with cold winters. It requires very little maintenance—no frequent watering or pruning—and is resistant to deer and most pests. Overall, its toughness, long-lasting blooms, and sculptural form make it a reliable and attractive addition to any garden focused on beauty with minimal effort.

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.