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Tree design

Lee-annemullanLee-annemullan Posts: 9
edited June 2022 in Garden design
Hello! I have a very long garden that we haven't done anything with yet and the sun hits all day. As lovely as this is, i have two small children and desperately need some shade in it. I have parasols and sails but I'd like something more natural like a tree. Can anyone recommend a fast growing tree (preferably not a fruit tree) that could give us some shade?  Also the positioning of it?  I have recently planted a cordyline australis where the hedge meets the fence because I've always wanted one. We are also doing a pergola off the garage as that's where the sun is late evening so it's more for tropical vibes sipping pina coladas in the evenings when it grows a bit 🤣 iI also want to do a border on the left hand side against the fence which will be nice grasses and some wild flowers. Any advice would be so welcome

Posts

  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,580

    Much easier to see now. Hope you get plenty of advice.   :)
  • Lee-annemullanLee-annemullan Posts: 9
    edited June 2022
    Oh thank you! 😂 i wasn't very awake when I posted 
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,050
    Hi, the problem with fast growing trees is they keep growing and can become massive. Do you have a rough height or area that you would like the tree to take up as that would make it easier. The nicer garden trees that stay manageable tend to be slower to get to the size you may want unfortunately. 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,957
    Are you planning on doing a complete redesign, such as getting rid of/moving the path and what l assume is an old washing line post ?
    It might be worth drawing up a plan (doesn't have to be too detailed) of how you'd like it to look.

    As someone with a very sunny garden I can appreciate you wanting some "natural" shade,  but you might have to resort to the sails and parasols for several years before any tree would have any effect. If this is going to be your home for quite a while then perhaps something like an Amelanchier might fit the bill. 

    Some other ideas for trees for small gardens here.
    https://perfectplants.co.uk/blog/ten-trees-suitable-for-small-gardens-its-time-to-plant

    With regards to the flower bed, l would decide the shape of it (curved or straight edged) and mark it out using canes or a hosepipe. Try and make it as generous as you can. Remember that grasses look their best in late summer through to late winter. Have a look at the Knoll Gardens website for some inspiration. 
    https://www.knollgardens.co.uk/
     :) 
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