How to choose the right tree for your garden
Its location, the color of its flowers, the size it can reach growing up are just some of the first factors to consider when we go to a nursery to choose one or more trees to be placed in the garden. But it is also necessary to keep in mind the climatic area in which we live and the not negligible “design element” of the garden, that is to think of our tree in the context of an area in which other shapes and colors will also be present such as hedges, flower beds and maybe some fountain, pond or garden furniture areas such as tables and chairs for example.
How to use the trees
If we want to avoid planting trees at random, finding ourselves after a few years with large and imposing branches that enter us from the bedroom window or, even worse, with large and imposing trees that can be a reason for discussion with the neighbors, we must first all decide how to use our trees.
- Isolated trees: this “method” is used above all in the simplest contexts to highlight a single tree of which we can decide shape, color and as much as possible;
- Trees as structures: in this case we can use trees to better define or enclose a particular environment;
- Aligned trees: We can use solemnly aligned or more informally grouped trees for different purposes such as delimiting a property boundary or delineating an avenue. We can also use two neighboring trees to “frame” a landscape or to create an archway to access an area of the garden for example.
Ornamental features of trees
- Leaves: the leaves are undoubtedly the most important decorative element of the tree. The color, the shape, the dimensions and also the texture present on the leaf surface, which determines the quantity of reflected light, are elements to be taken into great consideration. Shiny leaves, for example, are the brightest ones.
- Flowers: the flowers are a little lasting presence compared to the life and the long season of the tree but still appreciated and decorative. We can also choose trees with fragrant flowers that can add an additional attraction to our garden such as Acacia dealbata or those with more summery scents such as Magnolia obovata or Plumeria Rubra. If you want to have a lot of flowers, the advice is to choose a sheltered location for your tree.
- Fruits and berries: there is no doubt that some colorful berries or fruits can compete with flowers in a beautiful garden. Take lemons or figs, for example, which are decidedly decorative when loaded with fruit. But remember that many fruit plants need mild climates to thrive and that many birds are attracted to ornamental berries that show off intense colors at certain times of the year. the Sorbus acuparaia or Rowan of the fowlers, for example, is attacked by birds when its berries are not yet ripe.
A different fate happens to the hawthorn (crataegeus): its fruits always arrive late and remain until late spring. In any case, it is always good to discuss with your trusted nurseryman to choose the right plant for climate and geographical area.
Trees for the garden in brief
Trees for small gardens
Maple (various species)
Birch (various species)
Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
Winter beauty
and with decorative flowers
Mimosa ( acacia dealbata)
Magnolia
Plum trees, especially the Japanese varieties, bloom in early March with beautiful colors
Trees for pots
- Araucaria ( big photo)
- Cordyline Australis
- Dracaena draco, the Dragon tree
- Grevillea robusta
- Salix caprea
- Taxus baccata
