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Corylus colurna, commonly known as the Turkish hazel, is a distinctive deciduous tree valued for its hardiness, ornamental qualities, and tolerance of challenging urban environments. Native to south-eastern Europe and western Asia, it is the largest species within the hazel genus, capable of reaching heights of 20–25 metres with a broad, pyramidal crown that gradually becomes more rounded with age.

One of its most striking features is its deeply furrowed, corky bark, which develops an attractive, rugged texture even on relatively young trees. This characteristic, combined with its strong, upright form, gives the tree a notable architectural presence in parks, avenues, and large gardens. The foliage consists of broad, heart-shaped leaves that are coarsely toothed and provide a dense canopy. They emerge a fresh green in spring, mature to a deeper shade in summer, and may turn soft yellow in autumn, though the seasonal display is generally modest.

In late winter to early spring, the tree produces long, pale-yellow catkins, which dangle decoratively before the leaves appear. These are the male flowers, while the female flowers are much smaller and less conspicuous, identifiable only by their tiny crimson stigmas. The resulting fruit is a small, hard-shelled nut partially enclosed in a frilly, deeply cut husk. Although edible, the nuts are typically smaller and less commercially significant than those of the common hazel.

Corylus colurna is especially appreciated for its resilience. It withstands pollution, compacted soils, drought, and cold, making it an excellent choice for urban planting or exposed sites. Its deep root system allows it to anchor securely and contributes to its tolerance of dry conditions once established. Overall, the Turkish hazel is a robust, handsome tree that combines ornamental beauty with exceptional practicality.

Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a large, deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk and very appealing, dense, oval to rounded crown. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. Flowers appear in separate male and female catkins before the leaves, in spring, and are followed by winged nuts. European Hornbeam is a low maintenance and easy to grow plant. It is satisfied with any type of soil, but prefers fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free and pest free. It can tolerate drought. Carpinus betulus is an excellent tree and a nice addition to any garden. It is great as a specimen plant or in a group. Because of its tolerance to pruning, it is perfect for hedges and privacy screens.

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' is an upright, deciduous shrub or a small tree, often multi-stemmed, with very attractive, deep magenta, pink to lilac purple flowers. The heart-shaped, glossy, green leaves emerge in spring and turn yellow in autumn. Many dense clusters of tiny, rose-to-magenta flowers appear on bare branches before the leaves and spectacularly cover the whole bush. Flowers are followed by bean-like brown seedpods. Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' grows best in a moderately fertile, moist and well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. The flowers thrive in full sun, but part shade is better in areas with hot summer climates. Generally, it is pest-free but may suffer from some diseases. Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees. Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' is loved for its stunning spring appearance and attractive green foliage. It is great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Perfect for beds and borders, woodland gardens, streets, and for growing in containers.

Quercus phillyreoides, commonly known as the Ubame oak, Black Ridged Oak, is a versatile, evergreen oak prized for its dense foliage, compact size, and year-round interest. Typically reaching 6 to 10 meters in height with a spread of 5 to 8 meters, it forms a neat, rounded crown filled with small, leathery dark green leaves. The foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for providing structure and greenery even in winter months. Highly adaptable, Quercus phillyreoides thrives in a range of soils and shows strong tolerance to pruning, pollution, and drought once established. It is ideal for use as a specimen tree, clipped hedge, or screen in gardens and urban landscapes. Its resilience and tidy form make it a low-maintenance, attractive addition to any planting design.

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a small, rounded, deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown and ascending, thorny branches with deeply lobed, glossy, emerald green leaves that turn yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of beautiful, double, scarlet-rose flowers bloom in clusters in late spring, covering the whole crown and creating a spectacular display. The blossoms are followed by black red fruits in autumn.

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is easily grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun and best flowers occur in full sun, but the plant tolerates partial shade. It is tough and resilient, adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning. Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet', is a beautiful, tough ornamental tree, great addition to any garden. Perfect as a specimen tree in cottage or urban gardens. It can be also used for hedges and screens.

Prunus Tai Haku is an ornamental, medium-sized, flowering cherry tree with broad-spreading crown, wider than its height. Large, green leaves are bronze when young and orange and golden in autumn. Masses of large, pure white, single flowers open from pink buds and appear along the branches together with young, bronze leaves in mid to late spring. Great White Cherry is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. It is resistant to frost and tolerates some exposure. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require much pruning. Prunus Tai Haku is a stunning, vigorous, very decorative cherry tree, often used in ancient Japanese artwork. It was lost in Japan but revived from a single, dying specimen found in a Sussex garden. It is excellent as a specimen plant in informal, cottage, urban and wildlife gardens. Great for beds and borders, lawns, and larger public spaces. Suitable for growing in containers.

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island pine, is a striking evergreen conifer that makes an excellent indoor ornamental due to its symmetrical, tiered branching and soft, needle-like foliage. Its classic pyramidal form adds architectural interest and a sense of elegance to interiors, making it a popular choice for homes, offices, and conservatories.

Indoors, Araucaria heterophylla thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to strong sun may cause browning of the foliage. It prefers a consistent, moderate indoor temperature and does not fare well in cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. Higher humidity levels encourage optimal growth, making occasional misting or placement near a humidifier beneficial in drier environments.

A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent root rot, and the plant should be watered regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilising during the growing season supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

With its elegant form, slow but steady growth, and low-maintenance care requirements, Araucaria heterophylla provides a long-lasting, visually appealing evergreen presence indoors, enhancing both contemporary and traditional interior spaces.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris' is a medium-sized, compact, narrowly columnar, evergreen, coniferous tree with reddish-brown, peeling bark, and flattened sprays of attractive, fragrant, blue-green foliage, grey-green underneath. The twigs have some twists in the branching. Pinkish-red flowers are fragrant, small, and inconspicuous and are followed by reddish brown cones. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris' is tolerant of most soil types, but prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic, sandy or loamy, moist, well-drained soils. It hates waterlogged areas and thrives in full sun. It is very resistant to frost and can withstand wind and exposed positions. Tolerant of urban pollution. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Lawson's cypress 'Columnaris', with its narrow columnar shape and attractive foliage colour is one of the most popular conifers. It is perfect for hedges and privacy screens, or windbreaks. Excellent as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Great for urban, rock and gravel, and roof gardens. Suitable for industrial areas and growing in containers.

Ilex crenata 'Kinme', or Japanese holly 'Kinme', is a dense, slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub or small tree with ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, pale green when they emerge. Inconspicuous, small, white flowers bloom in spring, male and female on separate plants, and female flowers are followed by glossy, black berries in autumn. Japanese holly 'Kinme' can tolerate most soil types, but prefers fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It likes sunny positions, but can grow in partial shade as well. It is tolerant of drought, poor soils, and air pollution. Doesn’t like climates with high heat and humidity. Low maintenance plant but it can withstand hard pruning. Very easy to grow. Ilex crenata 'Kinme' is a great specimen plant in informal, cottage, and urban gardens. Excellent for rock and gravel or Japanese-style gardens. Perfect for formal or informal hedges and screens. Suitable for cloud topiary or bonsai and for growing in containers.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia' is a small, ornamental, deciduous tree with broad, compact, rounded crown, and thorny branches. Glossy, broad-oval, dark green leaves look spectacular in autumn when they turn scarlet, deep yellow and purple. Small, fragrant, white flowers cover the tree in late spring and are followed by attractive clusters of deep red berries that persist on thorny branches for a long time. Attractive to birds and bees.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is very undemanding and adaptable. It grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for most difficult gardens. It tolerates full exposure to coastal winds and air pollution. Very resilient and low maintenance. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is a stunning ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges and screens in cottage and informal gardens. Great for urban and coastal areas.

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', trained as a standard ball, is an elegant and versatile ornamental tree that brings structure and year-round interest to gardens of all sizes. Grown into a clear stem and clipped into a neat, rounded crown, it creates a formal appearance that works beautifully in contemporary, traditional, and cottage-style landscapes.

This hardy hornbeam thrives in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and chalk, provided the ground is reasonably well drained. It is well suited to the UK climate and tolerates exposed positions, urban pollution, and seasonal weather fluctuations. The dense foliage emerges fresh green in spring, deepens through summer, and turns rich shades of golden yellow before falling in autumn. In some sheltered locations, dried leaves may remain on the branches through winter, adding seasonal texture.

The compact canopy makes it ideal for lining driveways, framing entrances, creating symmetry in formal gardens, or adding height without occupying excessive ground space. Minimal pruning is required to maintain its rounded shape, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice.

Combining durability, architectural form, and attractive seasonal colour, a standard ball hornbeam is an excellent feature tree that provides lasting beauty and structure throughout the year.

Cryptomeria japonica, commonly known as Japanese cedar or Sugi in Japanese, is a large evergreen tree native to Japan. It belongs to the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is the only species in the genus Cryptomeria. The tree can grow up to 70 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest trees in Japan. It has a conical shape when young and becomes more pyramidal as it ages. The bark of the Cryptomeria japonica is reddish-brown and deeply furrowed, with long, narrow leaves that are bright green in color and arranged in a spiral around the branches. The tree produces small, round cones that are about 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter and have a woody texture. The cones turn brown when mature and release small, winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Japanese cedar is an important tree in Japan for its wood, which is highly valued for its strength, durability, and beauty. The wood is used in construction, furniture, and decorative objects, and is also used in the production of traditional Japanese musical instruments such as shamisen and koto.

Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’, often called the Wedding Cake Tree, is a highly ornamental choice for gardens where its layered, tiered branching can be fully appreciated. Its standout feature is the elegant horizontal structure of its branches, which create a striking, architectural silhouette throughout the year. The variegated foliage—green leaves edged with creamy white—adds brightness and contrast, making the tree particularly effective as a focal point in borders, lawns, or larger mixed plantings.

This cultivar prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter regions, a bit of afternoon shade helps protect the variegated leaves from scorch. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Although not fast-growing, it steadily matures into a medium-sized tree, making it suitable for medium to large gardens where its distinctive shape has room to develop.

Maintenance needs are minimal. Apart from light pruning to maintain its layered form, the tree grows naturally into its characteristic structure. In autumn, the foliage often develops soft pink and red tones, adding seasonal interest. With its refined shape, striking leaves, and year-round appeal, Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ is an excellent choice for gardens seeking elegance and structure.

Acer palmatum Sango-kaku or Coral Bark Maple, is a large, deciduous shrub with upright, vase-shaped habit. It is famous for its coral red bark and branches that look astonishing in contrast to its yellow foliage. Five-lobed leaves are pinkish yellow in spring, green in summer, and yellow in autumn. Small, inconspicuous, reddish flowers are followed by samaras in late summer and autumn. Coral Bark Maple prefers moist, but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, yet it can grow in any type of soil. The best leaf colour is achieved when grown in partial shade, but it also tolerates full sun. Lack of soil moisture and excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch. Acer palmatum Sango-kaku is a very unusual and attractive plant. It can be a stunning focal point, especially in winter. Great for small, urban and cottage gardens. Perfect as a specimen plant or for beds and borders. Suitable for growing in containers.

Sorbus aucuparia 'Chinese Lace' is a distinctive ornamental tree valued for its unique aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It features finely cut, intricate, lace-like leaves, which grant the tree an elegant and delicate appearance. The tree produces clusters of vibrant orange-red berries, which are a prominent feature in the late summer and fall, providing a striking contrast to the foliage and attracting various birds and wildlife.

This variety of Sorbus aucuparia is celebrated for its adaptability to different environmental conditions, tolerating a range of soil types and prospering in both full sun and partial shade. It’s relatively resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscapes.

The ‘Chinese Lace’ showcases a splendid display of color during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a mixture of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a visual spectacle. This decorative feature makes it a sought-after choice for those looking to add autumnal color to their gardens.

Its compact growth habit and moderate height make it suitable for smaller gardens or for planting in restricted spaces. It provides structure, texture, and color to landscapes, blending well with other plants or standing alone as a focal point, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the surroundings.

Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is a dense, compact, coniferous, evergreen shrub of pyramidal habit with flat sprays of fresh green, scale-like leaves, bronze tinged in winter, and small, brown cones. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' Compacta is an undemanding plant and once established, it needs no maintenance. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and soil conditions, except waterlogged, but prefers average, fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is resistant to frost and can withstand exposed conditions. Not suitable for areas with long frosts and heavy snows. Low maintenance plant, but suitable for trimming. Thuja orientalis 'Pyramidalis' is a lovely, dense, elegant, coniferous shrub that can bring structure and nice evergreen colour to cottage, woodland, urban, rock, and gravel gardens. Great as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Excellent for beds and borders and ideal for hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Ginkgo biloba Mariken is a dwarf, coniferous, slow-growing, spreading, slightly weeping, deciduous tree with dense, spreading branches and thick, fan-shaped, bi-lobed, bluish green leaves, golden yellow in autumn. Flowers are green and insignificant and are not followed by fruits since the plant is male. Ginkgo biloba Mariken grows in a wide variety of soils, except too wet and waterlogged, but prefers average, medium moisture, sandy, well-drained soils, in full sun. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, salt, and urban pollution, therefore, it will thrive in city environments. Needs to be sheltered from hard winds. Generally, disease-free and pest-free. It transplants and establishes easily. Low maintenance. Ginkgo biloba Mariken, with its globe-shaped form and interesting foliage, is perfect as a specimen plant in small gardens, great for beds and borders, as a foundation plant, planted along pathways, or for growing in containers. Suitable for bonsai. Great for small, informal, cottage, rock, or urban gardens.

Picea pungens 'Edith' is one of the finest blue conifers available, prized for its exceptionally bright silvery-blue needles and naturally elegant, pyramidal form. Originating as a selected cultivar of the Colorado Blue Spruce, it offers all the beauty of the species but with a more refined, consistent habit and a richer blue colour that is retained throughout the year.

Slow to moderate growing, 'Edith' typically reaches around 4–8 metres in height over many years, with a spread of 2–4 metres, making it an excellent choice for medium to large gardens where year-round structure is desired. Its dense branching creates a symmetrical silhouette without requiring regular pruning, making it a low-maintenance specimen tree.

The striking needles are stiff, sharply pointed and coated in a silvery wax, giving the tree its remarkable icy-blue appearance. This distinctive colouring contrasts beautifully with green foliage, flowering shrubs and autumn tones, making 'Edith' a superb focal point in both contemporary and traditional landscapes.

Hardy throughout the UK, Picea pungens 'Edith' performs best in full sun, where the blue foliage develops its most intense colour. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including chalk, loam and sandy soils, provided they are not waterlogged. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant and copes well with exposed positions, making it suitable for many parts of the country.

This handsome evergreen requires very little attention beyond occasional watering during prolonged dry periods while young. Its naturally neat shape means pruning is rarely necessary, and it is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

Whether planted as a striking standalone specimen, incorporated into a mixed conifer collection or used to provide year-round interest within a larger border, Picea pungens 'Edith' delivers outstanding colour, architectural form and dependable performance for generations

Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a medium-sized, dense, spreading, rounded, thorny, deciduous tree with deeply lobed, glossy, dark green leaves, yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of small, lightly scented, crimson flowers with white centres, grouped in corymbs, bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by tiny red berries in autumn, attractive to birds. Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a tough tree that can tolerate any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun, but it can grow in partial shade. It is resilient and adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning. Crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud' is a hybrid between 'Charles X' and 'Paul's Scarlet'. This lovely little tree is a great addition to any small garden. Perfect as a specimen tree in cottage or urban gardens. It can be also used for informal hedges and screens.

Prunus Kanzan is a beautiful, medium-sized, ornamental, deciduous cherry tree of vase-shaped when young, spreading and rounded habit when mature. Its ovate, toothed dark green leaves are coppery-red when young and in shades of orange and bronze in autumn. The profusion of bright pink, double flowers bloom in clusters before the leaves emerge. Flowers are sterile and are not followed by fruit. Prunus Kanzan thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soils, sandy or clay loams. It prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade. It is necessary to prune it after flowering, but is generally low maintenance plant. Susceptible to many diseases and pests and may be short-lived. Cherry Kanzan is one of the most ornamental of flowering cherries. It’s a stunning, elegant tree, whether as a specimen plant or planted in groups, great for small informal, cottage and urban gardens. Excellent for streets and parks. Suitable for growing in containers or as a bonsai.