Size shown is height x spread. Click on images for larger versions.

Trees:
Amelanchier lamarkii (Snowy Mesphilus or June Berry)
This is a small tree which no garden should be without.It has interest throughout the year and grows to about 4 x 3m (h x s) in sun/partial shade.
Spring flowers are small and white star shaped, opening before the leaves. From afar the flowers look like a mass of white but when you get closer up to the tree that it is possible to see how exquisite they are. The new leaves are attractively bronze coloured, maturing to a darker green. In mid summer, large black edible berries develop and in autumn the leaves turn a magnificent yellow and red.

Climbers:
Clematis alpina 'Columbine'
This early flowering clematis has beautiful pale blue flowers and does well in sun or shade.. The leaves are a lovely fresh green. Prune immediately after flowering if it is necessary to contain it. Reaches height of approx. 3m.

Shrubs:
Camellia x williamsii 'Donation'
The fantastically semi-double flowers are an attention grabbing intense pink. Camellia 'Donation' is extremely free flowering from March to the end of April. The leaves are a handsome glossy dark green and when not flowering still makes an attractive evergreen shrub all year round. It needs acid soil and likes sun or semi-shade, but avoid a east facing aspect where morning sun may damage blooms Can grow to 3 x 1.5m (h x s).
Make sure it doesn't get too droughted in late summer when it sets its buds for the followng spring - or they may not form properly.

Skimmia japonica 'Fragrans'
These evergreen shrubs are great as underplanting for larger deciduous shrubs. This scented variety is smaller than the more abundant 'Rubella' and more upright in habit. Size is approx. 1m x 1 m.
Has red buds throiugh winter openign into scented (lily of the valley) white flowers and glossy green leaves. Thrives in partial to full shade. Trim after flowering if necessary.

Berberis darwinii (Barberry)
This spiny evergreen medium shrub has good foliage and flowers and is really worth having in your garden. Its good for sun or a partially shaded site and is pretty tough. The shrub is festooned in Spring with gorgeous yellow -orange flowers which are followed by lots of of purple-blue berries. The small stalkless leaves are dark shiny green and have sharp spines. B. darwinii makes a good formal hedge but prune soon after flowering to make sure you have flowers for next year. Size is 1.8-2.5 x 1.5m (h x s).

Perennials:
Pulmonaria longifolia (Lungwort)
This early flowering plant has beautiful blue flowers and spotty leaves (grey spots on leaves meant to look like lungs). Pulmonaria makes an ideal groundcover plant for shady sites. Looks great in partnership with yellow spring flowers as well as underplanting shrubs. Size is 40 x 30cm.

March 2007