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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.

Fagus sylvatica is a beautiful, large, law-branched, deciduous tree, with pyramidal habit when young and more rounded and spreading crown when mature and thin, smooth, grey bark. Ovate, pale green to dark green leaves turn golden bronze in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers bloom in spring and are followed by edible, triangular beech nuts in autumn. Common Beech grows best in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It doesn’t tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay. Once established, somewhat tolerant to drought. It is generally disease-free and pest-free. Easy to grow, low maintenance plant. It may not grow well in urban areas and doesn’t like to be moved, it is difficult to transplant. Fagus sylvatica is a beautiful, large tree, perfect as a specimen plant or a shade tree for large lawns and parks. It can withstand pruning so it can be used for informal hedges and screens.

Pinus mugo 'Carsten's Wintergold' is a lovely, small, compact, broadly globose, low-spreading shrub with short, green, needle-like leaves in spring and summer, and rich golden yellow in cold weather, and small, inconspicuous cones. It is one of the best “winter gold” pines. Pinus mugo 'Carsten's Wintergold' can grow in most soil types, alkaline, sandy, loamy, sandy, or clay, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in full sun. Once established, it is resistant to drought. It is tolerant of coastal conditions but its colour is most intense in colder climates. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Dwarf mountain pine 'Carsten' is an exceptional shrub, perfect for brightening and adding colour to any cottage, urban, coastal, or rock garden. Excellent as a specimen or accent plant in small gardens. Great as a ground cover or for banks and slopes when planted in groups. Suitable for growing in containers.

Fargesia rufa is an elegant, vigorous, fast growing, evergreen bamboo. It roots from a dense, non-invasive, slowly-creeping clump. It is upright when young and slightly arching when mature. Its canes are tall, slender, glossy, yellow-green with red-orange sheaths. The leaves are short, narrow, blue-green, grey-green underneath. It rarely flowers. Fargesia rufa can adapt to any type of soil, but grows best in fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic, moisture retentive soils. It doesn’t like too wet or too dry soils. It thrives in partial shade. In full sun, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It is resistant to frost and tolerant of cold winters, but needs to be sheltered form harsh winds. It prefers cool summer climates. Virtually pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant. Dragon Head Bamboo is a stunning, exotic-looking plant, very easy to grow. Perfect for planting in containers on patios or roof gardens. Excellent for hedges and screens. Great as a specimen plant or in beds and borders.

Pittosporum 'Bannow Bay' is a remarkable evergreen shrub that enchants garden enthusiasts with its elegant appearance and versatility. Belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, this cultivar is prized for its lush foliage, compact growth habit, and suitability for a variety of garden settings.

Standing at a moderate height of 6-8 feet and spreading about 4-6 feet, 'Bannow Bay' is a well-behaved shrub that fits seamlessly into both small and large landscapes. Its compact, rounded shape makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone specimen plant.

The most striking feature of Pittosporum 'Bannow Bay' is its foliage. The leaves are glossy, deep green, and oval-shaped, creating a lush and vibrant appearance throughout the year. This dense foliage serves as an attractive backdrop for other plants and provides year-round interest, making it a popular choice for garden design.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, 'Bannow Bay' emits a delightful fragrance from its small, inconspicuous flowers, adding an aromatic dimension to your garden. These fragrant blossoms typically appear in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

One of the standout characteristics of 'Bannow Bay' is its adaptability to various environmental conditions. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden locations. It also demonstrates good tolerance to drought once established, making it suitable for regions with varying moisture levels.

Overall, Pittosporum 'Bannow Bay' is a versatile and visually appealing evergreen shrub that enhances garden aesthetics year-round. Its compact growth, glossy green foliage, fragrant flowers, and adaptability to different settings make it a valuable addition to gardens, providing both beauty and functionality to any landscape. Whether used as a hedging plant, a specimen shrub, or a foundation planting, 'Bannow Bay' is sure to elevate the charm of any outdoor space.

Juniperus 'Grey Owl' is a medium-sized, slow-growing, dense, compact, vigorous, coniferous, evergreen shrub of irregular, wide-spreading, broadly conical habit, horizontal branching and peeling, reddish-brown bark. Its silvery, blue-green, scale-like foliage turns brown-green in winter. Male and female trees grow separately, and female ones produce round, purple-blue, berry-like cones, covered with white wax, attractive to birds. Juniperus 'Grey Owl' can grow in wide range of soils and growing conditions, even swampy and rocky, but thrives in average, moist, well-drained soils, in sunny areas. It appreciates some shelter from the afternoon sun in warm climates. It is very resilient, tolerant of drought, heat, and cold. Low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Juniperus 'Grey Owl' is a great-looking, slow-growing and long-lived conifer, perfect for informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen plant, ground cover, or shrub border. Ideal for low hedges and screens. Wonderful when planted in masses.

Acer palmatum 'Sumi-nagashi' is a small, upright, deciduous tree, vase-shaped when young, broader when mature, with palmate, deeply lobed, red leaves - purple-red in spring, bronze green in summer, crimson red in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by winged fruits in autumn. Acer palmatum 'Sumi-nagashi' is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but thrives in fertile, organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers partial shade and best leaf colour is achieved in partial shade, but it can withstand full sun. Excessive exposure or lack of soil moisture may cause leaf scorch. It is resistant to frost, but needs to be protected from harsh winds. Low maintenance plant, needs little to no pruning. Japanese maple 'Sumi-nagashi' is a beautiful, red-leaved ornamental tree suitable for smaller informal, cottage, urban, and rock gardens. Perfect as a specimen and accent plant, excellent for beds and borders, and for growing in containers.

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 × fraseri ‘Red Robin Compacta’ grown as a multi-stem shrub is an excellent choice for adding dense, evergreen structure and vibrant seasonal colour to a garden. This more compact form retains all the ornamental qualities of the classic ‘Red Robin’, but with a tighter, bushier habit, making it ideal for smaller spaces or more controlled planting schemes.

Its standout feature is the brilliant red young foliage, which emerges in flushes throughout the growing season before maturing to a glossy dark green. This continual contrast brings long-lasting visual interest and works beautifully in mixed borders, courtyard gardens, or as a low screen.

Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position to protect new growth from cold or drying winds. As a multi-stem specimen, it offers a softer, more natural shape, adding depth and layering to planting designs.

Typically reaching around 2–3 metres in height, it remains manageable and responds well to pruning, which encourages fresh red growth. Hardy and low maintenance, it is a versatile option for adding year-round colour, structure, and privacy to both modern and traditional gardens.

Mahonia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub appreciated for its ornamental value and adaptability. This robust plant, native to East Asia, is well-suited to the UK climate and can often be found gracing gardens and landscapes with its distinctive features.

Characterised by its bold, architectural form, Mahonia japonica typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 metres, with an upright, spreading habit. The shrub's foliage is a notable feature: its pinnate leaves are composed of up to 19 leaflets, each with a spiny, holly-like edge, lending the plant a somewhat dramatic appearance. These glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

In late autumn to early winter, Mahonia japonica produces striking racemes of bright yellow flowers. These blooms, which can appear even in the coldest months, emit a sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. The flower clusters are not only visually appealing but also provide a vital source of nectar during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Following the flowering period, the shrub produces small, blue-black berries that resemble grapes. These berries are edible but are generally more popular with birds than with humans. They add a further layer of seasonal interest and can contribute to the biodiversity of a garden by attracting wildlife.

Mahonia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning—typically just to remove any dead or damaged growth. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to deep shade, makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.

Overall, Mahonia japonica is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers year-round interest and is particularly valuable for its winter blooms and hardy nature. Its combination of striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries make it a standout plant in any landscape.

Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a dwarf, compact, slow-growing, evergreen, coniferous tree of columnar to conical habit, with dense, flattened sprays of scale-like, golden-yellow foliage, and oval, female cones. The foliage may have a bronze tinge during the winter. Dwarf Golden Oriental Thuja can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It hot summers, it appreciates some afternoon shade. It should not be overcrowded because it likes good air circulation. It is resistant to heat, but doesn’t tolerate winter as much as the species. It doesn’t have major pest or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning but is tolerant of hard pruning. Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a lovely, ornamental shrub, perfect as an accent plant in small informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Great for low hedges, foundation plantings, and shrub borders. Excellent in rock and gravel gardens.

Picea Omorika, also known as Serbian Spruce, is a coniferous tree native to the mountainous regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 50 meters, with a conical crown and horizontal branches. The Serbian Spruce is prized for its dense, dark green foliage that forms a striking contrast against its gray-brown bark. The needles of the Picea Omorika are short and stiff, measuring between 1-2 cm in length, and are arranged in spirals around the branches. In the spring, the Picea Omorika produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into light brown cones, measuring between 8-15 cm in length. The cones are a valuable source of food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Picea Omorika is a hardy tree that is well-suited to cooler climates and is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive, and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Robin Hill' is a small, dense tree of upright habit when young and more spreading when mature, and serrated, oval, hairy leaves, bronze when they emerge, dark green in summer, greyish underneath, and spectacular red and orange in autumn. Pale pink to white flowers grow in large, loose, pendulous clusters and bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by purple-black berries. Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Robin Hill' can grow in a wide range of soil conditions, even damp, but prefers fertile, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and partial shade. It is resistant to frost, wind, and de-icing slat. Tolerant of air pollution. Generally, pest-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Pink Juneberry Tree is a lovely, ornamental tree, perfect for informal, cottage, wildlife, and urban gardens. Great as a specimen or accent plant. Excellent for growing in containers on patios and roof gardens. Very good choice for streets, avenues, and industrial areas.

Picea abies 'Inversa', also known as Weeping Norway spruce, is a stunning ornamental evergreen tree with a unique and eye-catching appearance. This slow-growing conifer is native to the forests of Europe and is prized for its gracefully drooping branches, which create a stunning, cascading effect. The tree has a compact, pyramidal shape, with a dense growth habit and a narrow crown that typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 6-10 feet. Its distinctive weeping branches are covered with short, dark green needles that radiate from the stems in all directions. In spring, small red cones appear on the tips of the branches, adding a touch of color to the tree's overall appearance. This cultivar is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture.

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' on a small 40cm clear stem with a total height of 80cm is a striking ornamental plant, perfect for website descriptions. This plant features a clear, straight stem that is 40cm in height, supporting a dense, rounded crown of glossy leaves. The young foliage emerges in a bright, vibrant red, creating a striking contrast against the older, dark green leaves. As the plant matures, the leaves gradually turn to a deep, rich green, maintaining their glossy sheen.

With a total height of 80cm, this Photinia is compact and ideal for small gardens, patios, or as a potted plant. It's a versatile shrub, popular for its year-round interest and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a position in full sun to partial shade, where its colors are most vibrant.

Its ability to withstand pruning makes it a popular choice for creating structured looks or hedges. The plant also produces small white flowers in the spring, although these are often overshadowed by the stunning foliage. This Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and elegance to their garden or outdoor space.

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.

Pinus nigra 'Komet' is a stunning cultivar of the Pinus nigra species, commonly known as the Austrian or Black Pine. This striking ornamental tree stands out due to its striking conical form, fast growth rate, and dense foliage, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike. Native to Europe and Asia, the Austrian Pine thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, including rocky or sandy soils and urban areas with high levels of pollution.

The 'Komet' variety is characterized by its compact, pyramidal shape and distinct upward-curving branches, which give the tree its celestial namesake. This cultivar can reach heights of up to 30-40 feet (9-12 meters), with a spread of about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters). Its attractive form makes it an ideal candidate for use as a specimen tree, a privacy screen, or even as part of a larger garden design.

The foliage of the Pinus nigra 'Komet' is particularly striking, with dark green needles that measure 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length, arranged in bundles of two. These long, robust needles are accompanied by a dense arrangement of buds, which appear prominently on the tree during the winter months. The tree's bark is also visually interesting, with a rich, dark grey color and a plated or scaly texture that becomes more pronounced as the tree matures.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Pinus nigra 'Komet' boasts a relatively high tolerance to a variety of environmental stressors, including drought, air pollution, and saline soils. This adaptability makes it well-suited for urban landscapes and challenging planting sites. 

When planting Pinus nigra 'Komet', it is essential to select a location with well-drained soil and ample room for the tree to grow to its full height and spread. Although this cultivar is more resistant to pests and diseases than some other conifers, it is still essential to monitor the tree for signs of infestation or illness, such as needle cast or pine wilt. Pruning is generally minimal and should focus on maintaining the tree's overall shape and removing dead or damaged branches.

In conclusion, the Pinus nigra 'Komet' is a magnificent addition to any garden or landscape, offering year-round visual interest with its conical form, dense foliage, and distinctive branching pattern. Its hardiness and adaptability to various environmental conditions make it a popular choice for urban planting and challenging sites, ensuring that this celestial-inspired cultivar continues to shine bright in gardens across the globe.

​Acer campestre 'Royal Ruby' is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant seasonal foliage. In spring, it showcases striking purple-red young leaves, which mature to a deep green in summer. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into a rich golden-yellow, providing a dynamic visual display throughout the year. The tree also produces red samaras (winged seeds) in late spring, adding to its ornamental appeal .​
Ashridge Trees

This cultivar typically grows to a height of 8–10 meters with a rounded, spreading habit, making it suitable for various landscape applications, including hedging and ornamental planting .​

'Royal Ruby' thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, provided they are moist but well-drained. It is hardy across the UK and northern Europe (RHS H6 rating) and is tolerant of urban conditions, making it a resilient choice for city gardens .​

Clematis × cartmanii ‘Joe’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a compact, evergreen climber that offers both decorative foliage and charming early-season blooms. This variety is particularly suited to smaller gardens, patios, and courtyards due to its manageable size and tidy growth habit. Its finely divided, glossy green leaves provide year-round interest, while in early spring, it becomes covered in masses of creamy white, star-shaped flowers that brighten any space.

Clematis ‘Joe’ thrives in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. It is ideal for growing in containers, making it perfect for those with limited planting space. It can be trained to climb trellises, pergolas, or low walls, but also works beautifully when allowed to trail over raised beds or cascading from large pots. Due to its delicate stems and preference for milder conditions, it benefits from some protection from harsh winter winds and heavy frosts.

Overall, Clematis ‘Joe’ brings reliable structure and an elegant floral display to the garden, offering both versatility and beauty for various settings throughout the year.

Picea glauca 'Sander's Blue', commonly known as 'Sander's Blue' White Spruce, is a stunning dwarf conifer prized for its vibrant blue-green needles that add a colorful accent to any garden space. This cultivar exhibits a compact, pyramidal form, making it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes or as a focal point in a larger garden arrangement.

Typically reaching an ultimate height of 10 to 12 feet, with a spread of 4 to 5 feet, 'Sander's Blue' White Spruce grows slowly, which makes it manageable and suitable for residential gardens without the worry of overwhelming the space. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil. Hardy and adaptable, this spruce tolerates cold climates well, making it a versatile choice for various garden zones.

Gardeners often use 'Sander's Blue' as a specimen plant due to its distinctive color and structured form. It also fits beautifully into rock gardens, urban gardens, and even as part of a conifer collection, where its unique hue can be fully appreciated against contrasting greenery.