Trees for the Garden
Episode: # Waterwise Special 24th November 2007
Presenter: Melissa King
Deciduous trees are nature’s reverse-cycle air conditioners because in summer the leafy canopy provides cooling shade and in winter when they are bare they allow in that warming winter sun in, but that is not the only reason to grow deciduous trees. Many of them have beautiful foliage colour, colourful fruits and even some in early spring provide those wonderful blossom displays. There are even some really lush looking varieties that don’t just survive but really thrive on very little water.
Some varieties to consider include:
The real key to a tough tree is to establish them properly. Give them the best start in life by preparing the soil with generous amounts of compost and organic matter. The trick is to make sure that the water you do apply is getting to the root zone, don’t mulch too close to the root stem and if necessary create a shallow well to catch the water. Most trees will establish happily with a couple of small buckets of water from the shower each week. Remember to water deeply to encourage a deep root system and better dry tolerance.
A garden without trees is like a house without a roof as they provide shade and shelter and bring a sense of scale to our garden. With so many fantastic varieties to choose from the right tree is a long term investment towards a beautiful garden.
Fleming’s Nurseries
Website: www.flemings.com.au
Presenter: Melissa King
Deciduous trees are nature’s reverse-cycle air conditioners because in summer the leafy canopy provides cooling shade and in winter when they are bare they allow in that warming winter sun in, but that is not the only reason to grow deciduous trees. Many of them have beautiful foliage colour, colourful fruits and even some in early spring provide those wonderful blossom displays. There are even some really lush looking varieties that don’t just survive but really thrive on very little water.
Some varieties to consider include:
- Japanese Elm (Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’) is a stand out variety for its attractive ‘V’ shaped form. In autumn the decorative foliage turns shades of yellow, bronze and red. Once established it holds up well to the heat and dry.
- When the cooler weather comes October Glory Maple (Acer rubrum ‘PNI 0268 October Glory®) lights up the garden with its firey orange and red foliage. The lush green summer leaves provide a canopy of shelter from the hot sun.
- For those narrow areas Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glens Form’ Chanticleer®) is a top choice with its upright form and dense glossy foliage. It has got the bonus of white spring flowers and autumn foliage in all the sunset tones.
- The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) is a tree that has it all with four seasons worth of interest. In summer you will get beautiful flowers, come autumn you will get spectacular coloured leaf tones, in spring you get lovely lime green growth and in winter the bark is to die for. Keep an eye out for the Indian summer varieties which have been bred to be more resistant to powdery mildew. They also flower the socks off in the hot and dry.
The real key to a tough tree is to establish them properly. Give them the best start in life by preparing the soil with generous amounts of compost and organic matter. The trick is to make sure that the water you do apply is getting to the root zone, don’t mulch too close to the root stem and if necessary create a shallow well to catch the water. Most trees will establish happily with a couple of small buckets of water from the shower each week. Remember to water deeply to encourage a deep root system and better dry tolerance.
A garden without trees is like a house without a roof as they provide shade and shelter and bring a sense of scale to our garden. With so many fantastic varieties to choose from the right tree is a long term investment towards a beautiful garden.
Fleming’s Nurseries
Website: www.flemings.com.au
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