BE INSPIRED

Taking our cue from the dramatically coloured foliage of the Richards’ Parrotia persica, we select ten beautiful trees with distinctive seasonal features and year-round appeal

Take a leaf out of the City Design’s book with ornamental trees that will provide distinctive seasonal features all year round.

Awell-chosen ornamental tree will add character and interest to your garden, be it with cheerful spring blossom, textural and colourful bark or dazzling autumn foliage. Many varieties will provide all three and some exude a heavenly fragrance, too.

Trees purify the air and absorb water, reducing the risk of flooding, while providing a habitat for wildlife. Decorative acers, cherries, birches and crab apples are ideal choices for bringing character to schemes, large or small.

Late autumn is the time to plant, as winter rain will benefit the roots. Buy root-balled rather than containerised trees for a better nourished root system, and look for a balance of branches and healthy bark and leaves. Prepare the hole with well-rotted manure, and feed and water regularly.

ABOVE Exuding a burnt sugar scent in late summer/early autumn, the multi-stemmed

Cercidiphyllum japonicum or katsura tree has honey-coloured autumn foliage, or even red if grown in acid soil. Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it needs a sheltered position and slightly prefers acid/neutral soil.