Ireland's National Tree Week is soon upon us, so make your contribution by planting a tree in your garden for future generations to enjoy.
Events are happening across Ireland from 2nd March: this year the theme is 'The Sound of Trees', reminding people of the many roles trees play in our lives from climbing them as children to watching the fascinating community of creatures which depend on them for survival. Take advantage of a free tree giveaway at Powerscourt Estate Gardens in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, or enjoy an exhibition of 365 images of a single tree photographed every day for a year at Charlestown Arts Centre in Co Mayo.
There's a fine selection of trees on sale right now in our garden centre, including plenty for smaller gardens. Japanese maples light up your garden with brilliant autumn colour: we particularly like filigree-leaved Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Atropurpureum' and A. shirasawamum, its broad leaves turning acid yellow before falling.
Other wonderful trees for small gardens include Japanese cherries, smothered in scented blossom every spring: the Fuji cherry, Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai', grows to no more than 2m tall. And the juneberry, Amelanchier lamarckii, has not only lovely spring blossom but also spectacular autumn colour and pretty jet-black berries sweet enough to eat.
