Shrubs & Trees

 

We stock a varied selection of ornamental trees and shrubs to suit every garden situation. 

 

From Quinces to Peach, large Bay trees, Citrus and beautiful Olive trees, you are sure to find something to suit your garden. 

 

Quinces are very ornamental trees, producing fruit at an early age. The blossom, which appears in late spring, is white to blush-pink and looks not unlike a large Comice pear, although slightly more square (it is in fact related to the apple and pear families). The smooth-skinned fruits ripen to a golden yellow. They are ready to pick in October and should be cut, not twisted off the tree. SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE VARIETIES (available from Petersham Nurseries) :

Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja'
Soft, aromatic, pale-yellow flesh, with a superior sweet-and-sour flavour; attractive rose-pink blossom; very vigorous and heavy cropping; fruits borne at an early age; erect growth; suited to fan training; originates from Serbia; winner of an RHS Award of Garden Merit
 
Cydonia oblonga 'Portugal'
An exceptionally attractive tree, excellent in a small garden; juicy with a mild flavour; an ancient, historic variety. 
 
Cydonia oblonga 'Champion'

This variety has bumper crops of large, oblong, pale-green fruits with an excellent flavour. A good choice for most gardens. Fruit is ideal for pie fillings and jellies.

 

Flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica) 

We have several varieties in stock, displayed around the nursery either alongside other fruit bushes and trees or on the pretty slate display tables outside Glasshouse One, which houses the shop and restaurant. These are grown more for their ornamental value - in spring the flowers are stunning, in scarlet, white, peach and pink, rather like significantly enlarged apple blossom. But the fruits are not suitable for eating raw, although they are not poisonous. Softer after a frost, they contain high levels of pectin and are suited to making marmalade and preserves (and also liqueurs!).

   

How and when to plant fruit trees

Fruit trees are best planted from October to December. Apple trees prefer full sun, although they will tolerate some shade. They are tolerant of most soil conditions. Dig a square hole 60cm (2ft) deep by 1.2m (4ft), incorporating as much organic material as possible - aim to get the soil crumbly. The hole should be large enough to easily take the roots. Place the tree in the hole and cover the roots with soil up to the surrounding ground level. The tree should be planted to the same depth as it was in the pot. Having planted the tree, firm down the soil using your boots to ensure the soil is in good contact with the roots.  Water well if the conditions are dry.

 

This includes different sizes of clipped olives and many different sizes and shapes of both box and bay trees. If you are looking for something in particular or need more information on what would work in shade, full sun, poor soil etc. please contact us.