Trees: Why Every Garden Deserves One

(And How to Make the Right Choice)

I’ve been thinking about trees A LOT lately. Not in a profound, mystical way, but I’m definitely appreciating their quiet presence in our gardens and landscapes, particularly now they’re beginning to wake up. This comes after attending a seminar in Dublin recently which included a particularly inspiring talk on trees, perfectly timed just as the buds begin to dust the branches of my local populations.

From my living room window, I can see a magnificent oak that’s been standing sentinel for generations – dropping autumn leaves to helpfully mulch the front garden with a minimum of input from me. It does suck up the light and moisture from the earth, but I forgive it completely for the character it brings to my garden there.

The thing is, we often get tree planting wrong. It’s all too easy to fall for that charming little sapling at the garden centre, bring it home, and plant it wherever there happens to be a space – without giving much thought to what it will become in 10, 20 or 50 years’ time. That adorable ‘baby tree’ might grow into something that blocks your light, interferes with foundations or simply looks completely out of place. Yes, I am looking at you, Eucalyptus!

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THANK YOU to all my paid subscribers who make My Real Gardens possible!

In this week's newsletter, I’ll be sharing:

· Common tree-planting mistakes and what I've learned from them

· How to choose the perfect tree for your specific garden needs

· Trees as climate allies – insights from Henrik Sjöman's inspiring Dublin talk

· Problem-solving trees for challenging sites

· My six Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ and why they're wildlife magnets

· My favourite tree sourcing books and online resources, all with links.

Plus, my five favourite garden discoveries this week!

Paid subscribers also enjoy the full audio recording so you can listen while pottering in the garden, and access to my carefully curated lists of favourite tree books and online resources.

Plus, you'll also have access to my very first LIVE session here on Substack this Saturday at 12:30 UK time, where I'll be pricking out tomatoes, potting on Cobaea and tackling the Great Big Border Cut back. Don't miss it!

Special Offer: For the next two weeks only, new subscribers can join at a special rate and gain access to the complete My Real Gardens back catalogue.

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I'd love to see you and answer any burning questions you have on Saturday's live at 12:30 UK time.