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Ornamental Trees for Front Garden

clh40clh40 Posts: 3
in Plants

Hi,

My front drive is block paved with a semi circle where we intend to plant a statement piece, surrounded by large white cobble stones.  I like the look of bonsai trees but am not sure about sizes etc and don't want anything that takes a lot of looking after.  The front is East facing.  I don't have much of an idea when it comes to gardening so would appreciate any ideas of a tree or shrub that may fit the bill.

Thanks in advance.

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,222

    It is not a good idea to have stones of any description going right up to the base of a tree. An evergreen shrub such as Choisya ternata Sundance would be a good shrub to use rather than a tree. Bonsai trees are usually pretty titchy and need a lot of looking after if you wih to keep them small.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,759

    When I read your question I was just about to say Choisya Ternata, or Sundance or Aztec Pearl, but then scrolled down and saw Ladybird has beaten me to it.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    A lollipop bay tree or an acer would be my choice. But if you want a proper tree then an amelanchier or dwarfish flowering cherry.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • clh40clh40 Posts: 3

    Thank you.  I will have a look into your suggestions.

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,759

    I was thinking it had to be evergreen, but actually you didn't say so. There are also crab apples - small trees with flowers in spring (white, pink or red) and fruit in late summer also pretty colours. You can even make jelly from it.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • clh40clh40 Posts: 3

    The Acer seems to be more along the lines of what I'm looking for as whatever is planted needs to be quite substantial but not enormous.  However there seem to be many types of Acer and I'm unsure which is best.  Can anyone advise on this, taking into consideration we are not keen gardeners.

    The lollipop bay tree is also good - one either side of the front door, so thanks for that.  Do they need much looking after?

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,222

    Bay trees need to be clipped to maintain their lollipop shape and as they are containerised they need regular watering and feeding. Rain is not enough.

    Any of the Japanese Acers would be good. They are slow growing, come in many beautiful leaf shapes and colours but don't care for either full sun or windy exposure. To get one the size you seem to require could cost a lot of money.

    They are not, however, evergreen.

    Last edited: 26 July 2016 20:11:55

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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