Shrubs & trees

Trees and Shrubs: The Heart and Soul of British Gardens

Our very first garden design lesson came from watching how trees and shrubs work together to create nature’s perfect partnership. Walking through gardens across Britain, we’ve seen everything from tiny urban courtyards to sprawling country estates transformed by these woody wonders. Time and again, we are struck by just how much these plants form the backbone of our most beloved gardens.

We’ve spent many hours helping gardeners choose the right combinations for their spaces. Whether you’re blessed with acres of land or working with a modest patio, trees and shrubs bring year-round structure and life to your garden. They’re not just plants - they’re living architecture that transforms with every season.

In this guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned about selecting and combining these garden essentials. We’ll explore everything from our cherished native species to exciting exotic varieties that have found a happy home in British soil. Most importantly, we’ll help you discover how these plants can work their magic in your own garden, no matter its size.

The Perfect Partnership: Trees and Shrubs in British Gardens


Watching trees and shrubs work together in our garden has taught us more about nature’s wisdom than any textbook could. These woody companions create something truly magical - like dancers in a perfectly choreographed performance, each playing their unique role in the garden’s story.

Nature's Welcome Mat

We’ve noticed how a garden with trees and shrubs becomes rather like a busy hotel for wildlife. Last spring, we counted three different species of birds nesting in our hawthorn alone! The secret lies in choosing the right mix of plants.

Our own favourites are ceanothus, crab apple, and hawthorn - they’re absolute champions at providing both spring blossom and autumn berries. Rather wonderfully, these plants also invite nature’s own pest control squad - we’ve watched blue tits happily feasting on aphids that would otherwise trouble our roses.

The Garden’s Backbone


Think of shrubs as the faithful friends of your garden - they’re there for you in every season. While our perennials come and go, these woody stalwarts stand firm through winter storms and summer drought. Some, like our evergreen Viburnum tinus, keep their leaves all year, while others, such as our Hydrangea quercifolia, treat us to an ever-changing seasonal display.

Climate Champions


The weather certainly keeps us gardeners on our toes these days. We’ve seen first-hand how trees and shrubs help moderate these challenges in our own plot. One of our recent discoveries was Cotoneaster franchetii - quite the superhero when it comes to trapping those pesky air pollutants. During hot weather, the temperature under our mature beech is notably cooler than the exposed areas of the garden, and the soil beneath stays wonderfully moist, even during the driest spells.

Trees and shrubs working together create what clever scientists call “nature-based solutions”. We rather like that term as it reminds us that by planting these woody wonders, we’re not only prettifying our own patches, but also contributing to something much bigger. Every tree and shrub we plant becomes part of nature’s grand plan, reaching far beyond our garden walls.

Finding Your Perfect Tree Match


Choosing the right tree for a garden can feel rather like matchmaking; it’s all about finding the perfect partnership between plant and place. After years of helping gardeners select their trees, we’ve learned that success lies in understanding your garden’s personality before making any commitments.

Petite Performers for Small Spaces


Some of our favourite success stories come from tiny gardens. Japanese maples have never disappointed us - they’re absolute jewels in autumn, with their fiery colours lighting up even the smallest corner. For those seeking more seasonal drama, we always recommend crab apples like ‘Rudolf. Ours deliver the most gorgeous spring display, followed by plump fruits that keep the blackbirds happy well into winter.

One of our recent discoveries has been Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’ - what a performer! Standing gracefully at just 4 metres, it’s perfect for modern gardens. Last spring, we watched it burst into clouds of white blossom, creating quite the spectacle.

Our Native Treasures


We must confess a particular fondness for our native trees. The field maple (Acer campestre) might not be as showy as its exotic cousins, but it’s a reliable performer, reaching a manageable 8 metres with lovely autumn tints. Our own silver birch (Betula pendula) has grown remarkably quickly, its white bark creating a stunning focal point year-round. A word of caution though - do check your soil before making any final decisions.

While some trees - like apples and magnolias - can be a bit fussy about wanting acidic soil, others - like our sturdy yew - are far more accommodating. For the best results, we’ve found that planting between October and March gives trees the strongest start.

Choosing Shrubs for Changing British Weather


The weather certainly keeps throwing new challenges at us gardeners; the scorching temperatures of recent years have taught us valuable lessons about which shrubs can truly handle the heat. Rather wonderfully, many drought-tolerant varieties have proven themselves remarkably resilient in our British conditions.

Steadfast Evergreens


Our absolute champions for year-round structure must be the Pittosporum family. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Paterson’  has been particularly impressive in our own garden, flourishing even during our driest spells. When clients ask us about dramatic effects, we often suggest Yucca ‘Colour Guard’ as it has brought such wonderful architectural presence to both our containers and borders.

One of our greatest discoveries has been Choisya ternata - what a trooper! Ours grows happily in a partially shaded corner, filling the air with its citrusy scent and often treating us to a second flowering. Skimmia japonica also never fails to delight, especially in autumn when its buds turn that lovely shade of red. We’re particularly fond of Viburnum tinus. Watching its pink buds open to white flowers, followed by those rather spectacular metallic-sheened berries, is quite the show.

Dancing Through the Seasons with Trees and Shrubs


Watching our garden change through the seasons never fails to fill us with wonder. Each month brings its own special performance, rather like conducting an ever-changing orchestra of plants. Let us share some of our favourite performers that have proven themselves worthy of centre stage:

Spring’s Grand Opening


The garden’s awakening always starts with our beloved Amelanchier lamarckii - what a sight when those pure white flowers emerge among coppery young leaves! Our Camellia reticulata follows suit, unfurling the most exquisite rose-like blooms in shades that range from pristine white to the deepest pink and red. Rather wonderfully, the Japanese quince keeps the show going, painting the garden with splashes of white, peach and crimson from March right through to May.

Summer’s Full Symphony


Come summer, our Deutzias burst into life, creating the most magnificent display of flowers. We’re particularly fond of our Lavatera - rather like having hollyhocks that flower endlessly from June to September. The star of our summer garden has to be the Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa); those pure white bracts catch the light so beautifully, they almost seem to float above the foliage.

Autumn’s Fiery Finale


Oh, the autumn transformation! Our Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ puts on quite the show, with what we believe are some of the finest reds you’ll ever see in a garden. The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) brings its own magic – the flowers turn to strawberry jewel like fruits. Our Ginkgo biloba provides the grand finale, with its fan-shaped leaves turning the most spectacular shade of lemon.

Winter’s Quiet Beauty


Winter in our garden reveals what we like to call nature’s sculpture gallery. The Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ becomes particularly mesmerising when its twisted branches catch the frost. On the gloomiest days, we find ourselves drawn to the gleaming bark of Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’ as it is rather like having our own garden lighthouse. For reliable winter cheer, our Mahonia × media ‘Lionel Fortescue’ never disappoints, its bold yellow blooms filling the air with the most wonderful fragrance.

The Joy of Growing with Trees and Shrubs


After spending countless hours watching our garden grow and change, we’ve come to understand that trees and shrubs are far more than just pretty plants. They’re the very soul of our British gardens, creating magical spaces where wildlife thrives and seasons dance through in endless cycles.

What delights us most is how these woody wonders work for gardens of any size. Our first tiny garden in London taught us that even the smallest space can host a Japanese maple or two, while our current Lincolnshire plot shows how native champions like field maple and silver birch happily rub shoulders with more exotic specimens.

Rather wonderfully, these plants have become our allies in facing modern challenges. We’ve watched our own garden become more resilient with each passing season; the trees manage rainfall during our increasingly wet winters, while the shrubs provide welcome shade during those scorching summer days we’re experiencing more frequently. We have noticed more wildlife too – from spring our garden hums with life from the ground up to the highest branches.

The secret, we’ve discovered, lies in finding the right balance. Like all good partnerships, trees and shrubs bring out the best in each other. Together, they create something rather special - a living, breathing space that changes with every season yet remains constantly beautiful. Whether you’re planning your first garden or reimagining an existing one, these faithful friends will reward you with years of joy and discovery.

When planning your garden, understanding soil types is crucial to selecting the right plants. Some trees and shrubs thrive in chalky soil, while others prefer richer, loamy conditions. For example, British trees like the field maple and silver birch are versatile and can adapt to a range of soils, making them excellent choices for many gardens. If your garden has poor soil, consider improving it with organic matter or choosing hardy species that can flourish in less-than-ideal conditions.

For those seeking year-round greenery, evergreen trees such as yew or Scots pine provide structure and visual interest even in the depths of winter. These trees are particularly valuable in smaller gardens where space is limited but impact is desired. Pairing evergreens with garden shrubs like viburnum or skimmia can create a layered effect that enhances both texture and colour throughout the seasons.

If you’re short on time or resources to plant bare-root trees, opting for a plant pot-grown tree can be a convenient solution. These trees are easier to establish and can be planted at any time of year, provided they are well-watered and supported with a balanced fertiliser. As growers and suppliers of trees and shrubs, we offer an extensive range of native and ornamental options to suit every garden style.

Finally, don’t overlook the beauty and functionality of mature specimens. A mature tree not only provides instant impact but also supports biodiversity by offering shelter and food for wildlife. Whether you’re adding a single beautiful tree as a focal point or creating a harmonious blend of garden trees, shrubs, and climbers, thoughtful planning will ensure your garden thrives for years to come. For more inspiration, seek out expert advice on trees to match the unique character of your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trees and Shrubs

Why are trees and shrubs important for British gardens?

Trees and shrubs are essential for British gardens as they provide year-round structure, support wildlife and biodiversity, and offer climate protection. They create habitats for various creatures, act as natural pest controllers, and help tackle air pollution and rainfall management.

What are some suitable trees for small British gardens?

For compact spaces, consider Japanese maples for their blazing autumn colour, crab apples like ‘Rudolf’ for spring blossoms and autumn fruits, or Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’ for its clusters of white flowers and manageable height of 4 metres.

When is the best time to plant shrubs in the UK?

The optimal time for planting shrubs in the UK is between autumn and spring. This timing ensures that the root system receives adequate moisture from the soil to establish itself properly in its new location.

Which shrubs are well-suited for the British climate?

Drought-tolerant shrubs like Cistus varieties, Rosemary and Choisya ternata are excellent choices for British gardens. For flowering options, consider Lavandula angustifolia, Buddleia, and Mahonia varieties, which offer multiple seasons of interest.