rnamental trees and scrubs are often the focal of a garden. They can offer colour and shape to a garden and most are easy to maintain. Some of the most garden worthy trees and shrubs in cultivation can be found in this article and have been carefully selected for their valuable contribution to gardens, whether for their architectural shapes, beauty of flowers, prolific scent, ornamental bark or outstanding autumn colours. Many of these plants are frequently seen in gardens and have been included owing to their popularity, others are very scarce seldom seen in garden centres or gardening nursery catalogues making them rather more unique.

Birch
Birches are easily grown deciduous trees which are very hardy and will accommodate all conditions from moist to shallow dry chalky sites. They make fine ornamental trees and can be planted to good effect either singly or in groups. Medium sized deciduous tree selected for its stunning white peeling bark that is especially showy in winter. Very effective when planted in small groups where space allows.

Crabapple
These hardy native trees produce stunning fragrant blossoms and equally attractive fruits which are much loved by birds. Ideal as specimens and will tolerate most soils making them easy to grow. White flowers from pink buds followed by vivid yellow crabapples.

Eucalyptus
Large evergreen trees that can be hard pruned in Spring to make excellent shrubs yielding foliage for flower arrangers. Not suited to thin chalky soil or exposed sites, otherwise easily grown. The Cider Gum (Ot Eucalyptus Gunnii) is the best known species and the hardiest. Sickle shaped glaucous leaves that are silver blue on younger trees, sage green on older trees.

Golden
An outstanding small/medium sized deciduous tree, feathery rich golden-yellow foliage from spring until autumn. Fragrant white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. Associates very well with purple leaved shrubs, especially Smoke Bush (Cotinus) and Purple Hazel (Corylus).

Italian
This familiar narrow columnar evergreen tree, widely seen in Mediterranean regions can reach a height of 50ft over a period of 20 years or more. Prefers well drained soil and a sheltered site in full sun. Unsuited to cold exposed sites. A very useful architectural tree.