Quercus robur
common oak
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: any deep, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: slow-growing
- Flowering period: May to June
- Flower colour: insignificant male and female flowers in separate trees
- Other features: deciduous, large tree
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A majestic tree with dark green, irregular, rounded-lobed leaves and clusters of neat acorns sitting in nobbly cups. Oaks are steeped in history, hiding legendary figures, such as Robin Hood and King Charles II in their sizable trunks. Known for their large size and longetivity, they should be planted for prosperity. They tolerate most soils, except shallow soil, and in large gardens and parks are ideal as specimen trees. - Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting.
Cyclamen coum
sowbread
Pretty winter flowers
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'
midland hawthorn
Profusion of pretty pink blooms
Viburnum tinus
laurustinus
Perfect for a shady spot
Crocus tommasinianus
early crocus bulbs
The best crocus for naturalising
Sarcococca confusa
sweet box
Sweetly scented, pure white flowers December to March
How to control diseases
Prevention is better than cure with diseases in the garden so keep your plants growing as strongly as possible – allowing them to fight off infections naturally. A weak plant is much more likely to fall prey than a good,...
Read full articleHoney fungus
Symptoms There are different symptoms which point to honey fungus, some or all of them may be present at one time. Also, death can take years or be virtually instantaneous with plants being suddenly stopped in their tracks, half-opened leaves just...
Read full articleFebruary pruning of trees, shrubs and climbers
The garden is at its most dormant right now, so it’s a good time to catch up on any pruning missed or forgotten since the autumn. If the weather isn’t favourable, you can leave it for a week or two,...
Read full articleOctober pruning of trees, shrubs and climbers
October sees the start of the dormant season which is the best time to prune lots of deciduous garden trees. You can prune newly planted trees to remove any damaged growth and help balance the shape of the canopy as...
Read full article