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Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' is a cultivar of Laburnum x watereri and the best known Laburnum. It’s an attractive, large, deciduous shrub or small tree of bushy, spreading, capricious growing habit, vase-shaped crown, and glossy, deep-green leaves. Spectacular, long, dropping clusters of slightly scented, pea-like, golden yellow flowers bloom in spring, and are followed by attractive bean-like pods.

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' thrives in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It likes full sun, but in hot areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It doesn’t like heat and humidity, but is tolerant of frost, winds, urban conditions, and de-icing salt. Its roots can sometimes be badly anchored. A very tough and hardy plant. All parts of the palnt are toxic to humans and animals. This stunning shrub with its rich, dense, golden yellow flower clusters resembling golden chains, is great as a specimen plant, but can also be trained for arbours and pergolas.

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.

Betula utilis Snow Queen is one of the most popular varieties of birch trees. It’s a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a pyramid-shaped crown and ascending branches. Its snowy white exfoliating bark is stunning all year round. It is very similar to Betula jacquemontii except it gets its shinny white bark earlier in its life. Its leaves are ovate, dark green, turning bright yellow in autumn. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and appear in dropping catkins, while female are greenish and appear in upright catkins. Betula utilis Snow Queen can grow in any type of soil, even sand or clay, as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It does best in cool northern climates. Does not tolerate heat and humidity. Himalayan Birch Snow Queen, with its highly ornamental white peeling bark, is an exceptional tree, perfect as a specimen plant or in beds and borders. Great for cottage and urban gardens.

Acer rubrum 'Redpointe' ('Frank Junior') is medium-sized, fast-growing, upright, oval to pyramidal, vigorous, deciduous tree. It has palmate, lobed, glossy dark green leaves that become beautifully vivid bright red in autumn. Red flowers in small umbrellas show up in March and are followed by winged nuts, samaras, in autumn. Perfect as a large specimen or shade tree, nice-looking when planted in groups.

Redpointe Red Maple is an American variety of red maple cultivated for planting in cities as street or park trees. It prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In calcareous soil, it will stagnate and its autumn colour will be less intense. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Resistant to frost, moderately to winds, it doesn’t like salt and sea winds, therefore, it is not suitable for coasts. It was developed and introduced to market by Keith S. Warren from J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. nursery in Oregon, USA.

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.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a compact, rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub with purple to black branches, and small, ovate, wavy-margined, dark green leaves with white centres, light golden-green when young. Small, fragrant, dark maroon flowers bloom in spring, and though inconspicuous, they have a beautiful sweet fragrance. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ grows well in a wide range of soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can withstand some cold, but needs to be sheltered from cold, drying, winds. It is tolerant of heat, salt and urban pollution. Generally, disease-free. Low maintenance plant. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’ is a lovely, vivid, luminous shrub, very good-looking in gravel gardens or on patios, in pots and containers. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens, and perfect for bringing brightness and colour into winter gardens. In colder areas, it needs to be brought inside during the winter.

The Olive Tree is an evergreen tree, grown here as a half standard with a clear stem leading to a rounded, bushy head of foliage. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are grey-green above and silvery beneath, giving the canopy a soft, shimmering appearance that moves attractively in the breeze. The gnarled, textured bark and characteristically twisted branch structure add year-round interest, making it a distinctive feature even in winter when many other trees are bare. During early summer, small, creamy-white flowers appear in clusters along the branches. These are followed, in warmer climates or favourable seasons, by small green fruits that ripen to a deep purple-black if left on the tree, though fruiting in the UK is often limited due to cooler summers. The Olive Tree is well suited to sunny, sheltered positions and performs particularly well in free-draining soils, including sandy or stony ground. It has good tolerance of coastal conditions, withstanding salt-laden winds, and is a popular choice for Mediterranean-style planting schemes, patios, and large containers. Once established, it copes well with periods of drought, making it a resilient and low-maintenance choice for gardens with well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine.

Vitex agnus-castus 'Latifolia', commonly known as the Chaste Tree, is a deciduous shrub valued for its aromatic, palmate leaves composed of five to seven narrow leaflets, broader than those of the species type. The foliage is a soft grey-green, providing an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season. This shrub produces upright spikes of lilac-blue flowers from late summer into early autumn, offering a valuable late-season display when many other shrubs have finished flowering. The blooms are held on the current year's growth and appear in dense, elongated panicles that stand out against the foliage. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making this shrub a useful addition for gardens aiming to support pollinator activity during the later months of the year when nectar sources can be scarce. Vitex agnus-castus 'Latifolia' thrives in a warm, sunny, sheltered position and benefits from free-draining soil. It is well suited to coastal gardens, tolerating salt-laden winds, and performs best in areas with hot summers to ripen the wood and encourage reliable flowering. This makes it a good choice for south-facing borders or against a warm wall in cooler climates.

Daphne transatlantica Eternal Fragrance is a stunning evergreen shrub that is highly prized for its intoxicating scent and attractive appearance. This plant is a hybrid of two different daphne species, which makes it unique in its own way. It was created by Robin White of Blackthorn Nursery in the UK. This plant typically grows to a height of around 3 to 4 feet and spreads up to 4 to 5 feet wide. The leaves are a glossy dark green, and the flowers are produced in clusters at the end of the stems. The blooms are small and pale pink, with a delicate fragrance that is reminiscent of vanilla and honey. The plant flowers continuously from April to October, providing an endless supply of delightful blooms. Daphne transatlantica Eternal Fragrance is easy to grow and care for, and it prefers a well-draining soil in partial shade. It is hardy down to USDA zone 7 and can be grown in a variety of climates. It is also deer-resistant, making it a great option for gardeners who live in areas with a lot of wildlife. This plant is perfect for a variety of garden settings, including mixed borders, woodland gardens, and cottage gardens. It can also be grown in a container and placed on a patio or balcony, where its fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

The English Oak is a large deciduous tree, well known for its longevity and imposing presence in the landscape. As a feathered specimen, it retains branches down to ground level, giving a naturally full and informal silhouette rather than the clear stem seen in standard forms. This growth habit creates a dense, rounded crown from an early age, providing excellent screening and structural interest as the tree matures. The foliage consists of deeply lobed, dark green leaves with a distinctive rounded shape, turning attractive shades of yellow-brown before falling in autumn. In spring, yellow-green catkins appear alongside the emerging leaves, followed later in the year by the familiar acorns held in shallow cups, a feature that adds seasonal interest and value. This tree is of significant benefit to wildlife, supporting an exceptionally wide range of insects, birds and mammals. Acorns provide a valuable autumn food source for birds and small mammals, while the dense canopy and rough bark offer habitat and shelter for numerous invertebrate species. Its long-term ecological value makes it one of the most important native trees for biodiversity in the British landscape. English Oak is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types including heavy clay and loamy soils, and performs well in both open and semi-shaded positions.

Dappled willow is a deciduous tree with a bushy, compact growth habit, making it a popular choice for smaller gardens or as a striking focal point. Its most distinctive feature is the variegated foliage, which emerges in spring with a vibrant pink and white tinge on young growth, gradually maturing to green and cream variegated leaves as the season progresses. This colour transition gives the tree a constantly changing appearance throughout the growing season. The dense, twiggy growth habit creates a rounded, bushy form that responds well to pruning, allowing it to be shaped and maintained at a manageable size. New growth, which produces the most vivid pink colouration, can be encouraged through regular pruning, particularly in late winter or early spring. This tree is particularly attractive during spring and early summer when the pink-tinged new foliage is at its most pronounced, providing colour and interest before settling into its green and white variegated summer appearance. Dappled willow performs well in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a range of conditions, including slightly wet or boggy areas, making it suitable for planting near ponds or in areas with damp soil.

Red Yucca is an evergreen perennial forming a dense, architectural clump of narrow, strap-like leaves that arch outward from a central base, creating a grass-like, fountain shape reminiscent of Mediterranean planting schemes. The foliage is a striking blue-green colour, with fine curling fibres often appearing along the leaf margins, adding textural interest throughout the year. During late spring through to autumn, tall, slender flower spikes emerge well above the foliage, bearing tubular, coral-pink to red blooms. These flowers appear in succession over an extended period, providing colour and vertical interest against the low, spiky foliage mound below. The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and various pollinating insects, making this plant a valuable addition for those wishing to support garden wildlife. Bees are also drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. Red Yucca is highly drought-tolerant once established and performs well in poor, sandy or rocky soils where many other plants would struggle. It is well suited to coastal gardens, being tolerant of salt-laden winds, and thrives in free-draining conditions. This plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance borders, and works well as a structural focal point or when planted in groups for a naturalistic, drought-resistant display.

Olive is an evergreen tree valued for its distinctive silvery-grey, narrow leaves that provide year-round interest. Grown here as a Quarter Standard, it has a short clear stem beneath a rounded, slightly gnarled canopy, giving it a characterful, sculptural form well suited to patios, courtyards and Mediterranean-style planting schemes. The foliage remains attractive throughout the seasons, with the leaves showing a soft grey-green colour on top and a silvery underside that catches the light and moves gently in the breeze. In summer, small creamy-white flowers appear in loose clusters, followed in warmer, sunnier conditions by small green fruits that ripen to a dark purple-black if left on the tree. Olive trees are slow-growing and long-lived, developing an increasingly characterful, twisted trunk with age. They are well suited to free-draining soils and thrive in sheltered, sunny positions, making them ideal for coastal gardens where they can tolerate salt-laden winds. They also perform well in containers, allowing flexibility for patio or courtyard display. This tree offers a low-maintenance option for those seeking structural evergreen planting with a distinctive Mediterranean character, suited to both formal and informal garden designs.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘François Treyve’ is an outstanding evergreen standard tree, valued for its bold foliage, elegant form, and spectacular summer flowers. Trained on a clear stem, it develops a dense, rounded crown of large, glossy, dark green leaves with attractive rich brown, felted undersides, providing year-round structure and colour. From early to mid-summer, it produces impressive, creamy-white, cup-shaped blooms with a powerful, sweet fragrance, creating a striking focal point and adding a touch of Mediterranean character to the garden.

This variety is more compact and hardier than many evergreen magnolias, making it particularly suitable for gardens in cooler climates. It thrives in a sheltered, sunny to lightly shaded position in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is ideal for patios, lawns, entranceways, and formal plantings. The standard form allows light to filter beneath the canopy, enabling underplanting with shade-tolerant shrubs or perennials. Requiring minimal pruning and offering excellent wind tolerance once established, Magnolia ‘François Treyve’ is a long-lived, low-maintenance tree that delivers year-round interest, fragrance, and architectural elegance.

Abutilon megapotamicum is a charming addition to gardens, valued for its long-lasting, bell-shaped flowers and graceful, trailing growth. It is well-suited for borders, trellises, or container planting, where it can cascade attractively. Best grown in a sheltered, sunny position, it thrives with plenty of light but benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Abutilon prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix enriched with organic matter like compost is ideal. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Protection from strong winds is recommended, as the branches are soft and may snap.

In cooler areas, it should be placed in a frost-free spot or overwintered indoors, as it is only hardy down to around -5°C. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional feeding will encourage continuous flowering and healthy growth throughout the season.

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.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’, commonly known as the corkscrew willow, is a distinctive deciduous tree admired for its dramatic, contorted form. Its most striking feature is the twisting, spiralling branches and stems, which create year-round architectural interest, particularly in winter when the tree is bare. In spring, it produces narrow, lance-shaped bright green leaves that emerge alongside small, inconspicuous catkins, adding a fresh, lively appearance.

Typically reaching heights of 8–12 metres with a broad, irregular crown, this fast-growing tree makes an eye-catching focal point in larger gardens or parkland settings. The unusual branch structure is also highly valued in floral arrangements and decorative displays. During autumn, the foliage turns a soft yellow before falling, revealing the sculptural framework beneath.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers a sunny position, although it tolerates a range of conditions, including wetter ground. It is relatively low maintenance but benefits from regular pruning to manage its shape and size. Hardy and resilient, it is well suited to temperate climates such as the UK.

Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon,' commonly known as the Yellow Ribbon Arborvitae, is a captivating and popular evergreen shrub that hails from the cypress family, Cupressaceae. This striking cultivar is celebrated for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage, which adds a burst of colour and elegance to gardens and landscapes.

Standing at a height of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread, 'Yellow Ribbon' possesses a natural, conical shape that requires minimal pruning to maintain its stunning form. The soft, scale-like leaves are arranged in flattened sprays along its gracefully arching branches, giving it a feathery and delicate appearance. During the summer, the foliage is a brilliant yellow hue, and this coloration intensifies in the fall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your garden.

One of the key attributes of Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' is its adaptability. This cultivar thrives in a variety of soil types, including well-drained and slightly acidic to alkaline soils. It also exhibits exceptional cold tolerance, making it an ideal choice for gardens in northern regions. Its evergreen nature ensures that it remains a focal point of interest throughout the year, providing both privacy and a touch of sophistication to any landscape.

'Yellow Ribbon' is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care once established. Regular watering and a layer of mulch help retain moisture and protect the root system, while occasional pruning can be done to shape or maintain its size. It's a wonderful choice for hedges, screens, or as a standalone specimen in gardens, where its radiant yellow foliage can contrast beautifully with other green or darker plants.