For the first five years or so this tree grows slowly, it then speeds up to become one of the fastest of conifers both for height and timber volume. This exceptionally handsome, easily grown and disease-resistant tree produces extremely ornamental, violet-purple cones even on small trees. It also has highly aromatic foliage, which, when crushed, has a strong fruity orange smell. Few good fertile seeds collected. ... Learn More

This striking, fast-growing, deciduous shrub bears countless single, fragrant, white (edible!) flowers which are borne in profusion from April to July. It bears downy, greyish, vine-shaped leaves, and does best in a sheltered spot making it an absolute gem in any garden. ... Learn More

Trusses of large, saucer-shaped flowers, which vary in colour from almost white to light blue-mauve, are borne profusely from April until September, offset by large greyish-green, rather felted leaves. These completely frost hardy abutilons do well in almost any well drained soil growing well either against a wall or free-standing in a sheltered spot. ... Learn More

This frost hardy plant is surely the most desirable of all mallow relatives. Clusters of large, bowl-shaped, pale to deep purple flowers open from late spring to summer over a foil of felted grey-green leaves. Long-lived and a stunning specimen with a thick trunk in a sheltered spot! ... Learn More

Acacia arabica, now classified as Vachellia nilotica, is a fast-growing, thorny, evergreen tree native to Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. This hardy tree features a rounded canopy with feathery, pinnate leaves and straight, white thorns. During the blooming season, it produces clusters of bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers that are highly fragrant and attractive to bees and other pollinators. These are followed by long, flat, brown seed pods that mature in late summer. Thriving in full sun and adaptable to a wide range of soil types, this drought-tolerant species is co ... Learn More

Long, hebe-like sprays of fragrant creamy yellow flowers open on branches clad in large leathery leaves. Native to north eastern Queensland in Australia, the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and also the eastern Maluku Islands where it is used mainly for environmental management and timber, when a mean annual height increase of 3 to 4 meters will be obtained if grown near the equator. Its success is down to its extremely vigorous growth rate and its tolerance of highly acidic, low nutrient soils, and also its relative freedom from disease. ... Learn More

This attractive, hardy, small native Australian tree bears sprays of very delicate feather-like bipinnate foliage and impressive heads of countless fluffy, very fragrant, creamy-yellow blossoms. Although it can grow very large in New Zealand and Australia, it rarely grows to any exceptional size in the UK and colder countries. It is often cultivated for tannin in New Zealand, East Africa, India, Sri Lanka, parts of Central America, southern Europe and Indonesia. ... Learn More

A familiar sight, both in gardens and in British hedgerows, this attractive deciduous native tree is clad in deep green maple foliage, which changes to dazzling bright gold and yellows in late summer and autumn. But it is grown as much for its incredible seeds as for its foliage. The first gales of autumn loosen the bunches of amazing propeller-like seeds, which fly in all directions like miniature helicopters. Children (and even some adults!) delight in throwing them up into the air to see how far they can fly! ... Learn More

An outstandingly lovely ornamental tree with orange-cinnamon coloured bark which peels back revealing the smooth shiny new bark beneath. In autumn the entire tree seems to be ablaze as the leaves turn deep crimson-red and it is utterly hardy and long-lived. ... Learn More

This exquisite dwarf form has a pronounced drooping habit producing a domed effect, covered with delicate, papery, lace-like leaves that turn all shades of yellow, bronze and red in the autumn. Very slow indeed to grow, these few valuable seeds were collected from 20 year old trees that have reached one meter in height, making them perfect for the smaller garden or pond-side or even life in a pot. Indeed, with patience, they make perfect bonzai specimens. ... Learn More

Acer rubrum, commonly known as Red Maple, is a versatile and vibrant deciduous tree renowned for its stunning red foliage and adaptability to various climates. This popular ornamental tree stands out for its brilliant red hues in both spring and autumn, making it a favourite among landscape enthusiasts. Size: Medium to large-sized tree, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet. Growth Rate: Fast-growing, providing quick landscape impact. Hardy Zones: Adaptable to a wide range of climates, suitable for zones 3-9. Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soil but can tolerate ... Learn More

Startling, large, almost jet-black, smooth-skinned fruit, somewhat resembling the fruits called "Conkers", grow on this rather dwarf tree, which has a somewhat arching habit, and opens large panicles of creamy-yellow coloured flowers in May. These form fruits with noticeably smaller, eye-like white spots than "normal" conkers, hence one of their common names. It occurs mainly in the mountainous regions of the state of Ohio, where in September it produces a spectacular orange and bronze autumn colouration, and is one of the earliest trees to turn. This rare, dwarf relative of our own UK "Conker ... Learn More

Leathery, spine-tipped leaves clad long spidery branches, which are geometrically arrayed around the trunk like spokes of a cartwheel. One level is produced each year enabling the age of the tree to be easily calculated. When mature this is one of the most handsome, graceful and noble of all the world's trees. Freshly-collected, refrigerated seed is offered, which must be sown on receipt. Very few good solid seeds available after poor weather affected the production of viable seed this year. ... Learn More

The "Himalayan Coralberry" is a cool growing compact bush from the eastern Himalayas bearing dark green leaves with undulate margins. Profuse, star-shaped, white to pale pink flowers in early summer produce many berries in autumn and throughout winter and early spring, which remain on the plant giving it a very decorative look, making it ideal for growing as a pot plant for indoors, although it can stand mild frosts. Though not usually grown as a fruit crop, the berries, which have have a mild sweet taste, are edible and children are very fond of them. ... Learn More

This is thought to be the world's healthiest fruit! The berries, with very few seeds, should be very ripe indeed before they are eaten, and have a strong, delicious, and quite unique taste. But its most popular use is in juices, sauces, smoothies and summer puddings! Incredibly tough and hardy, it is long-lived, easy to grow, and extremely productive, and truly is a fruit of the future! With an amazing three times more xanthocyanins and antioxidants than blueberries and blackcurrants, (allegedly a highest proportion than any other known plant), and also polyphenols, bioflavonoids, tannins and ... Learn More