Make it a true garden!

Trees can completely transform a garden, their size and longevity giving the garden a sense of permanence and timelessness.

There are numerous small trees suitable for growing in gardens, from spring-flowering cherry blossom to evergreen varieties.

Many crab apples grow to just 10-15ft and have a long period of interest, summer flowers being followed by autumn and winter fruits.

Rowan trees (Sorbus) grow taller but have relatively narrow crowns, which can make a bigger difference to the space than the height.

​These days the majority of fruit trees are grown on rootstocks that limit their size. For apple trees the MM106 rootstock keeps them to 10-13ft, M26 even smaller – check labels at the nursery.

​If you live in a remote area you might need two trees for cross-pollination to produce fruit but in most towns and villages it is highly likely there will be others growing close enough in the neighbourhood.

When choosing your planting position make sure you consider how much space the tree will need when full grown – you are not going to be able to move it a few years down the line!

Dig out a hole much larger than the rootball and mix in some manure or soil improver with the existing soil when you backfill.

Give the tree a full watering can’s worth and repeat this every few days for the next fortnight. You can gradually reduce the frequency of waterings over the next year but always make sure you are putting a decent amount down. Good soakings will encourage deep roots that will properly anchor the plant and make it more resilient.
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• Shop online for trees, with free local delivery, at www.katiegarden.co.uk/shopfront