Choosing trees for a small garden is quite a challenge. Most trees become far too large to even contemplate putting them in. Their season can also affect how valuable an addition it is to the garden. Space is often at a premium so you need something that will give you great value and not just for a couple of weeks a year.
One of the best trees for such garden is the Sorbus or mountain ash, sometimes also known as the rowan tree. It wins on nearly every count. It is a small tree that performs well in most soils, preferring slightly acidic. Relatively slow growing and has an extended season of interest. White flowers in spring are followed by clusters of bright orange-red berries. The mid green pinnate leaves turn yellow in autumn. Meaning that this plant gives value for a good long time.
Sorbus aucuparia
- Orange-red berries attract birds
So even if you have a small garden you can enjoy a fabulous tree that will give you and the wildlife it attracts something to get excited about.
Tags: garden design · gardening · Inspiration · low maintenance · Plant · sustainable · value1 Comment
I quite agree. I have one and love it. It is so heavy with berries at the moment that the branches are weighted down to the point of breaking. The birds do like the berries, but not as much as those on the amalanchier – all gone in a few hours, stripped by blackbirds and wood pigeons who flap above your head fighting each other for the prize!