Feature plant of this month

Cornus kousa chinensis

Chinese Dogwood

In the spring, this tree is covered with unforgettable creamy white flowers. Attractive horizontal tiers of branches make this small deciduous tree popular. Autumn leaves have red-scarlet tints. It is a moderate grower and reaches a height of 20 feet and a width of 15 feet.

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Use of Small Trees in Landscaping

Big shade trees provide desirable privacy and shade, but not every property has the appropriate space to accommodate these trees. People with small yards can find a solution in a large selection of small trees. In a courtyard or by a charming pond, small trees can provide excellent visual effects.

Most commonly used and always appreciated is the Japanese maple Acer palmatum. Most nurseries have a large selection of varieties of Japanese maple that vary in sizes and shapes. Therefore, when shopping for one for your yard, getting accurate information on a specific variety will help you to avoid future disappointment.

As much Japanese maples have fascinating foliage and graceful form Japanese Snowbell Styrax japonicum is a deciduous tree that attracts attention with its outstanding flowers. It is 15 feet to 25 feet tall and its crown has a rounded vase shape. Styrax flowers are perfect little white bells that cover the whole tree in late spring or early summer. You might want to think about planting this tree where you can enjoy its flowers up close.

Another small tree I would like to mention is the English Yew Taxus baccata 'Fastisiata', which is a columnar and will excel in a shady spot in the garden. This slowgrowing conifer reaches a height of 15 to 30 feet and it remains about 4 to 8 feet wide. Its narrow form is very useful in a variety of situations.

Achieving a success in landscape planning means considering always changing size of plants. Underestimating the size of a tree might cause lots of grief in the future. Therefore, choose the tree for your garden carefully considering its size in ten years and fifty years from now.

Viktorie Hladik
Horticulturist
Landscape Designer

List of past newsletter issues:

..... private garden .....

..... groundcovers ......

..... landscape lights .....

..... designing your entrance .....

..... building a retaining wall .....

..... garden features .....

..... winter gardens .....

..... house plants .....

..... conifers .....

..... winter preparation .....

..... garden year-round.....

..... starting your landscape job .....

..... shade garden ......