Planting trees: an act of hope and beauty
I’ve just spent 2 weeks in Croatia admiring how the trees add so much to the natural landscape there.
The coast and the islands that I visited are quite rocky and the soils are thin and poor. Yet olive trees, Italian cypress, oleanders, stone pines, figs and evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex) are abundant - and beautiful.
Looking at my garden now that I am home, I'm struck by how much the trees contribute to the overall structure and character of even this small space. It's easy to get caught up with colourful annuals and flowering perennials, but trees (and shrubs) are really the backbone of any garden. They provide year-round interest, shelter, and a sense of permanence that the smaller plants can't.
Of course, you do need to choose garden trees carefully. You don’t want something that might overwhelm the space or cause problems down the line.
Because, unlike most other plants, a tree is a long-term commitment and planting a tree is also an act of hope.
It is an act of hope because of the time it will take for the tree to mature, but also because it points to an extended future - a future in which we will be there to nurture the young tree and a future in which the plant can ultimately thrive on its own.
So, it is important to choose your trees carefully and plant wisely.
Fortunately, there are many fantastic tree options for gardens of all sizes, and planting the right one can transform your outdoor space in ways you might not expect.
Choosing the Perfect Tree for Your Garden
So, this week, I thought I'd share some posts to help you select and grow trees that will thrive in your particular garden situation. Whether you have a compact urban plot or sprawling grounds, there's a tree that's perfect for your space:
10 Fantastic small trees for your garden - Perfect for smaller gardens, courtyards, or as understory plantings. These trees pack maximum impact into minimal space, offering beautiful flowers, foliage, or fruit without overwhelming your garden.
10 Superb small to medium sized garden trees - This comprehensive guide features trees that are ideal for most residential gardens. You'll discover varieties that offer stunning seasonal interest without outgrowing their space, plus practical advice on what to consider when making your selection.
10 Fantastic Large Landscape Trees - If you're blessed with more space and want to make a real statement, these magnificent trees will become the focal points of your landscape. Perfect for those who can think big and plant for future generations.
A selection of superb small evergreen trees for your garden - For year-round structure and colour, nothing beats evergreens. These selections provide consistent beauty through all seasons and are particularly valuable for creating winter interest when deciduous trees are bare.
You can also check out the posts on these individual trees:
How to grow Crabapple (Malus): A complete guide to these beautiful, bee-friendly trees
Gardeners guide to growing Carpinus Betulus -the European Hornbeam
Thuja plicata x standishii ‘Leprechaun’: The Leprechaun™ Arborvitae
Growing Trees From Seed
Trees teach us patience in the garden. Unlike the instant gratification we get from planting bedding plants, trees are an investment in the future.
The small sapling you plant today might seem insignificant now, but in five or ten years, it can transform your garden.
Growing trees from seed is an even longer term investment, but perhaps a more satisfying one.
For example, take a look at this video, where I talk about some seeds of Catalapa and Albizia trees I planted during the pandemic.
And look at this post which also shows the development of the trees in the few years since.
As you can see, I have kept thee trees in pots, which will have restricted their growth somewhat. But it has still been fascinating to watch them grow.
For Indoor Plant Enthusiasts
If you're more focused on indoor growing, don't forget that many trees, especially palms and ficus (figs), can also be grown successfully in containers, either outdoors on patios or even indoors as houseplants. Dwarf varieties and those with interesting foliage can make stunning focal points in larger indoor spaces.
I hope these resources help you think about how trees might enhance your own garden. However large or small your garden, there's almost certainly a tree that will thrive in your space and bring you years of enjoyment.
As ever, enjoy your garden and your plants.
Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for topics you would like me to cover.
Martin Cole
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