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Trees and shrubs I love to see in my garden

© Gay Klok

A few of my favourite things

Why RHODODENDRONS? One particular love is the specie Rhododendron that give me perfume, delicate colouring and foliage interest for most of the year. From the large leaves of the Rhododendron trees that generally come from the Himalayas to the delicate alpine rock plants that may be no higher than 13 inches when fully grown, my interest embraces them all. When I read a learned garden author's pet hatred is the whole race of these wondrous plants, I want to take them by the hand and show them the majestic Rhododendrons aboreum, that grows in the garden at "Kibbenjelok". Let the erudite one gaze up at the leaves that are moving gently in the breeze and see the marvellous, cinnamon coloured indentum on the back of the leaves and I would ask if there is no admiration for the clear scarlet or white flowers that the trees are blessed with If I was a little more organized in choosing my plants and less ruled by my heart, I could have a Rhododendron brightening up, perfuming my garden and pleasuring me, for nine months of the year. But you can have too much of a good thing and anticipation never hurts anyone.

ACERS

Yes, I know, that they are very suited to the moist, well-mulched soil and the temperate growing conditions I am lucky enough to have in the country garden, but, I have seen ornamental Japanese Acers bravely surviving in very neglected gardens. I have seen them hacked about by one of those mad, chainsaw addicts [always men] and sprout with extra vigour the following year. The plant will give you return for your considerable purchase money, by earning their place in the garden for twelve months. From the splendid Coral Bark Acer with its scarlet branches gleaming in the Winter gloom to the fine delicate filigree leaves of the dissectum group and the brilliant golds, scarlet and pink leaf shades in the Autumn garden, they will enhance all gardens - big or small or growing in a pot or a field. There is no need to pay for a standard as most Acers grow with a delicate form, so it is easy for a gentle hand wielding secateurs [female hand?] to mould a Maple into a shape and size that will enhance the garden , be it a small balcony or a large acreage