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It is coming into the time of year for many beautiful flowering cherry trees (Prunus) to add a delightful, delicate focus to your garden. They are very versatile trees offering fresh spring colour when they are in full bloom. Many consider that the flowering cherry tree offers the most attractive blossom of all trees. Most flowering cherry trees are particularly hardy and disease resistant. They can also tolerate poor soil conditions, including clay and some chalk soils. Many varieties originate from China and Japan, but they grow happily in the UK and are easy to grow making them a popular choice. Many people will purchase a flowering cherry tree for the attractive spring blossom, but numerous varieties of flowering cherry will have autumn interest too. Their leaves will change to beautiful yellows, reds and golds before the leaves fall off. There is a considerable choice of shape and size with flowering cherry trees. These range from weeping, upright or spreading varieties to large and small trees, suitable for all gardens, especially small gardens when space is a premium. Flowering cherry tree blossom can range from dark pink, pale pink and white. Flowers can be single, semi-double or double flowers. Three varieties you could consider are: Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ / Flagpole Cherry Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ is a small columnar tree. This variety is ideal for a small garden. It has clusters of large fragrant single or semi-double shell pink flowers. The leaves are bronze turning green into summer and turning yellow in autumn. This tree is often used for small spaces. Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ is an ideal tree for urban areas, because it is tolerant of pollution. It does not however, like wet soils or shallow chalk. Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ can be planted in a sunny, exposed position. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ / Great White Cherry Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ is a medium to large tree. It has pink buds that are followed by very large white, dazzling flowers. Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ has rich coppery-red young leaves which turn green in summer eventually turning a vibrant yellow/orange in autumn. This variety is often known as the Great White Cherry and has an attractive rounded habit. It does not do well in wet soils or shallow chalk. It is also pollution tolerant, so again it is good in urban areas. You can plant Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ in a sunny position, and it will cope with being unprotected. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ / Winter flowering Cherry Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is a small tree with semi-double pale pink flowers from November to March on bare branches. The flowers are followed by small fruits, which are good for birds. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ has green foliage which turns shades of orange/yellow in the autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and is pollution tolerant, so is another tree suitable for urban areas. It will thrive in most conditions, but does not like wet soil or shallow chalk. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ can be planted in a sunny location, with little or no protection. `

The maintenance and care of all your plants is of vital importance, especially in their first year, when your trees and shrubs are establishing themselves in your ground conditions, so we have collated some tips on watering plants. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we ensure that all of our customers are given the best possible advice on how to look after their plants. Watering plants appears to be one aspect where customers are often concerned about getting it right. We always advise the following:- * Water your trees and shrubs well when they are first planted. Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be kept moist but not wet in order to help them grow and be resistant to pests and diseases. It will also enhance their ability to produce flowers and fruit. * Once planted, you should check the ground every day. If the ground is wet, you do not need to water, so walk away! If the ground is dry or starting to dry out, you need to water. You should be checking your ground very regularly at first so that you work with your ground conditions. To ensure that you know exactly how wet or dry your ground is, it is a good idea to place your finger into the ground to ascertain how far down the water has gone. Newly planted trees and shrubs will require regular watering for the first few years of their life in order to establish a healthy root system. * Depending upon your ground conditions, you could be watering every day, every other day or every 3-4 days. * Water slightly away from the root ball to the canopy edge of your plants. This encourages the fibrous roots to chase the water and will help to establish a stronger root system and therefore a stronger, healthier plant. A weak root system will create a weak tree or shrub, which will be susceptible to disease and will not be able to cope with high winds, as the root system will not be strong enough to keep the plant anchored in the ground. You want to keep the roots moist but not saturated. There is no need to water the foliage of your trees and shrubs. * If your trees and shrubs are in containers, you will probably need to water every day, even twice a day in severe dry weather, as there is less soil to hold water. Again, you need to work with your conditions. * You should continue watering plants through until the autumn, but as the weather cools, you will need to water less. Your plants will need to start to “harden off” for the winter and by reducing the watering; there is less chance of frost damage to the roots.  Again, work with your ground conditions. Newly planted plants – Newly planted plants are more susceptible to water stress than established plants and watering should always be high priority. More established plants will not need as much water or maintenance. It can be beneficial to spread a layer of mulch to your beds to help keep the moisture levels in the ground. However, it is imperative that the mulch does not cover the top surface of the root system (which should always be slightly proud of the surface) and it must not touch the trunk or stems of your trees and shrubs. This will suffocate them and leave them open to diseases or even kill them. A layer of no more than 3”-4” will suffice. During this hot spell, it is most important to keep on top of your watering. Failure to do so, will be to the detriment of your plants and could eventually kill them. We are watering our stock twice a day now to keep all of our stock healthy and looking its best. If you are concerned about how often to water and would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our extensive range of evergreen trees and shrubs at our evergreen tree nursery continue to sell very well. We have a large range of different species and sizes to choose from. However, as we move towards late spring and early summer, many of our customers are still contacting us concerned about their evergreen trees and shrubs shedding their foliage. The term “evergreen” can be misleading as all leaves on evergreen trees and shrubs will eventually wear out and drop as the new growth emerges. The old foliage will lose its green appearance and will show black spots. This is perfectly natural. It is where the old leaf is breaking down and once on the ground will naturally decompose and this is where compost comes from! The sole purpose of leaves is to absorb sunlight, which will be converted through photosynthesis into food. The leaves or needles on evergreen trees and shrubs give the appearance that they never shed their foliage. At the beginning of spring, when they start to shed their old leaves in abundance, as the new bud shoots are coming through, there is the misconception that something is wrong. Nature is doing what it should and there is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are ever concerned, always seek the advice of an expert as soon as you can. Whatever your reasons for wanting an evergreen tree or shrub, we are sure we can accommodate your requirements. Our range includes Leylandii (fast growing), Griselinia littoralis and Quercus ilex (suitable for coastal conditions) and Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ – always a favourite with lots of spring interest. Their delicate white flowers are coming to an end now but what a spectacle they have been. At Arundel Arboretum, a well-defined tree and shrub nursery, we have wide selection of evergreen trees and shrubs suitable for all conditions. We shall look forward to your visit, where our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be very happy to assist you with your purchase and offer advice on any concerns you may have regarding the health of your plants.  

Caring for all of your specimen plants, especially during their first season, is of vital importance. It is during this time that your plants will undergo the most stress. The plants have to find the water table and where the nutrients are in your existing soil. It will also have to adjust to the amount of sunlight and wind it is now exposed too. Overall, maintenance and watering are the key factors to the success of any specimen plant.  Every garden is different and you will need to be aware of your ground conditions. Trees and shrubs should be watered well when first planted. You should then allow the ground to start to dry out before adding more water. Some ground conditions mean you will need to water every day, others it could be every 3-4 days. Work with your ground conditions as overwatering can be just as damaging as under watering. When planting your specimen plants, we recommend adding a mycorrhizal fungus to the newly dug hole before planting your plant. This will help to establish the root system (see our planting guide for further information). About a month after planting, we would recommend adding a fertiliser to the ground. For this to be the most effective, you should apply the fertiliser around the root system – not on top of it. If the fertiliser is added around the root system this will encourage the roots to spread out to the fiser. This will create a stronger root system and therefore a healthier plant. The first feed should be approximately 6” away from the roots, then 12” – 18” away and so on for the first year. We would recommend feeding every 3-4 weeks for the first growing season. Our knowledgeable staff are always able to advise you on the correct maintenance of all specimen plants – please do not hesitate to ask or call in.

Having a south-facing garden will inevitably mean more watering, but a garden like this is an ideal location for a variety of plants. A south-facing garden will have a lot of exposure to sunlight and therefore have a higher demand for water than a shady area. When planning your planting, it is important to bear the maintenance in mind, as failure to maintain watering could mean the failure of all your lovely plants! Watering is especially important during the first season of planting but should be high priority thereafter too. In order to keep moisture in the ground, once your borders are planted, you could consider a layer of mulch, bark, gravel or slate chips. It is imperative, however, not to cover the top surface of the root system of your plants. Covering over the top surface of the root system will eventually cause the plants to die. As a guide, mulch to the canopy of the plant, leaving the trunk and top surface of the root system exposed. Despite a south-facing garden possibly being in full sun for much of the day, there is still a good variety of plants you could consider in your planting scheme. In order to create year-round interest, you could consider planting a selection of evergreen and deciduous plants, which could include:- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ This is a dwarf variety of Lavender and is very happy in a sunny position. It has an eventual height of 50cm and the small deep violet-purple flowers appear May – July. It is very hardy and is an evergreen shrub with narrow, silver-grey leaves. Viburnum x burkwoodii This is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and highly fragrant white/pale pink flowers mid-late spring. It has an eventual height and width of approximately 1.5 – 2.5m and grows very well in full sun or partial shade. The shrub prefers a moist well-drained soil. Acer palmatum ‘Shin deshojo’ This is a stunning variety of Japanese maple with an upright habit. The lobed shaped foliage open crimson-scarlet in the spring becoming green\red in the summer before turning a cascade of stunning red-orange in the autumn. It has an eventual height of 3m and will grow in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny position, but must be sheltered. Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ This is a deciduous tree with a robust pyramidal compact habit. It has glossy dark green leaves turning shades of red and purple in the autumn and produces masses of snowy-white flowers in the spring. It will grow in full sun in either a sheltered or exposed position, with an eventual height of 12m and a spread of 4-8m (after 20-50 years). Having a south-facing garden can, therefore, be achieved with lots of interesting trees and shrubs that will give a good amount of colour too. If you would like help in deciding what to plant in your south-facing garden, please do pay us a visit. We will be very happy to assist and advise you accordingly.

Are you looking for garden centres in Sussex that have a beautiful range of plants all year round? At Arundel Arboretum, our garden centre in Sussex, we have a wonderful range that is still looking superb now. One plant to consider is Sedums. Sedums (hylotelephium) and common name of stonecrop, are succulent perennial plants with heads of small, star-shaped flowers. These appear during the summer months and they will continue to flower into the winter. There is a vast range of Sedums all with a variety of flowering colours and flowering times. How to grow Sedums ideally need to be planted in a sunny spot, preferably south-facing in an exposed or sheltered position. They do require a well-drained soil. They require little maintenance other than being cut back in May during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show week – this is known as the “Chelsea Chop!”. By doing this, it will encourage a more compact plant when it starts to re-shoot and avoid taller varieties becoming floppy as they grow through the season. Features We currently have Sedum spectabile ‘Carmen’ and Sedum spectabile ‘Stardust’ in stock. They are clump-forming varieties with grey-green leaves. ‘Carmen’ has soft rose-pink flowers whilst ‘Stardust’ has creamy-white flowers. Once they have finished flowering, the seed heads can be left on over the winter months and cut back the following spring. The seed heads can look very attractive covered in frost and snow. If you are seeking drought tolerant plants, Sedums are an ideal choice for consideration. Wildlife When the flowers start to emerge in the summer, they attract lots of bees and butterflies and because the flowers continue into the early winter, they provide some late nectar for our wildlife too. For further help and information on growing sedums, why not visit Arundel Arboretum, one of the leading garden centres in Sussex? Our knowledgeable team will be very pleased to help and assist you.

No matter how large or small your garden is, all gardens have the potential to benefit enormously from having a tree. Trees can enhance your garden and the surrounding area in terms of size, colour and textures of the leaves and flowers. Trees provide a superb habitat for wildlife – a subject we are exceptionally passionate about as it is very important to us. In order to make the right choice when you buy a garden tree, here is some helpful advice on things to consider: What are your requirements? Would you like a deciduous or evergreen tree? A single stem tree or a multi-stem? Do you need a fast growing tree or are you able to be patient and wait for your tree to grow? Are you looking for a productive tree – e.g. a fruit tree? Fruit trees are a wonderful addition to any garden and if space is limited, you can even keep it in a pot. How much space is available for your tree to grow? Remember it needs space to grow up as well as spread. Consider a low maintenance tree if you do not have a lot of time for maintenance e.g. pruning. When considering the purchase of a garden tree, it is vital to choose a specialist tree nursery. At Arundel Arboretum, we have many years experience in producing excellent quality trees and shrubs. Our expert staff are always on hand to guide you through your purchase and answer any questions you may have. When deciding on buying a garden tree, you may like to consider the following that are out in flower now:- Amelanchier Canadensis Amelanchier Canadensis is a small deciduous tree. It can also be grown as a large shrub. It produces masses of small, white flowers in the spring. The flowers are then followed by green-red fruits that will eventually turn black. The fruits are excellent for birds. The mid-green leaves will turn yellow\orange\red in the autumn. Amelanchier Canadensis prefers a well-drained soil. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is a Japanese flowering cherry tree. It has an elegant spreading habit. The large, delicate flowers hang down in large bunches during April and May. They open pink and fade to a bright white as the season progresses. Prunus Shimidsu Sakura ‘Blushing Bride’ is a pollutant tolerant tree making it ideal for urban areas. Its green foliage turns orange and red in the autumn. It is not tolerant of wet or shallow chalky conditions. Prunus ‘Pandora’ Prunus ‘Pandora’ is a small deciduous tree with a broadly vase-shaped canopy and upright habit. Single, very pale pink flowers appear in the spring. These are followed by green leaves, which turn pale yellow in the autumn. The young bark on a Prunus ‘Pandora’ is a radiant brown. This tree has an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun. It will be happy in either a sheltered or exposed position. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum, where we will be very happy to assist you with your purchase of a garden tree.  

The Easter weekend is traditionally the start of the new gardening year. This year the clocks will have gone forward the weekend before, so our days are now longer than our nights. There is always a lot to do in the garden once the new season gets underway, and to help you get started here are a few simple tasks you can begin with:- Weeding! The weeds will be starting to appear and it is always wise to get on top of them as soon as possible. Pruning – plants like Dogwoods can be cut back to near ground level to encourage strong, vibrant new growth later in the year. Ensure you know what you can prune back at this time of year, as you don’t want to cut back a shrub whose new flower buds are produced from last year’s growth. Have a good look at your garden and start to plan this year’s planting requirements. If you are looking for a traditional plant or something just that bit different, why not visit Arundel Arboretum, your local tree nursery in Sussex? We have an extensive range of trees and shrubs suitable for all conditions, which will enhance all your garden requirements. We are eagerly awaiting the warmer days now and the anticipation of our tree nursery changing daily as more trees and shrubs burst into their vibrant spring colours. We particularly look forward to our stunning Japanese maples coming into leaf, as this is always a spectacular show. Some of the early Prunus (flowering cherry) trees are revealing their splendid spring blossom. Two trees looking good in our tree nursery for blossom now are:- Prunus ‘Okame’ Prunus ‘Okame’ is a splendid small tree with ascending branches. These are covered with an abundance of shell pink single flowers in March and April. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in the autumn. It has an eventual height of approximately 4m and a spread of 4m. It can, therefore, be considered for a small garden. Prunus ‘Okame’ can be planted in full sun, in a moist, fertile soil. It will not, however, be happy in waterlogged or permanently wet conditions. The tree is tolerant of pollution and popular with bees. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ (Purple leaved-plum) Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a small purple leaved tree. It flowers in early spring. The pale pink flowers emerge from a mass of pink buds. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ is a massed branched, deciduous tree, which is sometimes used for screening. It is a very easy tree to grow and can withstand hard pruning. Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii Nigra’ can produce plums, but when it feels like it! It is not, therefore, a regular fruiting tree. It has an eventual height of 8m and a spread of 6m. We shall look forward to welcoming you to our tree nursery, where our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you with all your plant requirements. Please note, we are closed on Easter Sunday.  

Evergreen trees and shrubs have constant interest and are therefore an ideal choice if you are looking for screenage. Many of our customers visit us with concerns about privacy issues whether it is from a new build, to replace any trees or shrubs that have been removed or died or a neighbour’s extension for example. Because evergreen trees and shrubs keep their foliage all year round, (but they naturally shed some foliage that will be replenished with fresh, new growth) they can also act as a natural focal point to your garden. Depending upon the variety you choose, you can also grow your tree or shrub in a container. However, if you choose this option, do remember that the plant will need to be removed from its pot every other year, so that you can cut back 10% of the root system and refresh the growing medium. This will keep your plant healthy. Sometimes, there is a misconception that evergreen plants have to be conifers, but there is a large selection of evergreen trees and shrubs to choose from. When selecting your plants you will need to consider the following:- What interesting features are you looking for? For example, foliage colour, berries or flowers. If you live near the sea, you will need to consider plants that can cope with the salt conditions. Quercus ilex, Griselinia littoralis and Tamarisk make good choices here. How much space do you have? You will need to consider whether the plant you choose will have enough space for its eventual height and spread. Ground conditions and whether your garden faces north, south, east or west. To get an idea of what grows well in your area, it is a good idea to look around your local area to see what grows well. If you are planting an evergreen for screenage, consider whether you would like a bush, (to mask a fence for example) or a standard tree. A standard tree will block out above a fence line and you can still plant smaller shrubs underneath. Bear in mind that not all evergreens can cope with hard pruning. Some can lose their beauty afterwards. Here at Arundel Arboretum, our knowledgeable staff are always available to advise you on the right purchase. We have a large range of plants to choose from. Here is a selection for you to consider:- Quercus ilex (Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak) Quercus ilex is an evergreen tree. It has small leathery green dark green leaves, with a white\cream underside, and black finely cracked bark. Yellow catkins appear in spring. Quercus ilex can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Being an oak, this tree can grow to excessive mass. Annual trimming will keep the tree in shape and under control. If you are near the coast, this is a very good choice. The tree is able to cope with the salt conditions. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a width of 8m+. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub with dark green leaves which are brilliant red when they are young. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ produces small white flowers which appear in April-May, and these are sometimes followed by bright red fruit later in the summer. It is an ideal evergreen specimen shrub as is comes in many forms – bush, standard and half standard. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ can be kept regularly trimmed which will enhance the colour and encourage dense foliage. This, therefore, makes it an ideal shrub for screenage. Magnolia grandiflora (Bull Bay) Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen, which makes a magnificent tree. It is often used as a shrub. Glossy, leathery green leaves above a reddish-brown underside. It produces fragrant large creamy white globular flowers. These are highly fragrant and can be up to 25cm across. As a tree, it is ideal for screening. Magnolia grandiflora can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ is an evergreen shrub. It has dark green foliage and produces beautiful funnel-shaped white flowers. These emerge from mauve buds in late spring. Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It has an eventual height of 1.5-2.5m and a spread of 2.5-4m. We have a vast selection of rhododendrons in stock, so there is plenty to choose from! Arundel Arboretum is a leading stockist of evergreen trees and shrubs in West Sussex and we are always available to advise you on the right purchase for your garden. Please do come along to our nursery to see our excellent, extensive range of evergreen trees and shrubs.

We continue to be very busy here at Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre. We have just taken delivery of our first load of stock from Spain. It was handpicked by us. We believe this is of vital importance, as an ethical plant supplier, that we source our stock and can trace its history. The stock was delivered to Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre the following week. As usual, we are extremely pleased with the quality and here is a taster of some of the new stock we have: Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) Trachelospermum jasminoides is a highly scented, evergreen vigorous climber. It produces clusters of stunning star shaped pure white flowers, which appear in July and will continue throughout the summer months. With age, they turn cream. Its leaves are dark green, which will turn bronze-red in the winter. Trachelospermum jasminoides is best grown against a warm, sunny wall and eventually reach a height of 8m. It will require sheltering from cold drying winds so bare that in mind when planting. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ (Fig) Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is an ideal fig to grow for the UK climate. It is fully hardy and can be grown in the UK successfully outdoors. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is a popular self-fertile fig which produces an abundant crop of sweet, juicy figs that have a deep red flesh surrounded by brown skins. They have an attractive lobed foliage and striking trunk and branches. They can be fan trained against a sunny wall and will also grow happily in a container. The fruits develop in the spring and will ripen from August-September. A second crop of fruits can develop in late summer if the plant has been protected, these fruits will ripen the following summer. Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ has an eventual height of 3m and spread of 4m. Myrtus communis (common Myrtle) Myrtus communis is a bushy, evergreen shrub with dark green glossy leaves, which give off a fragrant aroma if crushed. It has an abundance of fragrant white flowers and their white stamens are quite conspicuous. The flowers appear in July and August and are followed by purple-black berries. Myrtus communis thrives in full sun, with well-drained soil and can even tolerate frosts. However, it will need to be protected if it is in a particularly cold area. Myrtus communis will enhance a sunny border or can be grown successfully against a south or west-facing wall. We also stock them as half standards which can look spectacular. Olea europaea (Olive) – bonsai These look amazing and very different! Olea europaea is becoming more popular and as you will have seen from our previous blog Olive Tree Care – a guide they grow very successfully in this country. We have discovered the Olea europaea as a bonsai and they will enhance your patio with its delicate foliage and will also create a focal point. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a lovely, dense evergreen shrub. It has splendid dark green leaves and produces large pink buds that appear in late autumn. These buds burst open in the winter to reveal fragrant, white flowers, which can last up to six months. Once the flowers begin to fade, they are followed by black berries, which the birds absolutely love. It’s a very useful food source for them throughout the winter months. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is happy in sun or shade, sheltered or even exposed sites. It is an ideal choice for difficult positions and once it is established, it is fairly drought resistant. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ can be grown as a shrub in a border, shaped and cut into a topiary or trained as a standard, which can look particularly good in pots either side of a doorway or gateway. This is just a small selection of the new stock we have at Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre. We pride ourselves on being a plant supplier that can offer exceptional quality stock, and friendly, professional, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum Garden Centre to help and advise you on the right plants for your garden.

Today, customers are often concerned about screenage and come to us for fast growing shrubs for privacy, whether it is for a new build project, to replace existing trees and shrubs that have been removed or an extension to a neighbouring property. An evergreen shrub will provide dense screenage all year round, and they will also act as a windbreak. Most evergreen shrubs require little maintenance to keep them looking good. From experience, we are aware that our customers require shrubs that grow quickly because they want to create a screen and privacy instantly. We have many varieties in stock that fulfill these requirements. Selecting your shrubs Selecting your fast growing shrubs for privacy does require a little thought so that you purchase the right one for your environment. You should always consider where the plants will be positioned so that they can cope with their surroundings e.g. if you live near the sea you need a plant that can cope with the salt conditions. Plants that are suitable for these conditions include Quercus ilex, Griselinia littoralis, Euonymous japonica and Tamarisk. Location The location of your fast growing shrubs is very important if you are creating a screen for privacy purposes, as the plants are likely to be planted near a wall or driveway. You will need to remember that root systems grow down and laterally, and the bigger the plant, the bigger the root system will become. We would not recommend planting Bamboo for example near to walls and pathways, as they have a vigorous, invasive root system. Size When choosing your plants for screening purposes, be sure you are aware of the eventual height and spread to make sure it will be suitable for your needs and will have the space to grow. Ground Conditions Always choose plants that will do well in your ground conditions. Also, take into account the way your garden faces (north, south, east or west) and therefore the way the plants will face and how they will cope with the weather conditions. We suggest you look around your local area to see what grows well. This is always a good indication of what plants are best to invest in. Some plants that can effectively be used for screenage include: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’ is a fast growing evergreen shrub. It produces a very dense hedge with large, glossy green leaves. It has upright spikes of white flowers in the spring, which are followed by cherry-red berries, but these are harmful if ingested. This shrub is suitable for damp, shady areas; dry, shady areas and wet areas. It will not tolerate coastal or chalk conditions. The shrub has an eventual height of approximately 5m. Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ Prunus laurocerasus ‘Caucasica’ is another fast growing, upright and bushy evergreen shrub. It has attractive spikes of white clusters of flowers in April-May. These are followed by black fruits. This shrub is able to tolerate deep shade and dry conditions, although the shrub needs to be kept moist for the first year. The dark green leaves are 15-18cm long and can be trimmed to shape. The shrub has an eventual height and spread of 4-6m. Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub with dark green leaves, which are brilliant red when they are young. Small white flowers appear in April-May, and these are sometimes followed by bright red fruit later in the summer. The shrub can be trimmed to shape and size and has an eventual height and spread of 5m. Elaeagnus x ebbingei Elaeagnus x ebbingei is a very hardy evergreen shrub, and very easy to grow. The foliage is dark green with a silvery underside. It produces fragrant, creamy flowers in September-October and these are followed by orange speckled silver fruit later into the winter. The shrub will tolerate partial shade and dry conditions, although it is best to avoid chalk. The shrub can be kept clipped to shape and size and has an eventual height and spread of 4m. Griselinia littoralis Griselina littoralis is a dense, upright shrub. It has glossy, light apple-green leathery leaves, and is very good in coastal positions. The shrub produces yellow flowers in April-May. It has an eventual height of 4m and a spread of 2m. Our knowledgeable staff here at Arundel Arboretum are able to advise and help you select the most suitable plants for creating privacy in your garden. We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery and helping you make the right choices your garden.  

Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a comprehensive range of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. They range in height from 1’ – 20’ depending upon variety. These include an extensive range of specimen trees. Specimen trees are usually those that create an impact or focal point in a garden design. It might not be the size of the tree that makes it stand out. It could be its gnarled bark, stunning flowers, graceful arching branches or a standard tree planted for screening that really makes a statement. Specimen trees are generally planted as a standalone tree. However, trees can be planted in a group to create a feature. An example of this is Betula utilis var. Jacquemontii. With their stunning white bark, they will look amazing. Once you have decided to plant a specimen tree in your garden, our experienced staff will be able to help you choose the right one for you. Some things to consider include: What type of tree would you like? Deciduous or evergreen? If your specimen tree is for screening, then it is probably worth considering an evergreen so that you have year-round privacy Height and spread – this is a major factor to consider. Your garden must be able to cope with the plant’s eventual height and spread! Also, consider access to your chosen site – can your tree fit through a gate for example Consider what you want from your tree. Would you like spring blossom, fiery autumn colours, interesting bark, berries for wildlife Also, consider your soil. We will be able to help you choose a specimen tree that will thrive in your conditions Here are a few ideas of specimen trees to consider: Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is a very popular deciduous tree. This is due to its architectural shape and brilliant white bark on its trunk and larger branches. The multi-stem variety is very effective. They are often planted in groups of three for a stunning effect. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has ovate shaped leaves, which turn yellow in the autumn. In early spring, the male yellow-brown catkins appear and these can be up to 12cm long. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii has an eventual height of 12m+ and width of 4-8m. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, in an exposed or sheltered position. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ is a very popular form of Liquidambar as it is more suitable for the average garden. It has rich autumn colours of mostly orange and red. An added feature in the winter is the cork that develops on the wood of the tree. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in well-drained, moist soil. This deciduous tree has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. Quercus ilex Quercus ilex is a large, evergreen majestic tree. Its leathery leaves are dark glossy green above, and grayish downy beneath. Quercus ilex can take pruning and will grow in full sun or partial shade. This tree is used a lot for screening in either a bush or standard form. It is also a salt tolerant tree, so is ideal in coastal conditions. The finely cracked bark is black. It has an eventual height of 12m+ and a spread of 8m+. We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum where our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to assist with your purchase of a specimen tree. The photographs are only an indication of the stock we currently have.  

We are now officially into spring, which probably explains all the wind and rain! We are continuing to see changes daily as more plants are blossoming. The Prunus Pandora look particularly good at the moment and the buds on the magnolias are bursting into life. Overall, the nursery looks stunning – so many colours and fresh, new growth. This spring it probably looks the best it has ever done. There are many jobs that need to be addressed now, and here are some spring gardening tips to help you along the way:- Evergreen shrubs will be shedding last year’s leaves to reveal lush, new season’s growth. The term ‘evergreen’ can mislead people into thinking that their plant will never drop its leaves. However, once the old leaves get shaded out by the new growth, they are discarded. Now is a good time to feed your trees and shrubs. We always recommend fertilising away from the main rootball to encourage good growth and a stronger root system. Applying the fertiliser about 12” – 18” away from plants that have been planted for a year or two is ideal. If your plants have only just been planted, we would recommend applying approximately 6” away, gradually spreading outwards over the ensuing growing season. Feed every 3-4 weeks in the first growing season. Continue to check support and ties on your trees and shrubs, and replace if necessary. Tie back climbers. Weeding! The weeds are starting to appear with a vengeance! It is vital to keep on top of this as they are easier to control when they are young. To help keep weeds at bay, apply mulch, gravel, slate or woodchips to your beds. Do ensure that any covering is kept away from the trunk of any trees or large shrubs and that the top surface of the root system is still visible. As a guide, only mulch up to the canopy of your plant. Failure to do this will eventually kill your plants. Please see our Planting Plan for further advice. If you have not already done so, cut back your Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) to encourage new colourful winter stems. Pruning can still be carried out on your trees, provided the sap is not starting to rise. If it is, it would be wise to wait now until the autumn. Pruning when the sap is rising will leave an open wound, which makes your tree or shrub susceptible to pests and diseases. Containerised plants – check they are not “pot bound”. If they need repotting, you can remove from their existing pot and remove 10% of the root system, and replant them with fresh compost. This will reinvigorate your plant and keep it fresh and healthy. Paying attention to maintenance now will be very beneficial for your garden. We hope these few spring gardening tips will help you to create a real haven in your garden that you can enjoy for the spring, summer and autumn.

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are small, deciduous trees. They have a graceful growing habit, superb autumn colours and beautiful, delicate foliage. Many Acers grow extremely slowly and are perfect in a smaller garden. They are also ideal to grow in containers.  Japanese Maples are also indigenous to forested areas in Korea and China and as far south as Taiwan. The species can grow to heights of 8-9m over a fifty-year period, depending on growing conditions. However, most cultivars are small, slow-growing trees. Choosing your Japanese Maple There are in excess of 1,000 recorded varieties of Japanese Maples, so it would be impossible to stock them all! That said we are proud to stock a wide range of varieties, and three of our favourites are:- Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ is an upright Acer. It has a pale orange foliage in the spring, turning yellow/green in the summer and yellow/orange in the autumn. Its eventual height is 5m so you’ll need to allow space for this to grow into. Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a compact, upright Acer. It has a maroon foliage in the spring and summer, turning to bright red in the autumn.  Its eventual height is 2.5m. Acer palmatum vars dissectum ‘Viridis’ is a weeping Acer.  It has bright green foliage in the spring and summer, turning gold/crimson in the autumn.  Its eventual height is 1.4-2m so it is ideal for rockeries, pots and smaller spaces.  Choosing and Planting your Japanese Maple If your tree is correctly planted, it will grow well and give you many years of pleasure. When choosing your Acer, you should consider: Japanese Maples will grow in most soils, but they prefer a slightly acidic, sandy, well-drained soil. Japanese Maples do not like very wet, dry or alkaline soils. Japanese Maples will grow best in sheltered positions, due to their delicate foliage they can be susceptible to wind burn and hot sun. Red and purple leaved varieties require some sun to develop their full dark colours Variegated varieties require partial shade to prevent the afternoon sun scorching the foliage Green varieties can tolerate full sun, but they will benefit from a position that will provide some shade Our Japanese maples are all in containers, so they can be planted at any time of the year.  When planting your tree, remember to leave enough room for the tree to spread. Remember that an exposed site of wind and hot sun can wipe out a small tree in no time at all, so position the tree where it is protected from the elements. If the leaves start to turn brown on the tips, your tree is showing signs of stress. If your tree is planted in a very hot, sunny position, the roots can become baked and again the leaves will show signs of stress. Most Japanese Maples have a shallow, fibrous root system that dislike competition from other plants, so ensure that they are not too crowded. Following our Planting Guide for further tips on planting your tree. Growing your Japanese Maple in a container Japanese Maples grow well in containers, but will require extra care. Take care to ensure that there is not too much soil around the rootball, so that the soil does not become waterlogged. It is not wise to use a container that is too big for your Japanese Maple. As a guide, a container no larger than twice the diameter of the rootball and half again as deep should be about right. If you wish to always grow your Japanese Maple in a container, you will need to remove it every 2-3 years and trim 10% of the root system. Then freshen the soil and replant the tree back in its container. You can also replant in a larger container if you wish, but you will still need to remove every 2-3 years to keep the tree and roots fresh. Feeding your Japanese Maple Japanese Maples as a general rule, do not require a large amount of fertiliser for healthy growth. They do not like large amounts of nitrogen especially in the first two years. We would recommend feeding around the root system with a root growth stimulant. Pruning your Japanese Maple The best time to prune your Japanese Maple is in late winter or early spring. Your tree will be in its natural dormant state at that time, and less injury will be caused. When pruning your tree, you should be looking to removing the dead wood and the fine stems. It is wise to remove the lowest branches on young trees. When your tree is 2-3 years old, you can begin to train the tree by removing limbs that are rubbing each other or are too close to one another. You will also need to prune out small twigs and branches on the interior of your tree. This will help form an attractive silhouette. We would recommend pruning your Japanese Maple annually. This will ensure that your tree remains healthy and strong and will bring many years of pleasure to you and your garden. Visit us We look forward to welcoming you to Arundel Arboretum and showing you our extensive range of beautiful Japanese Maples.

With the current spell of cold, wintry weather, it is hard to imagine the sunny days of spring, when our gardens will start to burst into life again with numerous bulbs and spring flowering trees and shrubs. Winter is traditionally the time to plant trees and shrubs so that they can establish themselves over the winter months when they will require less maintenance.  However, with most nurseries and garden centres supplying their trees and shrubs in containers, planting can take place all year round. If you are considering planting a tree or shrub for spring interest, there are many varieties to choose from. Flowering cherries (Prunus) and Crab Apples (Malus) are often ones that people go for. When deciding what spring flowering plants you would like to incorporate into your planting scheme, consideration should be given to: The size of plant your garden can accommodate What ground conditions it will require Whether it needs to be in a sheltered position What colour its spring flowers are If you are able to plant a few trees or shrubs, consider their flowering period so that you have blossom lasting for the longest time. Flowering time is usually anytime from March until the end of May. Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a wide variety of spring flowering plants to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you get started:- Edgeworthia chrysantha (Oriential Paper Bush) The bees absolutely love this bushy, deciduous shrub! Dense flowers appear during late winter and early spring. The flowers range from a pale yellow to a deep yellow or even reddish-orange. The tubular shaped flowers are approximately 10-20mm long with silky hairs on the outside. Oval shaped leaves appear after the flowers have finished. Edgeworthia chrysantha can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height and spread of 1-1.5m. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ is a small deciduous tree. It has a compact, upright growth habit. Single, light pink flowers appear in spring. Its green leaves turn a lovely orange and red in the autumn. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ should be planted in full sun, in either a sheltered or exposed position.  With an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m, it should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Malus x floribunda (Japanese Crab Apple) Malus x floribunda is a small, round-headed deciduous tree, with arching branches. Its white or pale pink flowers emerge from crimson buds in late spring. These are followed by very small, yellow fruits. Malus x floribunda can be planted in full sun and partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Its eventual height is 8-12m and spread of 8m+. We have a wide range of spring flowering plants in stock. If you would like some advice on the best plants for your garden, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always able to help you select the right plants for your conditions.

Despite the Olive (Olea europaea) being a Mediterranean tree by nature, being associated with warm and sunny weather, they can be grown very successfully in the U.K. The Olive is a very adaptable and hardy plant, and with the right care, your Olive tree will thrive and provide a focal point for your garden or pots. This small to medium sized evergreen tree makes for a fantastic screening tree or a stand-alone specimen. Olive trees have grey-green leathery leaves, which help to form a consistently densely headed tree. Olive trees are easily maintained as a shaped plant or just left to do its own thing. All of our Olive trees are handpicked from Spain and we ensure that they are of the utmost quality and health. We select many sizes and forms (e.g. standards, half standards, plated).  Once you have selected the right Olive for you, we would recommend following the advice on planting and Olive tree care. Position and Planting Your Olive tree will be best suited to a sunny position – ideally south or west facing.  It is advisable to protect it from north and east winds. You must also consider your soil type.  Olives will live happily in acidic or alkaline soils, but they do not like conditions that become waterlogged. Therefore, free draining soil is essential. If your soil is sandy or lacking in nutrients, try adding a root growth stimulant or fertilizer after planting.  If you wish to grow your Olive tree in a pot, this can be done very successfully. You need to be mindful that it will need extra care with watering and will require repotting every other year to keep the tree and roots fresh.  Watering Olive trees do not like wet conditions, and whether you have planted your Olive in the ground or in a pot, they must have free drainage. During the summer months, your Olive will only need small amounts of water (work with your ground conditions) but will require monitoring more closely if it is planted in a pot. It is best to let the soil dry out between watering. Remember that Olive trees are Mediterranean plants and therefore are used to drought conditions, and can tolerate long periods of time with little or no water. It is not necessary to water Olive trees during the winter. Feeding Olive trees are naturally used to be adapted for poor, stony soils. Therefore, they only require a little feed, which we would recommend annually in the Spring. For the best results, use a liquid feed fertilizer approximately 12” – 18” away from the root system. This will encourage the roots to spread out further. Winter Protection Olive trees are quite hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -10C for short periods of time. If the temperature drops for a long period, your Olive would benefit from being wrapped with suitable horticultural fleece. If your Olive is in a pot, we would recommend putting them under cover (e.g. conservatory or greenhouse). Alternatively, the plant and the pot can be wrapped to avoid the roots freezing. Pruning There is, apparently, an old Tuscan proverb that says an olive tree is well pruned only if a swallow can fly in its branches! We would recommend pruning your Olive tree in early spring. This will encourage a vigour of new bud growth. You can prune your Olive tree to any shape you like, and they are extremely easy to prune.  Their maintenance is simply a matter of reducing the lengths of the branches by the amount they have grown each year, or every other year, depending on how often you prune. If however, you wish to try to produce fruit from your tree, then you need to remember that the fruits appear on branches that grew during the previous spring and summer. The growing season in the U.K. is short for the production of edible fruit, but it is possible with some trees.  Do not eat Olives straight from the tree – they are very bitter. At Arundel Arboretum, we have an exceptional selection of Olives. We will be very happy to assist you with your purchase and Olive tree care.

Gardening is very seasonal, and whilst there may not be hard and fast rules on when to undertake certain tasks, it is always best to work with the weather when undertaking your garden maintenance during the winter months. February is generally a month for pruning, although if the month is particularly cold, it might be wise to wait until the weather is a little milder. Pruning also depends upon where in the country you live as different parts of the country can experience very different weather conditions simultaneously. For example, a garden in the south of England or a sheltered garden will be ready to be pruned before an exposed cold garden in the north. Weather plays an important part in your garden maintenance planning. There are many plants that will benefit from being pruned in February, subject to correct weather conditions, such as: summer flowering Clematis (ensure you know which group your Clematis belongs too) and Buddleia. Hydrangea paniculata and H. “Annabelle” can also be pruned. The mop-headed flowers on last year’s wood should be trimmed by a third to encourage new wood. Deadhead hydrangeas by taking the flower heads back to a strong pair of shoots. cut back shrubs such as Cornus and Salix, which are grown for their striking winter stems. Don’t be afraid – they should be cut down to ground level in order to encourage new growth next winter. winter flowering Jasmine – cut this back after is has finished flowering. This will encourage new growth for next year’s blooms. Cut back the previous year’s growth to 5cm from the old wood. trim winter flowering Heathers once the flowers have disappeared to prevent the plants from getting leggy. cut back ornamental grasses, e.g. Miscanthus and other perennials that are left for winter interest. Apple trees and pear trees can be pruned whilst they are still dormant. Plum, cherry and apricots should be left until the summer as pruning now will make them susceptible to Silver Leaf disease. Prune back grape vines, shortening last year’s fruited shoots to encourage new growth. trim back deciduous hedges before the birds start to nest. do not be tempted to prune any shrubs that are spring-flowering as you will cut off the potential flowers. It is best to wait until early summer to prune these, once the flowers have finished. if you have any variegated shrubs, remove any green shoots that are reverting to prevent full reversion taking over. Jobs that can be undertaken in February include: keep fat balls and bird feeders topped up to encourage birds into your garden. They in turn will also eat any pests in your garden. put up nest boxes. Nest boxes should be positioned out of prevailing winds and strong sunlight. There are different nest boxes for different types of birds – so ensure you follow the positioning instructions carefully to get the most enjoyment later. Also, look for a position that is hard for squirrels and cats to reach. check any trees that have tree ties to make sure they are not cutting into the bark, as your tree will have grown since it was first planted. Loosen if necessary, and remove any damaged or worn ties and replace them. consider moving any shrubs that have become too big for their current location. tie back wall shrubs and climbers back onto their supports if they have worked loose over the winter. inspect all of your Buxus sempervirens and Ilex trees for any signs of blight and remove if discovered. check for cankers or any damage on deciduous trees. if you are contemplating planting a new hedge and would like to consider planting a bare root or ball-rooted plants, providing the weather conditions are still conducive, you still have time to plant this. Please see our blog Tips for planting hedges from our hedge nursery for further information and guidance. Starting to undertake your garden maintenance now will pay dividends later in the year, when you can enjoy your efforts and watch your garden flourish. If you need any advice on garden maintenance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our helpful staff are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Purchasing a tree for your garden is an investment and there are many practical considerations to take into account, especially if your purchase is a small tree for a small garden.  Some of the important factors to consider are: Height and Spread – this is probably the most important factor to consider.  Books will often give you the final height of a tree, but however they do not always explain that it may take 60 years to get there!  You must give full consideration to the amount of space you have – height and width.  If you do not have room for the tree to spread, you can consider a columnar tree e.g. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’; Liriodendron fastigiata; Cup. Sempervirens Totem. Interest – when would you like your tree to look its best? You should consider when the tree will flower, the size and shape of the foliage. Does the tree fruit, and what are the autumn colours like? Deciduous or evergreen – both trees have their advantages.  Evergreens will keep their leaves all year round, thus providing a degree of privacy.  However, many deciduous trees have spectacular autumn colours, e.g. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ which you would not get with an evergreen tree. Location – is the area where the tree is to be planted wet or dry?  Shady or sunny?  These options will have a contributory factor on your final choice. To help you choose, you may like to consider the following:- Amelanchier canadensis Amelanchier canadensis is a dense, erect, deciduous small tree. Its eventual height can be in excess of 14’.  It has mid-green leaves, which change to red-orange in the autumn and racemes of white, slightly fragrant flowers from April-May that are followed by green-red fruit in the summer.  The Amelanchier is suitable for most soils, but it is best to avoid chalky sites.  It will thrive in sun and partial shade. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a variety of Cockspur Thorn. In our opinion, it is one of the most attractive of all thorns. It produces green, glossy leaves turning a blaze of orange\red\yellow in the autumn. Masses of white flowers appear in May, followed by bunches of large, rich, red fruit from autumn onwards. It’s a small tree that can stand heavy pruning, and is an exceptional wildlife tree- the ideal tree for nesting birds as the large thorns deter cats and squirrels from climbing the tree and disturbing the nests. A very hardy tree – “as tough as old boots”. It can withstand north, south, east or west positions and clay to chalk soils. Malus ‘Evereste’ Malus ‘Evereste’ is a small deciduous tree which is broadly conical in shape. It has an eventual height of approximately 16’.  Its large soft pink to white flowers emerge from scarlet buds in April and May and dark green leaves, which turn yellow in the autumn.  It produces yellow-orange fruits that can be used for culinary purposes and if  left on the tree, will often last until after Christmas.  Malus ‘Evereste’ is great for wildlife, and is especially a hit with the bees. Also it can withstand north, south, east or west positions and dry ground. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is a small, narrow column tree, with upright branches.  It is ideal for a small garden, with an eventual height of approximately 19’.  In April, it produces clusters of large fragrant single or semi-double shell pink flowers.  The foliage is bronze-green in the spring, turning to mid-green during the summer and orangey/red in the autumn. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is very tolerant of pollution, so is an ideal tree for urban areas.  It can withstand south and west positions however needs dry ground – alkaline to clay for best results. Olea europaea – half standard Olea europaea is an evergreen tree ideal for a small garden.  It will have an eventual height of approximately 19’ and a spread of approximately 16’ but can withstand hard pruning. This should be undertaken in the spring, when you are sure to have seen the last of any frosts.  Olives are hardy and can cope with temperatures down to -10 and sometimes more.  They are very easy to maintain and make ideal plants to keep in containers.  However, they must have good drainage, so if planting in a container, add grit to aid drainage.  They love to be situated in full sun but can also tolerate a windy position, although they should be protected from salt winds.  Olive trees when planted in a bed will make a fantastic feature tree, as it will create height and interest to the bed. At Arundel Arboretum, we are always very happy to assist our customers with our extensive knowledge of trees for your garden. Please do visit us to see the variety of small trees we have available for small gardens.

Whilst we are still in the middle of winter, it is lovely to see that our days are starting to lengthen – apparently by 2 minutes per day! Now is a good time to start planning your garden for the new season ahead, while also keeping on top of the usual jobs that can be done on nice dry, sunny days. Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree if you have not already done so. Other January gardening jobs include: Getting your greenhouse ready for the new season by giving it a good clean and cleaning all your pots and trays too Prune apple and pear trees Continue to put out food and water for birds and other wildlife Plan what trees and shrubs you would like to plant this year Continue to clear any leaves Bare root and rootball trees and shrubs can still be planted Keep your weeding under control as they are starting to appear! If you are looking for inspiration for ideas on planting trees and shrubs in your garden this year, or further help with January gardening jobs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always very happy to assist with all your gardening questions.  

There are many things to consider when buying a garden tree.  Here are a few points that you may wish to consider: Would you like an ornamental garden tree to create structure and interest to your garden or would you like a productive tree e.g. a fruit tree? Does your tree need to provide a particular purpose e.g. screenage or shade? How much space do you have available for your tree? Remember it will need room to grow! Should you be considering a low maintenance tree if you do not have a lot of time available for maintenance e.g. pruning? As you will see from the About Us page on our website, here at the Arboretum we also take into account a range of other requirements: Whether you require an evergreen or deciduous plant Your soil type, its pH level and how wet or dry the ground is Whether your garden faces north, south, east or west How close to the sea you are – a salt wind can devastate some varieties How shaded your area is Planting garden trees brings many benefits Trees are of vital importance in maintaining the quality of our surroundings. We must ensure that trees are planted so that the future generations can enjoy the many benefits that they bring to our environment and to nature. Planting a garden tree can greatly enhance your garden and the surrounding area in terms of size, colour and textures. They provide superb habitats for wildlife – something at Arundel Arboretum we are extremely passionate about. When considering the purchase of a garden tree, it is always advisable to choose a specialist tree nursery. Here at Arundel Arboretum we have many years experience in producing top quality stock and our expert staff are always on hand to guide you through your purchase. Two trees that you could consider purchasing now for enjoying their wintertime interest are: Malus Everest (Crab Apple) This is a small, conical shaped tree, which has green leaves that turn mainly yellow in the autumn. The soft pink-white flowers produce yellow crab apples into the winter. Here, we have spent time observing Fieldfares eating the crab apples when snow is on the ground, with Thrushes and Blackbirds jostling for position! chrysantha (Oriental Paper Bush) This is a bushy deciduous shrub. The flowers appear in late winter\early spring. They are dense ranging from pale yellow, deep yellow or reddish-orange. They have a sweet scent.  They are tubular shaped, approximately 10-20mm long and have silky hairs on the outside.  The oval shaped leaves appear after the flowers have finished.The bark of it is used for making high quality, hand-made paper, including ornamental Japanese wallpaper and calligraphy paper.