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Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its striking foliage, especially the fresh, coppery-red young leaves that age to glossy deep green. In a parachute shape, this cultivar forms a gracefully rounded, umbrella-like canopy with a central stem or supportive structure from which a dense mass of arching branches radiates. The new growth naturally fans outward and downward, creating a soft, parachute-like silhouette that adds architectural interest and year-round colour to any garden.

This distinctive form makes ‘Red Robin’ especially suitable as a specimen feature or focal point in borders, courtyards, and patio containers. Its evergreen nature ensures structure and visual appeal throughout the seasons, while the red flushes of spring and summer provide dynamic seasonal interest. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best leaf colour and strong, compact growth. Tolerant of a range of soil types, it prefers well-drained, fertile soil and benefits from regular watering in dry spells. Light pruning after flushes enhances the parachute shape and encourages fresh shoots.

Overall, the parachute form of Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ combines ornamental beauty with reliable garden performance, ideal for adding year-round structure and colour.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.

Quercus acutissima, commonly called the sawtooth oak, is a striking deciduous tree native to East Asia and widely appreciated for its adaptability and elegance. Named for its distinctive long, narrow leaves with sharply serrated edges, it brings a bold texture to landscapes. In spring and summer, the tree displays rich green foliage, which turns golden-yellow in autumn, creating a brilliant seasonal highlight. Growing up to 25 meters tall, the sawtooth oak forms a broad, spreading crown that offers generous shade and a commanding presence. Hardy and fast-growing, it thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, making it a versatile choice for parks, gardens, and reforestation projects. Traditionally valued for its durable timber, Quercus acutissima also supports wildlife with its acorns and sheltering canopy. Symbolizing resilience, longevity, and natural harmony, the sawtooth oak embodies both practical utility and timeless beauty, making it ideal for sustainable landscapes and crafted products.

Pinus ‘Wiel’ is a compact, slow-growing conifer ideal for small gardens, rockeries, and architectural planting schemes. This dwarf pine features dense, rich green needles that provide year-round color and texture, forming a rounded to slightly irregular shape that adds character and structure to any landscape. Its tidy, low-maintenance habit makes it perfect for modern, minimalist, or traditional gardens where space is limited but visual interest is desired.

Typically reaching just 3 to 5 feet in height and spread over many years, ‘Wiel’ is an excellent choice for front borders, raised beds, or as a specimen in containers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing good tolerance to drought, wind, and poor soil once established. A hardy plant, it is well-suited to colder climates and exposed positions.

‘Wiel’ requires minimal pruning and is naturally neat, making it an ideal selection for low-maintenance gardeners. Its evergreen foliage provides winter interest, and its compact form contrasts beautifully with softer perennials or groundcovers. Pinus ‘Wiel’ offers structure, longevity, and year-round appeal, making it a valuable addition to a wide variety of garden styles.

Photinia x fraseri ‘Little Red Robin’ is a small, compact, erect, evergreen shrub with leathery, elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves, bright red when young. Panicles of inconspicuous, small, creamy-white flowers bloom in spring and are sometimes followed by red berries. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. A smaller and more compact version of Photinia ‘Red Robbin’. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 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. Low maintenance plant, tolerant of hard pruning. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a lovely, colourful shrub, great as a small specimen or accent plant, perfect for smaller borders and informal low hedges. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’ on a clear stem is an exceptional choice for gardens seeking year-round structure, texture, and visual interest in a compact, elevated form. This cultivated Scots pine features a rounded, densely branched canopy of silvery-blue to blue-green needles, creating a striking contrast against its bare, upright trunk. Its raised form allows for underplanting with perennials, groundcovers, or ornamental grasses, making it ideal for layered planting schemes in both contemporary and traditional garden designs.

Typically reaching 6 to 12 feet in height over time, ‘Watereri’ on a clear stem is perfect as a focal point in smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, or formal borders. It is hardy and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Once established, it is tolerant of drought, wind, and poor soil conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of settings, including coastal and exposed locations.

Low maintenance and slow-growing, it requires little pruning to maintain its shape. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round appeal, while its sculptural form adds elegance and structure. This variety is a smart, stylish choice for modern and low-maintenance landscapes.

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a purple-leaved Japanese maple of great beauty and quality. This large deciduous shrub or a small rounded tree has attractive, deeply lobed wine-red to purple leaves that become blood red in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, red flowers that bloom in spring are followed by samaras. Its striking blackish red bark makes it attractive even in winter when leaves fall off. Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t like hot and dry locations. It is very hardy and needs sheltering only in extreme cold weather or from harsh winds. Easy to care for, it requires very little pruning. Lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. This attractive plant is perfect for small gardens, urban gardens, or rock gardens. It is also suitable for growing in containers and pots.

Cordyline australis Peko, also commonly known as Peko, is an iconic evergreen plant that is commonly found in outdoor gardens and landscapes. This striking plant is native to New Zealand and is known for its tall and slender stem, that can grow up to 3-5 meters in height, topped with a large cluster of long, sword-shaped leaves.

The leaves of Cordyline australis Peko are the signature feature of this plant, with their rich purple-burgundy hue and a distinctive, wavy texture that creates a stunning visual display. The leaves are around 60cm long and are perfect for adding interest to any garden, either on their own or as part of a mixed planting scheme.

Cordyline australis Peko is a hardy plant that is tolerant of a range of growing conditions. While it prefers a sunny location, it will also thrive in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for any garden. It is also a low maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering or pruning.

In addition to its ornamental value, Cordyline australis Peko also has a range of medicinal uses. The plant is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments.

One important consideration when planting Cordyline australis Peko is that it is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so it is important to keep pets away from the plant and avoid planting it in areas where pets may come into contact with it.

Overall, Cordyline australis Peko is a stunning addition to any garden, whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting scheme. With its striking appearance and low-maintenance requirements, it is a plant that is sure to impress and delight gardeners and visitors alike.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Feuerzauber’ is a superb ornamental shrub valued for its outstanding winter display and is highly suitable for a wide range of gardens. This deciduous witch hazel forms an upright, spreading habit with a graceful, open structure that works well as a specimen plant in lawns, borders, or woodland-style plantings. Its main feature is the spectacular late winter to early spring flowers, which appear on bare branches as masses of spidery, ribbon-like petals in glowing shades of fiery red and orange. These lightly fragrant blooms provide colour at a time when few other plants are in flower.

In autumn, the foliage turns rich tones of yellow, orange, and scarlet, adding another season of interest. ‘Feuerzauber’ prefers a sunny to lightly shaded position and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is hardy, low maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases. With its multi-season appeal, attractive form, and dramatic colouring, this witch hazel is an excellent choice for feature planting and mixed shrub borders.

Fagus sylvatica Dawkye is a medium-sized, fastigiated, pyramidal, deciduous tree with an elegant, slender, columnar habit and soft, smooth, grey bark. Oval to ovate, glossy, dark green leaves that turn orange and brown in autumn. Small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers grow in catkins and bloom in spring. They are followed by large, beech nuts. Fagus sylvatica Dawkye prefers humus rich, moist, well-drained soils and doesn’t tolerate too wet or waterlogged soils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is moderately tolerant of frost, air pollution and wind. Generally, doesn’t have any serious problems with pests or diseases. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It can be difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica Dawkye is a gorgeous columnar, perfect as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks, great for avenues and broad or narrow streets. It can be used for informal hedges and screens.

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.

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.

hotinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a New Zealand selection of Fraser's Photinia. It’s a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, oval, glossy, brilliant, bright red leaves when they emerge, and dark green after several weeks. Small, 5-petal, white flowers bloom in spring and are rarely followed by red fruits which can persist throughout winter. Spring pruning eliminates flowers and stimulates new red growth. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' 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. Low maintenance plant. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a very popular evergreen shrub, great as a specimen or accent plant, but perfect for hedges and screens, useful for noise reduction, or wind protection.

The Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the dawn redwood, is a deciduous conifer belonging to the family Cupressaceae. It is one of only three species of redwood trees and is renowned for its prehistoric origins, often referred to as a "living fossil." 

This remarkable tree can grow to impressive heights of up to 40 metres (130 feet) with a conical shape. The bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and peels off in long strips, giving it a distinctive appearance. The leaves are needle-like, arranged oppositely on the branches, and turn a rich bronze or golden-brown before falling in the autumn. This seasonal shedding of leaves distinguishes the dawn redwood from its evergreen relatives.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides thrives in temperate climates and prefers moist, well-drained soils, often found near rivers and wetlands. Its growth rate is rapid, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in parks and gardens worldwide. Despite its prehistoric lineage, the dawn redwood has adapted well to cultivation and can withstand urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soils.

The tree's history is fascinating, as it was once thought to be extinct and only known through fossil records until its rediscovery in the 1940s. Since then, efforts have been made to propagate and preserve this species, ensuring its survival and increasing its presence in both natural and managed landscapes.

Cordyline indivisa, or Mountain cabbage tree, is a slow-growing, palm-like, evergreen tree with long, pointed, lance-shaped, arching, glossy, blue-green, leaves with orange midrib. Clusters of small, fragrant, greenish-white to purple, star-shaped flowers bloom in summer and are followed by tiny purple fruits. Young plants have a graceful rosette of arching leaves with no trunk. Cordyline indivisa grows best in fertile, organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. It likes full sun to light shade. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought inside during the winter. Once established it is tolerant of drought. A sub-tropical plant, adaptable to coastal conditions. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Mountain cabbage tree is a nice, tropical-looking plant, perfect for Mediterranean-style, coastal, and rock and gravel gardens. It can also be a nice addition to cottage and urban gardens. Excellent for growing in containers and great in pots as house plants.

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ trained as a frame or espalier (150 × 100 cm) is a brilliant choice for adding structured, evergreen interest to a garden. Its striking young foliage emerges bright red before maturing to glossy dark green, providing continuous seasonal contrast and visual appeal.

This trained form is particularly well suited to formal gardens, courtyards, and contemporary outdoor spaces where clean lines and defined shapes are desired. It works beautifully against walls or fences, making it ideal for screening, dividing spaces, or creating a decorative feature without taking up excessive ground space.

Thriving in full sun or partial shade, Photinia prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position, protected from harsh winds which can damage young growth. Once established, it is relatively hardy and tolerant of urban pollution, making it suitable for town gardens.

Reaching its trained dimensions with regular maintenance, it responds well to pruning, which also encourages vibrant red regrowth. Low maintenance and versatile, this espalier form is perfect for adding height, structure, and year-round colour to both modern and traditional garden designs.

Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' is an attractive shrub renowned for its vibrant foliage and compact growth habit. With its stunning golden-yellow leaves, this cultivar brings a touch of brightness and elegance to any garden or landscape setting.

The 'Gold Queen' shrub belongs to the Euonymus genus, which is native to East Asia. It typically reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 centimeters) with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as a low hedge. The shrub has a dense and bushy nature, creating a lush and full appearance.

The most distinctive feature of Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' is its striking foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped and glossy, with a radiant golden-yellow color that remains vibrant throughout the year. The golden hue intensifies during the spring and summer months, providing a brilliant contrast against other greenery in the landscape. In autumn, the leaves may take on a reddish tint, further adding to its visual appeal.

In addition to its stunning foliage, 'Gold Queen' produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in late spring, followed by small ornamental fruit capsules that open to reveal bright orange seeds. While the flowers are not the main highlight of this shrub, they add a subtle touch of interest.

Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of various soil types and can withstand occasional dry periods once established. Regular pruning can help maintain its compact shape and promote dense growth.

This cultivar serves as a fantastic focal point in mixed borders, rock gardens, or as a striking accent plant. Its vibrant golden foliage adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the landscape, making Euonymus japonicus 'Gold Queen' a popular choice among gardeners looking for a versatile and visually appealing shrub.

Parthenocissus henryana, commonly referred to as the Chinese Virginia creeper, is a captivating deciduous climbing plant originating from China. One of its most distinctive features is its dark green leaves adorned with shimmering silver veins, creating a striking contrast that provides a visual delight in gardens or landscapes.

The plant displays a growth habit that is somewhat less aggressive compared to some of its cousins in the Parthenocissus genus. This makes it a preferable choice for homeowners and gardeners who desire a less intrusive climber.

During the fall season, Parthenocissus henryana undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Its leaves turn to a vibrant shade of red, offering a spectacular autumnal display and enriching the landscape with its fiery hues.

In addition to its ornamental leaves, the plant produces small blue-black berries. While they provide an aesthetic appeal and are a food source for birds, they are considered inedible for humans.

One of the advantages of this plant is its adaptability. It can thrive in a range of soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. As an ornamental climber, Parthenocissus henryana is versatile, making it suitable for various garden designs, from trellises to walls or even ground cover. Proper care and management can ensure this plant remains an attractive and manageable feature in gardens.

Alnus incana, commonly known as grey alder, is a deciduous tree belonging to the birch family, Betulaceae. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it is a resilient species often found in riparian zones, wetlands, and areas with moist soils. This medium-sized tree typically grows to heights of 15 to 25 metres, with a slender trunk and smooth, greyish-brown bark, which often develops fine fissures with age.

The leaves of Alnus incana are oval to elliptic in shape, measuring 5 to 10 centimetres in length. They are characterised by their serrated margins and a dark green upper surface, with a paler, slightly downy underside, giving them a distinct two-tone appearance. The leaves emerge in early spring and typically turn yellow before falling in autumn.

Grey alder is monoecious, meaning that both male and female reproductive structures are found on the same tree. The male catkins, which are long and pendulous, appear in early spring before the leaves, while the smaller, more upright female catkins develop into woody cones that persist on the tree through the winter. These cones release small winged seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water.

One of the notable features of Alnus incana is its ability to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium *Frankia*. This allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and contribute to soil fertility, making it a valuable species for land restoration and erosion control.

Grey alder is often planted in landscaping and reforestation projects, particularly in areas prone to flooding or soil degradation. Its rapid growth, hardiness, and ecological benefits make it an important species in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.

Pinus sylvestris ‘Martham’ is a compact, slow-growing cultivar of Scots pine, making it an excellent choice for gardens where space is limited but year-round interest is desired. Unlike its tall, wild relatives, ‘Martham’ forms a dense, rounded shrub with a rugged, characterful appearance and attractive bluish-green needles that retain their color throughout the seasons. Its bushy habit and slow growth—typically reaching around 4 to 6 feet over many years—make it suitable for rock gardens, mixed borders, or as a specimen in smaller garden spaces.

This shrub is hardy and  thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing good tolerance to wind, drought, and poor soils once established. Its natural resilience makes it particularly well-suited to exposed sites, including coastal gardens or open landscapes. ‘Martham’ requires minimal maintenance and no regular pruning, making it a great low-maintenance choice for both formal and informal settings.

Its structural form and evergreen presence provide valuable winter interest, and its rugged texture contrasts beautifully with softer plants and perennials. Pinus sylvestris ‘Martham’ brings a strong yet refined presence to any garden design.