When we were moving back up to the Midlands in 1987, the housing market was such that we were struggling to find our perfect home.  The house was important of course, but the garden was too.  When we drove into the garden at Charnwood we pretty much knew straight away that this may well be the one for us.

Hard though it is to say exactly why we had that emotional connection from the start, I think the beautiful mature trees were the main reason. Wandering round the garden now it still brings me joy.  We have had to say a sad goodbye over the years to some of the old trees, but we have planted many more over the years to replace them and to complement what is already here.  And we have been fortunate enough to be able to pay for an annual visit from skilled arboriculturist to really look after those remaining. If climate change seems to you to be such an overwhelming problem, one you feel helpless to solve, if you have the space and the money, planting a tree really can make a difference. It will  bring you years of joy and the addition of a calm and permanent presence that is reassuring, especially now in these troubled times.

So what tree you may ask?  Well here are a few that are suitable for smaller gardens that we have planted and become good friends with:

The latest addition, planted a couple of years ago, is a quince. It grows really easily: we planted ours a couple of years ago and it has thrived without much help from me through drought and flood without a sign of looking stressed.  In Spring it has the most lovely single white blossom and, in a few years’ time (I hope) will yield fruit that looks like a rather knobbly, big pear that are wonderfully fragrant. Quince added to apple cooked in a crumble is said to be yummy; I’ll let you know! Check out the rootstock or the eventually height and spread of any tree before you buy to make sure it’s the right size for your plot.

A cherry is always a must for me, that exuberant, blousy blossom is wonderful in spring. The best performer and the longest lived here is Prunus serrulate ‘Longipes’, bought from Ivor Thompson many years ago. The clusters of pink buds transform into masses of white flowers in abundance.  The autumn colours are delightful too with yellow orange and red leaves.  She is eventually a gently spreading tree about 2 metres tall.

Last but not least, have a look at Euonymous alata.  This is another small tree reaching 2.5 metres, it stays pretty quiet most of the year but in Autumn the colour is amazing, bright, in-your- face red.  Beware if you have rabbits though, it is one of their favourite dinners so we’ve got it netted off until it is big enough to fend them off.

A tree is a good Christmas present as long as you check out there is space for it in its intended home. If in doubt, go for something that stays low and can be pruned such as a holly or a dwarf pine, or play even safer and buy a rose. Don’t forget too that children can enjoy and get involved in the garden.  I came across these seeds (see photo) in a local garden centre and thought what a great stocking filler they would make among the sweets and toys. Giving the chance for our children to get into the wonderful world of growing things in my humble opinion is one of the best gifts we can give them.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024.  I’ll be back in February when the snowdrops will be emerging, I can’t wait!