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Acer campestre, or the field maple, a medium-sized deciduous tree, is the UK’s only native maple tree. Its round, dense, bushy crown is asymmetrical and capriciously growing. The branches have corky fissures. The foliage is dark green, turning golden yellow in autumn. Small, yellow-green flowers are followed by winged fruits. Acer campestre is a very adaptable tree. It likes rich and well-drained soil, but also grows well in high pH soils or acid soils. It is tolerant to draught and air pollution and resistant to frost and wind. In its first years, it is very shade tolerant, but subsequently, it requires more light. Apart from growing in woods and hedgerows, it is often planted in broad streets, coastal and industrial areas. It is perfect for medium and large gardens, as a tree or a hedge, and suitable for roof gardens and growing in containers.

Aucuba japonica 'Mr Goldstrike ' is a large, rounded, dense, medium-sized, evergreen shrub. It has glossy, leathery, dark green leaves heavily speckled with yellow. One of the most beautiful aucubas. A male cultivar that serves as a pollinator for nearby female plants. Extremely easy to grow. It pefers neutral to acidic soil, moist and well-drained, but can tolerate any type of soil, except waterlogged. It thrives in full shade or partial shade. It is very adaptable, resistant to frost and air pollution, generally disease-free and pest-free. It is somewhat tolerant to drought and salt. Very adaptable plant to various climate conditions. Aucuba japonica ''Mr Goldstrike ' can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Its lovely evergreen foliage is decorative all year long. If planted in a group, it can create a lush tropical scene. Great for banks and slopes, hedges and screens, and perfect for coastal areas. Suitable for growing in containers and urban gardens.

Sorbus hupehensis, or Hupeh Rowan, is a small, compact, ornamental, deciduous tree, with pinnate, mid-green leaves, vivid red and orange in autumn. Fluffy corymbs of tiny, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are followed by clusters of pink to white berries in autumn which hang on bare branches throughout winter. Attractive to birds and bees. Hupeh Rowan prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and wind, and tolerant of exposed conditions, coastal conditions, and urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require routine pruning. Sorbus hupehensis is a beautiful ornamental tree with great autumn colour and attractive colourful berries. It is perfect as a specimen or accent plant in small cottage, urban or coastal gardens. Excellent for streets and avenues. Suitable for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens.

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.

Pear – Beth (Pyrus communis) is a compact, deciduous fruit tree with oval, green leaves, orange-red in autumn, and small, scented, white flowers with a yellow star in the middle, blooming in spring. Small, conical-shaped fruit with pale-green to golden-yellow skin and creamy-white, juicy flesh is very tasteful and harvested in late summer and early autumn. Pear – Beth grows best in neutral, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. It can withstand cold, but needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Since it’s early-flowering, late frosts may damage flower buds. It needs another cultivar for pollination and requires regular pruning. Generally, pest-free. Attractive to butterflies and birds. Pear – Beth is a great pear tree that produces reliable, regular, and abundant crop of juicy fruit of good quality and sweet flavour. It is suitable for all training forms. Great for informal, cottage, and wildlife gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant.

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.

Prunus 'Okame', Taiwan Cherry 'Okame', is a small, deciduous tree of upright, vase-shaped habit, but becomes more rounded as it matures. Simple, ovate, green leaves turn bronze-red and orange in autumn. Mildly scented, 5-petal, rosy-pink flowers with red calyces bloom in profusion in early spring on bare branches before the leaves emerge, creating a beautiful display. Attractive to birds and bees. Prunus 'Okame' grows best in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is resistant to heat and cold. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. May suffer from a large number of pests and diseases. Cherry 'Okame' is a beautiful ornamental tree, perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Stunning as a specimen plant or planted in small groups. Great choice for public areas, streets or parks.

Photinia x fraseri 'Atropurpurea Nana' is an ornamental, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, oval, glossy dark green leaves, bright red when young. Inconspicuous, small, creamy-white flowers bloom in April and May are sometimes followed by bright red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri 'Atropurpurea Nana' grows best in average, fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soils, except waterlogged and compact. Once established, it is resistant of frost and drought. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts, therefore it should be sheltered, especially from harsh winds. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. Photinia x fraseri 'Atropurpurea Nana' is a lovely, colourful shrub, great as a specimen or accent plant, perfect for informal hedges and screens useful for noise reduction or wind protection. Excellent for cottage and urban gardens.

The 'Stella' cherry is a highly popular, self-fertile sweet cherry variety, renowned for its adaptability to various soil types and climates, making it a favorable choice for a range of environments. A half-standard 'Stella' denotes a specific tree form, with a clear stem/trunk beneath a bushy, well-branched crown, typically reaching heights of about 10-15 feet.

Originating from Canada, the 'Stella' cherry tree produces luscious, dark-red to almost black, heart-shaped fruits, known for their succulent, sweet, and rich flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. The fruits generally mature around mid-summer, attracting gardeners keen on early harvests.

Apart from its culinary virtues, 'Stella' serves an ornamental purpose, exhibiting beautiful white blossoms in spring that are a feast to the eyes, contributing to the aesthetic value of gardens. This cherry variety is particularly suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces due to its compact growth habit.

Being self-fertile means 'Stella' does not require another tree for pollination, which simplifies orchard management and enhances its appeal for home gardeners. However, planting it with other varieties can potentially improve fruit yield and quality. Care considerations include regular watering, pruning, and monitoring for pests and diseases.

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Palm) multi stem is a striking evergreen architectural plant that brings bold structure and an exotic feel to gardens throughout the year. Forming several sturdy trunks topped with fountains of long, narrow, sword-like green leaves, it creates impressive height, movement, and texture while maintaining a clean, sculptural appearance. The multi stem form offers extra character and maturity, giving a fuller, more dramatic silhouette than single-trunk specimens.

Ideal as a focal point in contemporary, coastal, Mediterranean, or urban gardens, it thrives in borders, gravel gardens, courtyards, and large containers. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, while mature plants may produce large sprays of fragrant creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by decorative berries. Cordyline australis performs best in full sun or light shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it is tolerant of wind, salt air, and periods of drought, making it particularly useful for exposed or seaside locations.

Low maintenance and easy to grow, it requires little pruning beyond removing old leaves. In colder areas, some winter protection may be beneficial. Cordyline australis multi stem is perfect for adding lasting height, drama, and tropical elegance to any outdoor space.

 

Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is an elegant ornamental flowering cherry highly valued for extending seasonal interest in the garden. This small deciduous tree or large shrub produces delicate semi-double pale pink to white blossoms intermittently from late autumn through mild winter periods and into early spring, bringing welcome colour when little else is flowering. Its graceful branching structure and light green foliage, which turns warm yellow and bronze in autumn, add further ornamental appeal.

Ideal for medium and larger gardens, it suits lawns, cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly planting schemes, and Japanese-inspired landscapes. Its relatively compact habit makes it suitable for urban gardens where space is limited compared with larger cherry varieties. Best planted in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, it thrives in full sun or light partial shade and benefits from a sheltered position protected from harsh winds.

Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ also attracts early pollinators during mild winter spells, making it valuable for biodiversity. Its graceful form and unusual flowering season create a striking focal point throughout the colder months.

Parrotia persica 'Persian Spire' is a striking, compact tree known for its elegant, columnar form and vibrant seasonal colors. Ideal for small gardens, this deciduous beauty grows up to 6 meters (20 feet) tall but stays slender, reaching only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in width. Its glossy, green leaves emerge with a hint of purple in spring, transitioning to lush green in summer, and then burst into fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In late winter, small clusters of red, petal-less flowers add subtle charm before the foliage appears.

'Persian Spire' is hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. This Parrotia cultivar is drought-tolerant once established, and its upright form makes it perfect for narrow spaces, urban landscapes, and focal points in mixed borders, adding year-round interest and vibrant color.

Cornus alba 'Gouchaultii' is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub with narrow, upright stems, bright red in winter, and variegated green leaves with yellow margins flushed with pink, turning red-purple in autumn. Tiny yellowish-white flowers in flat-topped clusters bloom in late spring, sometimes again during the summer. Flowers are followed by ornamental, blue-tinged, white berries in autumn. Cornus alba 'Gouchaultii' can tolerate a wide range of soils, even wet, dry, and poor, but prefers fertile, organically rich, consistently moist, well drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, resistant to drought. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance, doesn’t require, but benefits from pruning. Tatarian Dogwood 'Gouchaultii' is perfect when planted in masses and its vivid red stems look stunning in winter landscape. Also appreciated for its attractive foliage and ornamental berries. Great for shrub borders, informal hedges and screens, or foundation plantings. Excellent for banks and slopes and erosion control.

Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ is a lovely, small, tidy, clump-forming, mounded perennial with thick, heart-shaped, nearly round, blue-green leaves, resembling the shape of mouse ears. Bell-shaped, lavender flowers bloom on pale green flower scapes rising above the foliage in mid-summer. Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ prefers organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture. Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant, resilient to urban pollution. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’ is an adorable, little hosta with cute bluish-green leaves, perfect for miniature, rock and pebble, or shade gardens. Great as a groundcover, for mixed beds and borders, garden edging, under-planting of roses and shrubs, or for growing in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' is a large, vigorous, fast-growing, coniferous, evergreen tree with upright, columnar habit with dense branching from the ground. As the plant matures, the habit becomes more broad. Flattened sprays of scale-like leaves are green with golden-yellow tips and bronze tone in winter. The colours do not fade, but stay bright and nice all year round.

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' thrives on a variety of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. It is resilient to frost, urban pollution and spray salt, therefore, suitable for growing in cities and in coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold' is popular for its golden foliage and fast growth. It looks very attractive as a specimen plant, but is mostly used for informal and formal hedges and privacy screens. Leylandii hedges are not only attractive but also ideal for noise reduction and wind protection.

The Prunus 'First Blush' is an ornamental cherry tree, admired for its stunning springtime display of delicate pink flowers. This compact deciduous tree typically reaches a height and spread of around 4 to 6 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens and spaces. Its upright, vase-like shape adds a graceful structure to the landscape, while its elegant branches create a soft, airy canopy.

In early spring, Prunus 'First Blush' comes to life with a profusion of pale pink blossoms. These flowers, initially deep pink in bud, open to reveal soft, blush-pink petals, creating a delightful contrast against the tree’s emerging bright green foliage. The flowers are small but numerous, covering the tree in a cloud of colour, which attracts pollinators such as bees. As the blossoms fade, they give way to simple, ovate leaves that turn to warm shades of yellow and orange in autumn, offering seasonal interest beyond its spring show.

This tree is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location, where it can receive adequate light to produce its best display of flowers. The Prunus 'First Blush' is also reasonably hardy and can tolerate cold weather, making it well-suited to the UK climate.

A delightful feature tree, Prunus 'First Blush' adds both beauty and structure to any garden, creating a focal point with its changing seasonal colours and delicate springtime flowers.

Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard' is a stunning, evergreen perennial that adds architectural flair to any garden or landscape. This hardy, drought-tolerant succulent is known for its dramatic, sword-like leaves featuring bold green edges and brilliant yellow centers. The foliage remains vibrant year-round, with a subtle reddish-pink hue developing in cooler months, offering seasonal interest. During summer, 'Color Guard' produces tall flower spikes adorned with cascading, fragrant, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Reaching up to 3 feet in height and width, this versatile plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and coastal landscapes, Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard' delivers low-maintenance beauty with a tropical feel, even in temperate climates.

Nolina hibernica, commonly known as beargrass, 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, beargrass 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.

Vitis Vinifera Gnarled Grape Vine is a deciduous, woody, tendril, climbing grape vine with attractive gnarled trunk, deeply-lobed, toothed, bright green leaves, panicles of tiny greenish flowers, and purple clusters of edible grapes. This species has many cultivars selected either for fruits or ornamental qualities. Vitis Vinifera Gnarled Grape Vine prefers fertile, deep, loamy, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils, but can tolerate sand or clay if the drainage is good. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is somewhat resistant to drought. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winter winds. The best location would be sunny south-facing slope. It needs good air circulation and a strong support system. High maintenance plant that requires regular pruning. Vitis Vinifera Gnarled Grape Vine is primarily grown for its fruit that can be eaten fresh, cooked or used for making wine. Since it is a climber, it looks great when grown on fences, walls, trellises and arbours and can provide shade and screening.