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Early March can often bring icy and snowy conditions. Harsh weather is particularly damaging to tender new growth and blossom, and with that in mind, here are some tips to help your trees and hedging withstand this harsher winter. A thick layer of straw or mulch acts as a natural insulator, protecting your tree roots from freezing conditions. A light dusting of snow is not likely to harm your trees, but heavier snowfall can cause damage to branches; an excellent way to keep on top of this is by using a watering can or low-pressure hose to remove it. If your tree has had too much ice and snow on it for too long, consider pruning off any damaged limbs to protect its overall health. The winter sun combined with icy conditions can cause cracking on the trunks of young trees; we recommend using tree guards to protect trees and hedging during these conditions. Top 10 trees that can withstand harsh winters including ice and snow Conifers, pines, spruces, firs, and yews can tolerate heavy snow and ice damage. However, native trees are also highly tolerant of our ever-changing seasons. Here are our top 10 choices. 1. Cedar 2. Juniper 3. Willow 4. Holly 5. Eucalyptus 6. Birch 7. Oak 8. Pine 9. Spruce 10. Rowan Shop all conifers >> Shop all native trees >>

There are a number of benefits that come with planting a native hedge, with uses ranging from year-round beauty to boosting biodiversity. It could possibly be one of the best gardening decisions you will ever make. Reasons to plant a native hedge Year-round beauty No matter the season, a hedge provides stunning visuals, from the intricate complexity of its bare winter twigs or evergreen foliage to its expansive clouds of blossom in spring, vibrant summer foliage, and its gold and jewel tones in autumn. Privacy and natural screening For a cost-effective and effortless means of establishing a visual barrier, native hedge plants are an ideal solution. Those seeking privacy year-round can opt for evergreens like box and yew, while deciduous species like beech and hornbeam will still provide coverage well into autumn. Increasing security A traditional mixed hedge is an excellent security measure; its fast-growing components, such as hawthorn and blackthorn, create an impenetrable barrier capable of keeping livestock out, while holly provides a spiky evergreen option. Attracting wildlife It is estimated that over the course of the 20th century, half of all countryside hedgerows were lost. Despite this, hedgerows are integral to the survival and well-being of our wildlife, as they offer a variety of essential resources. Bats use hedgerows for navigation, while birds, mammals and invertebrates utilise them for shelter, nesting, and food. Climate change Hedgerows act as a natural carbon sequestration system, trapping atmospheric carbon dioxide for their lifespans (often several decades). Thus, you can positively combat climate change by adding hedges to your garden. Help reduce pollution Hedgerows can act as natural air purifiers, releasing oxygen and trapping particulates and other contaminants, especially in urban areas where atmospheric pollutants are in elevated concentrations. Useful for foragers If you are an enthusiast for cooking, native hedgerows can offer an array of interesting wild ingredients. Take advantage of these fruits to make classic sloe gin, flavoured vodkas, jams, jellies and preserves that reflect the hedgerow flavour. Our Top Native Hedging 1. Beech - Beech is an ideal hedging choice for UK gardens, with beautiful wavy margined leaves that start out in a pale green shade and then turn to glossy dark green. In autumn, the colour changes from yellow to orange-brown, adding a touch of vibrancy. Not only does it look fantastic, but it also provides a year-round habitat for wildlife. 2. Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa, more commonly known as blackthorn or sloe, is an attractive spiny shrub or tree native to the UK. In early springtime, you'll be delighted by its bowl-shaped white flowers, followed by its characteristic deep green leaves. Sloes can be harvested in late September or October, providing a distinct and edible treat. 3. Hawthorn - Hawthorn 'Crataegus monogyna' is a widely dispersed deciduous tree. It flowers during May and can grow as tall as 3m as a hedge. The hawthorn can also be easily cultivated as a small single-stem tree. The flowers of Hawthorn make it an attractive addition to any rural countryside hedge. 4. Dogwood - Dogwood 'Cornus sanguinea' is a beautiful deciduous shrub that can be seen dotting the hedges and woodlands of the UK. It has white flowers in the summer, followed by black berries. Its striking red-orange winter stems are truly its defining characteristic. Plant Dogwood to bring an attractive and varied colour all year round. 5. Holly - Ilex aquifolium, also known as English Holly, is an evergreen, slow-growing tree with a remarkable lifespan of up to 300 years. This hardy plant is often found in woodlands and is a popular choice for mixed native hedging. Its dark green and glossy leaves remain throughout the year, and its young plants possess spiky leaves. This attractive species will bring interest and natural beauty to any garden with its seasonal colour changes. 4. Hornbeam - The Common Hornbeam is a deciduous tree part of the Betulaceae family that can grow to heights of 4 metres as a hedge. It prefers a well-lit shade and has a shallow, widespread root system, making it easy to shape with pruning. Its foliage is dense, and its leaves range from yellow to russet brown in autumn. 4. Box - The Box (Buxus sempervirens) is a popular evergreen shrub natively found in the south of the UK, with the best wild population being Box Hill in Surrey. It is mainly used for hedging and topiary due to its dense foliage, making it easy to shape and ornate while providing year-round colour in the garden. Yew - This highly popular award-winning ornamental tree, the English Yew 'Taxus Baccata', is a beautiful, dense, evergreen conifer that is easy to trim, shape and maintain. Growing between 3-8 metres, it can be used as a single specimen plant or in groups to create hedges up to 2 metres high. See all native hedging >> See all hedging >>

Buying trees online offers the unprecedented convenience of purchasing gorgeous trees from the comfort of your own home. Various types of trees are available online, from native species to ornamental trees. In this blog, we will look at the top benefits of buying online. Convenience and a wide range of choice Whether you are looking to buy screening trees, fruit trees, ornamentals or any other tree, buying online gives you more options to make the best choice; you can do it all from the comfort of your home. Expert advice at your fingertips Buying online will give you optional filters to narrow down the right tree for your landscape; not only that, you can usually speak to an expert on the phone or via email. Get in touch for advice >> Plants and packs to solve a specific problem Perhaps you are looking for a mixed hedge to create privacy in your garden, or you need horse-friendly trees for your paddock. Often when buying online, there are groups or packs of products to solve a specific problem. Buy and plant containerised trees all year round You can plant our containerised trees all year round. Bare root trees can only be planted from November to early April. Healthier plants Trees are often healthier when bought online - always ensure that purchasing from a reputable nursery who are checked for plant disease and overall health. The trees will be kept in optimal growing conditions until purchased and shipped. Minimal handling Buying directly from a nursery will ensure the plants are handled less. When buying trees from a garden centre, they're lifted, packaged, transported and handled by customers, which can cause unwanted damage. Bare root trees are often kept in the ground at a nursery until purchased. Often cheaper than a garden centre Buying directly from a grower rather than a retailer is often cheaper. The reason for this is there are fewer costs involved with packaging, storage and other overheads associated with garden centres. Transport Transporting trees can be a challenging task especially larger, more mature trees. Often garden centres will only offer smaller plants for this reason. Buying online enables you to buy larger trees and have them shipped straight to your door. Less wasteful packaging Buying trees online allows consumers to reduce wasteful packaging materials and the energy used to produce them. Shop trees today >>

Planting in Winter Winter is a great time to plant many new trees and shrubs as, for a lot of plants, this is their dormant season. But what does that mean? In horticultural terms, “dormant” means the plants are in their quiet, resting time of year when less energy is required for new growth, and metabolically, they are inactive. It is important to remember that the plants aren’t dead at this point, even though they sometimes look as if they are. They are simply resting. What does that mean for us as gardeners? It gives us a great opportunity to lift and move plants without causing them too much stress. Taking them from the ground in which they are grown (our Nursery) to the place they will thrive (your garden). It’s important to remember, though, that whilst they look like they are not doing anything, they do still require a little care and attention during this time to make sure they will be at their best when the weather changes and they are ready for the next step in their cycle…springing back to life. Caring for newly planted trees Hopefully, when you planted your trees, you gave them a good start with plenty of water, and the roots will now be busy underground, stretching into their new home. Even in winter, newly planted trees may need extra watering to ensure the moisture reaches their roots. If there has been no rain, give your newly planted trees a good drenching every one or two weeks, depending on your soil and the surrounding area. This can help young transplants to settle in after the stress of being moved. For more established trees, give them a good bucket of water once a month or every other month, depending on soil conditions. Protect from frosts and heavy snow If it snows heavily and the snow sits for a while, this can have a damaging effect on young or weaker branches. So make sure you clear the snow off your young hedges and trees to remove the risk of damage. Some trees will benefit from additional protection in particularly cold weather and heavy frosts. More tender plants like fig trees, for instance, may prefer to be moved somewhere a little warmer (like a conservatory or similar, if possible). Other plants can be protected by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the trees. Cover the ground around the plant with suitable mulch to keep moisture and warmth in. Be careful not to cover the base of the trunk – start a few inches from the base of the trunk and spread mulch in a circle up to 2 feet wide. Use organic matter like wood chip. Be mindful when planting whether the location you have chosen is suitable for the plant – make sure, for instance, if it is quite exposed, that your tree can cope with these harsher conditions in winter. If it’s more susceptible to frost and wind damage, choose a more sheltered position when planting. Winter Pruning Winter is often a good time for pruning and tidying up your plants. Be careful to check out the best time for pruning for each plant, and follow these tips. As a general rule, wait until mid to late winter to prune trees and shrubs that flower in summer, whilst spring-flowering shrubs and trees are better to be pruned once the flowers have finished, as they will create their new buds in autumn. Prune on a mild and dry day as this can help prevent the spread of waterborne disease and damage – it will also be nicer for you! Don’t prune too early in winter – wait for the leaf drop so you can see the shape of the plant better. So winter may be a quieter time for gardening, but there are still plenty of things to enjoy in your garden. If you are looking for trees that give you beauty and interest in your garden in winter, read our Blog post "Exploring the Beauty of Trees: An Overview of Winter Interest. Trees with Winter Interest >>

Bare root hedging is an inexpensive and sustainable way to create a beautiful boundary in your outside space. It requires minimal maintenance, is cost-effective and is easy to plant. In this email, we'll look at the many benefits of bare root hedging, how to choose the right plants for your garden, and the best way to plant and care for them. So, let's get started! What are the Benefits of Bare Root Hedging? The plants provide a cost-effective way to form attractive boundaries, less expensive than other alternatives, such as container-grown or rootball hedges. As they are grown in the ground and are usually lifted when still relatively young, they require less input in terms of fertilisers, growing management and watering. They are also easier to lift, package and transport than larger plants, which helps keep these an economic planting option. Bare roots encourage better root growth because the plants have more direct contact with the soil. These plants are more lightweight than other forms of hedging, making them easy to plant and manoeuvre without requiring many extra people. They are long-lasting and require less maintenance, making them an ideal hedging solution when you have less time. Depending on the species, bare root hedging can be a great way to attract wildlife, keep livestock in and unwanted guests out, provide privacy and shelter from the elements, and so much more. Which hedging plants should I choose? Top Species for Fast Growing & Screening Beech - Beech hedging makes a great privacy screen or windbreak. One of the best-selling hedges in the nation, this hedge makes a beautiful formal or single-species garden hedge. The leaves are green in summer but turn to shades of yellow, red and orange in the autumn. Although deciduous, it usually holds onto some leaves, providing privacy and shelter during winter. Field Maple - Field Maple is a fast-growing hedging plant which is an easy-to-maintain and resilient hedging species. Field Maple is attractive to wildlife, with the flowers providing nectar for bees and birds and the habitat supporting a wide range of insects. Hazel - Hazel is a fast-growing hedging species that will grow well in almost any condition. It bears yellow catkins in February, making it one of the earliest pollen sources for bees, and it produces edible hazelnuts in autumn. Privet - There are many benefits to using privet as a hedging plant. This fast-growing shrub is tolerant of pollution, making it an excellent choice for built-up, urban areas, and due to its density, it creates a great screen, wind-proofing, and noise reduction. Most privet is semi-evergreen, meaning they will retain at least some leaf cover throughout the year. Willow - One of the few hedge species that can tolerate and even thrive in wet or moist soil conditions is willow. Often used along field edges and riverbanks, it is also excellent around paddocks or for farm screening where livestock are housed. There are a number of varieties of willow, some more colourful than others, and some are fantastic for weaving. Willow is also one of the earliest plants to provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects, making them an excellent wildlife choice. Hornbeam - Hornbeam has a moderate growth rate yet is highly resilient and can tolerate poorer growing conditions such as shade, high winds and clay or wet soils. Hornbeam can keeps some of its leaves well into the winter, which provides a long season of shelter and foraging opportunities for small birds and mammals. Top Species for Beauty & Wildlife Hawthorn - Hawthorn makes a hardy, highly tolerant hedge, forming a dense barrier that blossoms and encourages wildlife to live in your garden. It is the most widely used native hedging plant, often used for stock-proof or mixed hedges, where it can provide excellent structural strength. Dogwood - Dogwood is often considered a favourable hedge plant because it brightens up a garden, especially during the winter months, until fresh foliage and spring flowers can appear from the garden. Dog Rose - Dog Rose is a native fast-growing shrubby hedging plant often used in mixed hedges. Its spiny branches enable it to weave in amongst other shrubs. Pretty, faintly scented pink flowers are followed by striking red hips, giving it a long season of colour, interest, and plenty of attraction for wildlife. Wild Cherry - Wild Cherry, is a hardy deciduous tree with an abundance of stunning white flowers in the spring followed by bright red cherries. The flowers are an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, the fruit attracts various species of birds and mammals and the leaves attract caterpillars. Blackthorn - Blackthorn makes an excellent natural security hedge due to its dense, thorny foliage. The Blackthorn is attractive to wildlife, with various butterfly and moth caterpillars feasting on the leaves. The dense nature of the shrub makes it an ideal nesting site for birds. And don't forget the wonderful sloes that come from this native hedging plant - beneficial for a certain festive tipple. Elderberry - Suitable for most locations and soil types; Elder is very attractive to wildlife; the flowers provide nectar for bees and insects, and many moth caterpillars feed on the foliage. Both elderflowers and elder berries are well known and widely used for culinary purposes as they are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, perfect for boosting the immune system. Mixed Hedge Packs - If you can't decide, or you want more of a variety in your hedges, we have collated a few carefully selected mixed hedge packs that are suitable for certain situations. We have chosen plants that we know will grow well together to give you a beautiful mixed hedge that will be good for your purpose, be it, intruder protection, wildlife creation, horse-friendly species or more. See Mixed Hedge Packs >> When should I plant bare root hedging? The best time to plant bare root hedging is during the dormant season, usually between late November and April. Planting during this time ensures that the plants have time to settle into their new environment and will be more robust and established when the growing season begins. How should I plant bare root hedging? Ensure the planting area has been cleared sufficiently to remove any competition from your new hedge. Preparing the soil before planting by adding a good general-purpose compost and, optionally, a slow-release fertiliser will increase soil fertility and can make all the difference to the health of your hedging plants. Increasing the amount of organic material in the ground helps retain moisture, encourages beneficial microorganisms, and helps to reduce the risk of plant diseases. Additionally, organic matter can help reduce the need for watering and fertilising and can be highly beneficial in areas with poor soil or where the plants may experience high temperatures or harsh weather. Aerating the soil with a garden fork also allows it to absorb more air, water, and nutrients for your plants, an essential part of planting bare-root hedging. How should I protect my plants? Depending upon your situation, we have a range of products that will help protect your plants in the early stages after planting. The most commonly used are the spiral guards and canes which protect young plants against damage caused by rabbits, voles and other small mammals. The spirals wrap around the young plant, whilst the bamboo cane provides support for the spiral so it it not damaging the plant. See Spiral Guards >> See All Bare Root Hedging >> See Wildlife Hedging >> See Fast Growing Hedging >> See Intruder Proof Hedging >>

Hedging in coastal areas is often subject to quite harsh conditions. Salty air and high winds aren't ideal for all plants, but some are quite happy growing in these areas. On coastal sites near the sea, hedging protects from storm waves and wind, absorbs excess water, and reduces erosion. This type of hedging has been used for centuries and is becoming increasingly popular in coastal areas worldwide due to its ability to protect coastal communities from the impacts of climate change. Bowhayes have some excellent hedging for you, whether you are overlooking the sea and needing protection or just in an area that suffers from the salty air nearby. Generally, this type of hedging is hardy and will grow in any challenging position, including inland exposed areas, or it likes the more sunny, slightly moist air. Which coastline hedging plants should I choose? Oleaster - An extremely hardy evergreen shrub, perfect for hedging in coastal sites. This highly sturdy evergreen shrub uniquely produces its flowers in autumn, with orange edible fruits appearing in spring. Griselinia littoralis - This dense, bushy, evergreen species provides safe habitat for birds who also enjoy its fruit as a food source. Griselinia makes an excellent hedge and screen and is commonly used in coastal locations due to its salt tolerance. Red Robin - Is suitable for most locations and soil types, frost tolerant and happy in exposed positions. It provides striking year-round colour and is known for its bright red young leaves. Privet - Can handle exposed sites and is suitable for most locations and soil types Privet is exceptionally hardy. This fast-growing shrub is tolerant of pollution, and due to its density, it creates a great screen, wind-proofing, and noise reduction. Beech - Thrives well in well-drained chalky and acids soils and can handle exposed areas. The leaves are green in summer but turn to shades of yellow, red and orange in the autumn. Although deciduous, it usually holds onto some leaves, providing privacy and shelter during winter. Box - Common Box is most popularly used for hedging and topiary. It is suitable for most locations and soil types. When used as a hedging plant, it provides dense foliage, which can be easily shaped and gives year-round interest. Shop all Hedging >>

Evergreen hedging is a popular form of landscaping that can provide homeowners with a variety of benefits. From providing year-round privacy to reducing wind speed and noise, evergreen hedging is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an attractive and easy-to-maintain landscaping solution. In this blog post, we'll discuss the top evergreen hedging. Which evergreen hedging plants should I choose? Laurel - A well-known, best-selling hedge, Laurel is a low-maintenance hedging plant ideal for tricky areas. It is fast-growing and survives well in poor soils and complete shade. It is suitable for blocking out noise and as a wind buffer. It also stops weeds from growing underneath it as it inhibits the growth of seeds. It can also be used as a game and wildlife cover. We have number of different varieties of laurel available. Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' - a great all-rounder and one of the best-selling hedges in the country. Great level of cover, fast-growing and glossy, bright green new foliage. Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' - slower growing and more compact and can be maintained at a height of around 1.5m. Prunus laurocerasus 'Genolia' - ideal for growing in areas where space is limited as it grows with a tight, upright habit. Prunus laurocerasus 'Novita' - especially hardy for more exposed areas. Forms a dense, bushy hegde. Portuguese Laurel - A pretty alternative to Cherry Laurel, this large, evergreen hedging is ornamental in appearance and an excellent choice of garden hedging. It can be maintained at a height of 3-5m or grown as a specimen shrub and is attractive to wildlife with its pretty white flowers and dense habit. Griselinia - The genus Griselinia consists of evergreen trees and shrubs native to New Zealand, Brazil and Chile. This species is a popular hedge specimen able to cope with our colder climate. However, it can succumb to severe frosts and temperatures under -5 degrees C in exposed locations—an excellent hedging option for coastal areas. Yew - The Yew is one of the three conifers native to Britain, the others being Scots Pine and Juniper An evergreen tree native to chalk downs in southern England; however, most parts of the tree are toxic if eaten by humans or livestock. Yew makes lovely, neat, formal hedges, especially when well-maintained and trimmed regularly. Holly - Holly will thrive in harsh conditions and provide beautiful foliage and year-round cover. Long-lasting red berries in autumn follow insignificant flowers in summer on female trees, an essential food source for many birds. Box - Common Box is native to the UK (mainly in the south). The best wild population of Box is found in Box Hill in Surrey. It is most popularly used for hedging and topiary. When used as a hedging plant, it provides dense foliage, which can be easily shaped and gives year-round interest. Don't forget to use Rootgrow when planting your hedging to encourage a good strong root network. Shop Evergreen Hedging >> Shop All Hedging >>

Winter brings some DEFRA / RPA admin jobs... a chance to sit inside and keep warm! Key DEFRA / RPA dates to be aware of... 1st December - Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship 2022 payment window opens. 1st December - If you keep sheep and/or goats, you must carry out your annual count of the animals on your holding as of 1 December, enter this into your holding register and complete the inventory by 31 December. 31st December - End of the BPS 2022 scheme year. Best do it all as soon as possible and keep the DEFRA team happy!

26th November to 4th December 2022 A celebration of all things trees. Started by The Tree Council almost 50 years ago, National Tree Week is the country's largest celebration of trees. During the week, communities, schools, businesses, conservationists and individuals come together to plant thousands of trees marking the start of the tree planting season. Why are trees so important? Trees are a hugely important part of our ecosystem - they are the lungs of the planet. They take in carbon monoxide and turn it into clean, pure oxygen. They act as great 'carbon sinks', taking in atmospheric carbon and storing it in wood, leaves, plant matter and the surrounding soil for many years. In addition to the climatic benefits, trees provide a home to more wildlife than any other landscape, hosting a huge percentage of the world's plant and animal species. Trees provide wonderful health and well-being benefits to us, as humans. Spending time in woods and around trees has been shown to dramatically improve our mental well-being. A report published during last year's National Tree Week, funded by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government, estimated that visits to UK woodlands were estimated to save £185 million in treatment costs annually. Find out more here How can you get involved? Plant a tree...or two...or more Whether you've got a balcony, middle-sized garden, or own an estate there is always something you can do. If you don't have space to plant anything in your own space, have a look at community planting schemes you can get involved with in your area. https://treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/#map Celebrate Trees Just get outside and amongst some trees. Take a walk in your local woods, visit an arboretum, appreciate the trees planted in your town or take a 'forest bath'. How many species can you recognise? Donate Help fill the nation's schools with orchards. The Tree Council are on a mission to increase awareness of nature amongst young children and make it more accessible to them by getting more trees into schools. Follow this link to see how you can help. Get children involved Let's get the next generation inspired and help them to see the benefits of trees. Get them involved in planting, help them to learn about native trees and which trees are most common in your area, help them to learn how to tell the difference between them. Get them to look out for the all the wildlife that are supported by trees. What should I plant? Different trees have different needs and benefits. Likewise, you need to consider your reason for planting. Are you looking to attract more wildlife, create an impact, provide a pallet of autumn colours, or perhaps you would like to create an orchard? Are you keen to plant a native tree or looking for more of an ornamental standard? There are lots of considerations when choosing a tree but the best place to start is what you hope to achieve with your tree planting. Once you've decided that, you can then consider your budget and skills to work out the best size of tree to buy and whether you will require additional help. Also be sure to take a look around your local area to see what grows well there and to consider your soil and aspect to ensure the tree will thrive. Most trees will grow well in a range of situations and soil types but some will be better suited than others to your particular environment. Also important is to consider how will you look after the tree in the all-important first few years after planting. For more help as to what to plant, have a look through our website or get in touch and we will be happy to help. Native Trees Fruit trees Woodland Trees Ornamental Trees When should you plant your trees? It's no coincidence that National Tree Week is at the end of November which marks the start of the tree planting season. Bare root trees are readily available at this time of year and the trees are generally more accepting of being lifted and moved during this time. The ground is moist and allows the roots the best chance to establish before the spring when their leaves will start to grow. To learn more about planting trees, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.

Sorbus Sorbus is a genus of over 100+ species of trees and shrubs in the rose family and contains apples! Common names for species of Sorbus are Rowan, Mountain Ash and Whitebeam. Here at Bowhayes Trees, we have several different varieties of Sorbus. So why are we so keen on Sorbus? Well, for lots of reasons, but the first is that Rowan, for example, is native, and it will tolerate pretty much any soil and most weather conditions, so it's right up there in the hardy, tough-as-old boots category! Sorbus have the most delightful fruits that can range in colour from red, orange, and yellow, and a favourite of ours, Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda', which, funnily enough, are pink! Berries appear through summer and autumn, making these truly beautiful trees whilst also providing a valuable source of food to birds, especially favoured by thrushes and other bigger songbirds. In spring, the branches are adorned with creamy white flower heads that are arranged in flat, branched clusters, perfect for attracting pollinators. One from our collection, Sorbus 'Pseudovilmorinii', is a wonderful specimen for attracting much-loved bees and many other pollinating insects. In addition to choosing a Sorbus for its colourful bunches of fruits, it's also worth mentioning the amazingly striking, fiery foliage that Rowans and Whitebeams have in autumn; it's actually noteworthy! We're huge fans of Sorbus 'Joseph Rock' for its unusual yellow berries, particularly show-stopping autumnal colours. Likewise, if it's interesting summer foliage colour you're after, then Whitebeam ticks the box with its pretty blue and grey hues. In particular, Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' is a graceful variety with grey-green leaves and a creamy white underside.. it would make a wonderful summer wedding gift. We may have just ended your search if you're looking for a tree that would be perfect for a smaller garden! Rowan trees grow relatively quickly, and most are of modest size, reaching heights of up to 4m in ten years. They are particularly good for limited spaces because they're relatively upright and need very little maintenance; actually, let's be more specific, they need nothing! It's also worth mentioning that Sorbus are ideal for town gardens as they're tolerant of urban pollution. Give your garden a spectacular focal point with either a Sorbus 'Chinese Lace' or a Sorbus 'Olympic Flame', both of which can be found in our nursery. To sum it up, these trees are going to provide fruits, flowers and stunning foliage for three out of four seasons for absolutely nothing in return! What more could you possibly want from a garden tree? However, we can't finish without mentioning that Rowan is steeped in mythical history and protective powers, and the further North you travel, the stronger the association. Its Celtic name means wizards' tree, which was planted outside houses to protect people from witches! So, if you happen to be worried about any wizard or witch-like neighbours, we highly recommend going for a Rowan with red fruits, as these were believed to have the best protection against magic! To learn more about how to care for your trees, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.

Malus Ornamental crab apples are a big favourite at Bowhayes Trees with their profuse spring blossom and colourful fruits. We're delighted to offer a beautiful range of varieties that will be a great addition to any garden, small or large. When choosing your perfect tree, there are many characteristics of the Malus species to consider, from blossom, fruit colour, fragrance and shape. Talking of shape, we love our little weeping Malus 'Royal Beauty' - it's an ideal solution for a focal point in a small garden with year-round interest. Colourful displays of spring blossom from pink, cream, white, red, burgundy and red-orange are all options to consider. What's really appealing about crab apples is that the bud's colour is often completely different from the emerging flower, giving a stunning multi-tonal effect to the tree. An exceptional example of this is Malus perpetu 'Evereste', where scarlet buds fade to pink before opening in a flurry of large, crisp white flowers. Crab apple flowers also come in different forms, from single and semi-double to double. Double-flowering varieties can last for up to nearly two weeks! You can expect to see blossoms between mid-spring and late spring, depending on varieties and regions. Another brilliant fact about crab apples is during the glorious springtime flowering period; they attract bees and other pollinators by providing an excellent source of nectar, which will help the production of other nearby vegetables and fruit crops. The fruits of crab apples are also likely to surprise us with an assortment of colours ranging from pink, bright red, crimson, dark purple, bright orange and yellow. They appear in late summer to early autumn, providing yet more seasonal interest to these pretty trees, with fruits often lasting long after the leaves have dropped. Biting into a crab apple is likely to give you a little shock of bitterness, so we don't recommend doing this! However, we do have two varieties, 'Jelly King' and 'Indian Magic', that are particularly good for use in cooking or making jellies. How does your blossom smell? Ideally, really lovely! It's true, some crab apple blossom is beautifully scented, so if it's a fragrant tree that you're looking for, we have just the one, Malus x robusta 'Red Sentinel'. Additional noted features of this lovely ornamental tree are its beautiful pink buds with emerging pink-white flowers, followed by large bright red fruits that last long into the winter, feeding your garden birds or even providing you with delicious jelly. If you fancied going for a homemade Christmas decoration style, then these fruit-laden shoots look fabulous cut and nestled in greenery. We also have to acknowledge the varying shapes and sizes of crab apple trees, from upright and rounded, vase-shaped, columnar and weeping. A large crab apple can reach heights of up to 9m-10m, but don't let that put you off, as the majority are medium-sized trees with an average height of 3m-4m. We tend to recommend the smaller varieties of flowering crab apples as these are far more versatile in terms of fitting into any space or growing in pots for a patio or courtyard. Our range would fit any sized garden. Last but not least, we couldn't end without a mythological fact! Did you know that crab apples have been long associated with love and marriage? And apparently, to determine if the person you love actually loves you back, you threw a pip into a fire whilst saying their name, and if it exploded, then they love you! Use that information as you so wish! For more wonderful Crab Apples, check out our selection here. To learn more about how to care for your trees, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.

1. Use hedges instead of fences Try to use hedges instead of fences wherever possible. Hedges can provide food, cover and resting areas for all kinds of birds, insects and small animals. Whilst single-species hedges such as laurel or beech work well and provide great form; they can limit the biodiversity in your garden. By comparison, a mixed species hedge will encourage a broader range of wildlife and hopefully encourage birds, bees and butterflies to visit your garden regularly. Check out our Mixed Hedge Packs to begin your garden. It’s a pre-mixed pack of different hedge species that work together to get your garden buzzing with a variety of wildlife. Avoid pruning your hedges until late winter or early spring – this gives creatures like hedgehogs and other small animals more foliage to use as shelter in winter and avoids the summer nesting period for birds. 2. Plant plenty of trees Planting a selection of native trees works well for enticing a furry or winged friend. Fragrant trees like wild cherry work well and are ideal for attracting butterflies, as are trees that flower fruit and nuts for wildlife to eat. Sweet chestnut is a favourite of squirrels. Trees with thick foliage, like hawthorns, provide birds with plenty of protection. Smaller trees like rowans or crab apples are good for attracting birds if you're short on space. You must plant the right kind of tree to have the desired effect. It’s best to use native trees where possible, such as oak, beech willow or alder, wherever possible, as these will work best to attract the local wildlife. Speak with a member of the team for more advice before you buy. 3. Pick the right time of year to plant your new garden Whilst you can plant most of the year, November to March is the optimal time to plant trees and hedges to benefit wildlife. This season is known as ‘bare root planting’ - when a plant or tree is moved from the nursery to your garden during the plant’s resting or ‘dormant’ period. The plants can look a little odd in this state, and people are often surprised by this. However, planting in this bare-root state makes transportation easier and less damaging and encourages quick healthy growth when the season begins. If you want to plant something outside these months, you can always plant a container tree – though these require a little more care and maintenance. Try to avoid planting in July or August when the risk of failure is higher, and the need for support and maintenance is a lot greater. We have a diverse selection of hedge plants, shrubs and trees ideal for creating your wildlife wonderland. Our product pages now have a set of Wildlife Icons to show you which plants are best for birds, bees or butterflies. To learn more about how to care for your plants and the best way to encourage healthy growth, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.