FOR THE LOVE OF TREES

It is the beginning of 2022 and as I mentioned in the first post on instagram we want to encourage everyone who can to plant 1 tree this year. It often seems that many owners to smaller gardens are worried of the size of the tree, possible shade and management of leaves. I think with the extreme periods of heat most of us are experiencing in the summer due to global warming, the benefits that one tree gives us and our environment is well worth it. In fact, if you start listing the pros of having trees in the garden there are so many that soon you realise that if you find any cons they are outnumbered by far.

But if you have a garden with mature trees already, would you be inclined to plant another one? Maybe not, but perhaps you can plant a shrub, or redesign an area of the garden to include a smaller tree or shrub. Gardens are alive and constantly evolving, plants age and at some point will need replacing. This is an opportunity to introduce new options, new colours, new foliage and create a change of scenery and perhaps re-think the purpose of the planting.

We often refer to perennials when we think of planting to aid our life supporting pollinators, birds and other insects. But trees and shrubs are as much of importance to contribute to this vital mission, especially as many of them flower earlier than many perennials providing food for the hungry pollinators early in the season.

Coming back to the balance of doing good and maybe looking good or whatever the reasons are when choosing the plant. I have asked some of my local heros what tree they have and love and which trees are on their wish list.

SARA ELLSTRÖM - Gardener and owner of Funk Trädgård

Sara’s forever favourite tree is Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) with nostalgic memories from her early childhood and the tree continues to accompany her in accommodations providing a daily dose of enjoyment. As Sara describes how she enjoys seeing the colours shifting as the sunlight changes over the day and watching the grand silhouette you can only agree, at the same time I fall into contemplation of when and where this majestic tree is regenerated by intentional design other than in natural woodlands. Again we come back to this fear of planting large trees in our small urbanised areas. But for those who are lucky enough to have majestic pine trees outside their doorstep it is only appreciated and beloved.The massive height of these trees is in fact that work in tight residential areas, and perhaps smaller gardens. If the tree is allowed to grow in its own free space the crown go well beyond the roofs and the sheer openness allowing light sifting through means it does not interfere with neighbours or sunlight. Should we conclude, more pine to the people?

The trees on Saras wishlist are Cercidiphyllum japonicum, (katsura) for the foliage and scent. Morus alba (mulberry) for the berries and the quirky shape and last but not least the Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky coffee tree) for the enormous and sheer foliage.

LENA LÄNN - Artistic creator with her own floral design studio and shop, Blomsterateljén i Mälarstaden.

Lena with her exceptional artristy has her favourite tree as Quercus robur (European oak) and her wishlist tree is Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree). It made perfect sense when she wrote this to me as she seems both grounded and loves our Swedish woodlands, yet she would be the one to come up with a tree I had never heard of and most likely if I had not asked this particular question I would never have come across the Joshua Tree. Unless I was travelling through the Mojave desert in the US where it originates. Although you can actually grow this amazingly quirky tree in a container, you would never really experience the majestic feature it exposes in its natural habitat of course. But why not experiment and and see what becomes. Going back to the oak tree I wanted to mention a few options on this amazing species. Quercus palustris ‘Green Dwarf’ grows to be about 3-4 meters high and wide and is an exceptionally good option for the smaller garden. The larger one in the same family, Quercus palustris is one of my favourites if space is available.

Last but not least of my local heros is my MUM. The self-taught gardener and I highly respect her knowledge and opinion. For my mum, her favourite tree is also Scot’s pine and she has one of the most beautiful examples of a pine that has had no interference growing up and clearly enjoys the habitat. The other favourite tree in her own garden is the cherry tree of an unknown origin for the shape as much as the fruit. Her wishlist was harder to come by as she is a very practical person and for now she is fully content as it is. I think if we are to take the last one in and I know she had long wanted this tree, it is the katsura tree. I hope I will be able to follow the journey of this gem maturing as it is also one of my own favourites.

MY favourite trees in my own garden at the moment is a tie between Prunus mackii ‘Honey’ (Manchurian cherry) for the early foliage and flowering and Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skyline’ (Honey locust) for the sheer foliage and beautiful shadow play on the stoned patio below. These are in close proximity to each other and together with a magnolia they create an enclosed court yard that feels amazingly private even though it is facing the street and on hot summer days this is the favourite spot as you have enough shade to feel cooler but still the light shines through and gives beautiful variations of green. Also when the evening sun lightly sifts through, it is simply serene. For my wishlist, there are so many but the one I am planning for this year is Halesia Carolina (Caroline silverbell).

Whether you have an abundant space and considering a specimen tree or wondering what small tree could fit your plans I know that thinking trees and shrubs and not only beautiful flower borders will do wonders for you, the garden and our planet. I hope we have shared some inspiration and we are happy to assist with research and purchasing for your next project.

// Cecilia