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Olea Europea is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants with Mediterranean origin. It’s a wonderful, slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree of very attractive habit and spreading crown, with gnarled, twisted trunk and silvery foliage. The elliptic leaves are grey-green, silvery underneath. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers are followed by small, olive-rich, plum-like fruits, harvested when they are green or purple. Fruits are not edible directly from the tree, but after a special treatment. Common Olive grows best in fertile, loamy, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It thrives in warm climates. If grown in colder areas, it should be planted in containers and brought inside during the winter. Generally, disease-free. Olea Europea is mostly grown for its tasteful fruits, but it is also an attractive-looking addition to urban, coastal, Mediterranean, or rock and gravel gardens. It is suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Acer platanoides 'Emerald Queen' is a robust and fast-growing cultivar of the Norway maple, widely valued for its adaptability, dense canopy, and year-round visual appeal. This deciduous tree typically reaches heights of 40 to 50 feet with a broad, symmetrical crown that provides excellent shade, making it a popular choice for streetscapes, parks, and large gardens.

Its glossy, dark green leaves create a lush summer display and turn a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn, offering striking seasonal interest. 'Emerald Queen' is tolerant of urban conditions, including air pollution, compacted soils, and drought once established, making it ideal for city planting. It also requires minimal maintenance and is relatively pest-resistant.

This cultivar prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Acer platanoides 'Emerald Queen' is perfect for those seeking a hardy, attractive shade tree with strong structure and reliable performance throughout the seasons.

Alnus rubra, commonly known as red alder, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is easily recognized by its smooth, gray bark and broad, ovate leaves with serrated edges that turn yellow in the fall. Red alder typically grows 40 to 80 feet tall and thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often along rivers, streams, and in disturbed areas. One of its most notable ecological traits is its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules. This natural enrichment improves soil fertility and supports forest regeneration, making it an important pioneer species in reforestation and ecological restoration projects. Red alder also provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. In addition to its ecological value, its light-colored wood is used in furniture, cabinetry, and paper production due to its workability and smooth finish.

Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a medium-sized, narrowly upright, conical, ornamental pear tree with glossy, dark green leaves, vivid red in autumn, a profusion of lovely, white flowers blooming in spring, and occasionally, small, brown fruit in autumn. Attractive to bees and birds. Callery Pear 'Chanticleer' is adaptable to a wide range of soil, including heavy clay, but prefers fertile, loamy, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought, frost, and wind. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Generally, pest-free. Easy to grow. Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' is a beautiful, tough ornamental tree, one of the best ornamental pears for autumn colour. Great as a specimen plant or small shade tree. Excellent for avenues and narrow streets, as well as industrial areas. Suitable for growing in containers. Because of its wind resistance, good for coastal areas and roof gardens.

Dryopteris affinis 'The King', is a handsome and distinctive evergreen fern valued for its strong structure and attractively crested fronds. It belongs to the golden male fern group and is particularly appreciated for the decorative tips that give the plant an elegant yet slightly unusual appearance.

This fern forms a substantial clump of arching fronds that emerge from a central crown. Each frond is a rich, glossy green and can reach around 60–120 cm in length, creating a bold, architectural presence in shaded areas of the garden. The defining feature of this cultivar lies in the crested ends of the fronds and pinnae, where the leaflets divide into small tufted or tasselled tips. These crests give the plant a softly ruffled outline and add a layer of visual interest compared with standard forms of the species.

As an evergreen fern, it provides year-round structure and foliage in suitable conditions. Fresh new fronds unfurl in spring, often appearing slightly lighter green before deepening in colour as they mature. Older fronds can remain attractive through winter, though some gardeners choose to remove any tired foliage in early spring to allow the new growth to be seen clearly.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is particularly well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalistic planting schemes where its bold texture contrasts beautifully with finer foliage plants. It combines well with hostas, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials, helping to create layered planting with varied forms and textures.

This fern is generally hardy and reliable in the UK climate, requiring little maintenance once established. Its robust habit, evergreen character and distinctive crested fronds make it a valuable structural plant for shaded garden spaces.

Overall, Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ is admired for its durability, ornamental foliage and ability to bring year-round interest and texture to sheltered, shady areas of the garden

Acer palmatum 'Oridono Nishiki' is a highly decorative Japanese maple prized for its distinctive variegated foliage and elegant garden presence. In spring, the leaves emerge in a soft blend of cream, green and blush pink, often with irregular marbling and speckling that makes each leaf unique. As the season progresses, the pink tones may soften, while the creamy variegation remains prominent against fresh green, creating a luminous, almost dappled effect in the canopy.

Its naturally upright yet gently spreading habit gives it a graceful structure, making it a superb focal point in smaller gardens, courtyard spaces and mixed borders. The fine branching adds to its refined appearance, particularly in winter when the framework is revealed.

In autumn, Acer palmatum 'Oridono Nishiki' typically transforms into warm shades of gold, orange and red, providing a final burst of seasonal colour. It prefers a sheltered position in partial shade, protected from harsh winds and strong afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Best grown in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, it performs beautifully in both containers and garden planting schemes, offering year-round ornamental interest and exceptional foliage detail.

Trachycarpus fortune, or Chinese Windmill Palm, is a dioecious, evergreen palm tree with a stout trunk covered with hairy, black fibres from old leaf sheaths, and deeply divided, fan-shaped, dark green leaves. Large, dropping panicles of small, light yellow flowers bloom in summer and are followed by dark blue fruits on female plants. Chinese Windmill Palm grows best in rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade to full sun and locations sheltered from cold, drying winds and winter frosts. Plant crown may need protection. Of all the trunked palms, this one has the best winter hardiness. Drought tolerant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very easy to grow. Trachycarpus fortune is an excellent palm tree, perfect for bringing tropical vibes into the landscape. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Suitable for growing in large containers and brought inside in very cold climates.

Tilia henryana, commonly known as Henry’s lime, is an elegant and distinctive deciduous tree valued for its refined form, ornamental foliage, and late-season flowers. Native to central China, it was introduced to Britain in the late nineteenth century and has since become a prized specimen in gardens, arboreta, and parkland where space allows.

The most striking feature of Tilia henryana is its leaves. They are heart-shaped and mid to dark green, with sharply serrated margins that are noticeably bristle-tipped, giving the foliage a finely textured and slightly spiky appearance. This characteristic sets it apart from other limes and adds visual interest throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves turn an attractive yellow, providing a soft seasonal display before leaf fall.

The tree typically develops a broadly conical to rounded crown and can reach heights of 10–15 metres in cultivation in the UK, often smaller than many other Tilia species. Its bark is smooth and grey when young, becoming lightly fissured with age. The overall habit is neat and balanced, making it suitable as a specimen tree rather than for formal avenues.

Flowering occurs in late summer, usually in August, later than most other limes. The small, creamy-white flowers are borne in loose clusters accompanied by pale green bracts. They are lightly fragrant and extremely attractive to bees and other pollinators, extending the nectar season well into the summer. Following flowering, small, rounded nutlets may form.

Tilia henryana prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils and grows best in full sun or light shade. It is hardy in most parts of the UK and relatively free from serious pests or diseases. Its combination of unusual foliage, manageable size, and late flowering makes it an excellent choice for ornamental planting and biodiversity-friendly landscapes.

Butia capitata, commonly known as the Jelly Palm, is a beautiful palm tree that is frequently used in landscaping for its ornamental value. This palm is native to Brazil and Uruguay and has a very distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify.

The most striking feature of the Butia capitata is its blue-gray or silver-green trunk. Unlike many other palm trees, the trunk is covered in old leaf bases that give it a rough, textured appearance. As the palm matures, the base of the trunk gradually changes from a gray to a brown color, adding to its unique character.

Butia capitata is also known for its lush foliage. The leaves are feather-like, pinnate, and can grow up to 8 feet long. They grow in a V-shape around the trunk, giving the palm a stunning, symmetrical look. In spring, small, yellowish flowers bloom from the palm's crown. The flowers give way to edible fruit, which are known as "jelly palms," as they are sweet and commonly used to make jellies and jams.

This palm tree is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers full sun but can handle some shade and is tolerant of drought and heat.

In addition to its stunning visual appeal, Butia capitata is also considered to be a "clean" palm tree. Unlike some other palm species, it is not prone to diseases or pests and requires little maintenance to keep it healthy.

In summary, Butia capitata is an excellent choice for adding texture, color, and character to any outdoor garden. It's a low-maintenance plant that offers an appealing aesthetic and is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides is a vigorous, evergreen climber, with twining stems, oval, glossy, dark green leaves, bronze purple when they emerge, bronze-red in winter. Clusters of lovely, very fragrant, star-shaped, white to creamy flowers bloom in summer. Star jasmine grows best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade and most soils and conditions. It thrives in a south-facing positions. Once established, it is tolerant of drought. It needs to be protected from cold, drying winds. It should be provided a strong support and pruned to promote bushy growth. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. Very easy to grow and maintain. Ideal for beginners. Trachelospermum Jasminoides, with is highly fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage, is a beautiful vine suitable for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. It is perfect as a ground cover or low clipped hedge. Excellent for covering walls, fences, pergolas, arbours and trellises. Great for planting in pots.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta is a compact, dense, fast-growing, evergreen shrub with colourful twigs and branches – colours range from orange-brown, honey to sandy yellow. Leathery, glossy dark green leaves have silver undersides. Flowers are small, creamy, inconspicuous, but have nice, sweet fragrance. They bloom from late summer to autumn and are followed by deep red, edible fruit.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta can grow in wide varieties of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it can withstand drought, wind, and salt spray. In very cold climates, its shallow roots should be protected from frost. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance.

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta, with its compact habit and lovely silvery-green foliage, is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban or coastal. It is perfect as a background plant, for hedges and screens, in shrub borders, or planted in containers.

Sciadopitys verticillata, commonly referred to as the Japanese umbrella pine, is a distinct and architecturally striking evergreen conifer. Native to Japan, this tree is prized for its unique appearance, featuring glossy, dark green needles that radiate around its branches resembling the spokes of an umbrella. The needles are thick and leathery, arranged in whorls that contribute to the plant’s dense, sculptural form.

Growing slowly, the Japanese umbrella pine eventually reaches an ultimate height of about 15-20 meters in the UK, making it a magnificent specimen tree in larger gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers a sheltered position to protect it from harsh winds. Partial shade to full sun is ideal for its growth.

In British gardens, Sciadopitys verticillata is often used as a focal point due to its rare and exotic appearance. Its resilience and year-round beauty also make it a popular choice for ornamental planting.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is a beautiful, robust, spreading, upright, rounded, deciduous shrub with oval, yellow-green leaves, red in autumn. Large, conical, panicles of mostly sterile flowers change colour as they mature – they emerge lime green, turn creamy white in late summer with pink flush in autumn. Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' will adapt to most soil types, but prefers humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It likes full sun with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Very resistant to frost, one of the most winter hardy of all hydrangeas. Tolerant of urban pollution. It can withstand heat, humidity and sea salt, therefore suitable for coastal areas. Low maintenance plant, requires minimal pruning. 'Limelight' Hydrangea is an extremely popular, very attractive, easy to grow, long-blooming shrub, suitable for every garden – cottage, urban, woodland, or coastal. Excellent as a specimen plant or planted in groups along the walls and fences. Great for informal hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is a medium-sized, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with lovely, variegated foliage. Broad, oval, glossy leaves are light green when young and dark green when mature, with broad golden-yellow margins. Flowers are small, inconspicuous, greenish and bloom in summer. Sometimes, they are followed by pink fruit in autumn. Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade, but is adaptable to various types of soils, except extremely wet. It is very tough and resilient, tolerant of heat, cold, salt, wind, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant and easy to grow. Great for shady garden corners. This small, adaptable plant is a great addition to any garden – informal, cottage, urban, or coastal. It is perfect as a ground cover, for shrub borders and mixed borders, hedges and screens. It is easy to shape and can be formed into a nice topiary. Suitable for growing in containers.

Acacia dealbata is a striking choice for gardens seeking early colour and light, airy structure. Its greatest appeal lies in its profusion of bright, fragrant yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, bringing life and scent to the garden when little else is in bloom. The finely divided, silvery-blue foliage adds softness and contrast, pairing beautifully with darker evergreens and architectural plants.

In the UK, it is best suited to mild, sheltered gardens, particularly in coastal or southern areas. Protection from cold winds and hard frost is essential, as temperatures below -5°C can damage or kill the plant. A sunny position with free-draining soil is crucial, as it dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Due to its fast growth, it can quickly become a small tree, making it ideal as a specimen plant or focal point. However, it may require pruning to manage size and shape. With the right conditions, it brings a touch of Mediterranean character and valuable winter interest to the garden.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 400 cm tall, is an ideal choice for gardens needing elegant structure and effective screening. This evergreen tree features a dense, rounded crown elevated on a clear stem, creating a formal, lollipop-shaped standard that brings height and architectural interest to the landscape. The variegated foliage—glossy green leaves edged in creamy white—adds year-round brightness and contrast, making it visually appealing in all seasons.

Well-suited to urban and suburban gardens, this Ligustrum tolerates pollution, pruning, and a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. In summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries which add further seasonal interest.

Its dense canopy makes it excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in formal garden designs. Whether used in rows along boundaries or as standalone specimens in courtyards and patios, Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard trees provide reliable structure, year-round colour, and an elegant solution for screening and ornamental planting.

Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard, at approximately 400 cm tall, is an ideal choice for gardens needing elegant structure and effective screening. This evergreen tree features a dense, rounded crown elevated on a clear stem, creating a formal, lollipop-shaped standard that brings height and architectural interest to the landscape. The variegated foliage—glossy green leaves edged in creamy white—adds year-round brightness and contrast, making it visually appealing in all seasons.

Well-suited to urban and suburban gardens, this Ligustrum tolerates pollution, pruning, and a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. In summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries which add further seasonal interest.

Its dense canopy makes it excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in formal garden designs. Whether used in rows along boundaries or as standalone specimens in courtyards and patios, Ligustrum lucidum 'Variegatum' Standard trees provide reliable structure, year-round color, and an elegant solution for screening and ornamental planting.

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.

Ilex Cornuta 'Furcata', commonly known as Chinese Holly, is an evergreen shrub with a unique and eye-catching appearance. This particular variety has been meticulously shaped into a cone, standing at an impressive height of approximately 170 cm. Its distinctive feature lies in its leaves, which are a deep, glossy green and possess a singular beauty. Each leaf boasts a unique forked shape, with prominent spines that add an intriguing textural element to the plant.

This conical form of Ilex Cornuta 'Furcata' makes it a stunning focal point in any garden setting. It's perfectly suited for formal garden designs or as an elegant accent in a more casual landscape. The plant thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it versatile in terms of placement. Additionally, it's known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

The dense foliage provides excellent year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden. In winter, the rich green leaves contrast beautifully with snowy landscapes, while in warmer seasons, they provide lush, vibrant greenery. The Ilex Cornuta 'Furcata' is also an excellent choice for those looking to create privacy screens or hedges, as its thick foliage offers substantial coverage.

Overall, this conical Chinese Holly is a hardy, versatile plant that brings structure, elegance, and a touch of the exotic to any garden.

Taxus baccata, or Common Yew, is a long-lived, medium-sized, bushy evergreen tree of pyramidal habit, with leathery, flat-needled, light to dark green foliage. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by very ornamental, red, berry-like fruits on female plants in autumn. Fruits are attractive to birds. Common Yew grows best in evenly moist, fertile, sandy, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained. It is tolerant of full shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It doesn’t like temperature extremes, and need protection from harsh winter winds. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning, but can be trimmed in various shapes. Taxus bacca is a tough and resilient plant suitable for various conditions, one of the best conifers for shady areas. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great for foundation plantings or topiaries.