Gardening professional Alan Titchmarsh has shared there’s one tree you will by no means discover in his Hampshire backyard, however he recommends stunning alternate options for each small and enormous plots
Alan Titchmarsh has named one tree he will not plant (Picture: Getty)
Alan Titchmarsh has revealed there’s one tree he refuses to plant in his backyard for a really easy motive. The 76-year-old has earned respect within the gardening group because of a profession spanning 5 a long time.
His journey started when Alan launched into an apprenticeship along with his native council after leaving college. He then transitioned into modifying gardening books earlier than establishing himself as a TV and radio presenter. Alan’s love for gardening took root throughout his childhood, when he would spend his pocket cash on seeds from Woolworths. He now balances tending to his Hampshire backyard along with his presenting obligations.
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Weeping silver birch within the park, Betula pendula. Tree rising with branches down. (Picture: Getty Photos)
Nevertheless, there’s one tree that Alan insists won’t ever characteristic in his backyard. Talking on his Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh YouTube channel, he disclosed his dislike for the weeping birch.
This tree is usually chosen by gardeners with restricted area as a result of it “stays small” and has branches that “come down”. Alan said: “Personally, I do not prefer it very a lot, however for those who prefer it and also you desire a birch, Younger’s weeping birch for a tiny backyard, however jacquemontii for something of affordable measurement.”
The betula utilis jacquemonti, or silver birch, is extra acceptable for bigger gardens as it may possibly develop as much as 12 metres excessive. Alan suggests it’s a favorite amongst gardeners as a result of its “gentle and feathery cover” that does not forged “an excessive amount of shade”.
However there’s one attribute that notably catches the attention as soon as winter arrives that Alan actually values. He stated: “What it does have, when its leaves have all fallen in winter, is that this wonderful silvery bark.”
The silver birch tree (Picture: Getty Photos)
The silver birch is not the one tree that Alan says gardeners ought to contemplate. He additionally enjoys the eucalyptus gunnii, referred to as cider gum, an evergreen tree that retains its foliage all through the winter months.
Alan nevertheless acknowledges the tree is an “acquired style” and one gardeners should be “cautious” of. He stated: “It would make an enormous tree and eucalyptus is basically fairly quick rising.
“It’s actually fairly hardy regardless of the actual fact it’s from Australia. If you wish to develop this since you love the foliage for flower arranging, you’ll be able to chop it again laborious each spring, proper right down to a foot or so and it’ll sprout out from the bottom.”
The silver birch (Picture: Getty)
Alan nevertheless warns it’ll “eat you out of home and residential” for those who solely have a small backyard. He recommends a winter-flowering cherry or crab apple tree as alternate options for individuals with extra modest plots.
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For these with significantly more room, Alan advocates for a beech tree, which he says can attain heights of 20 or 30m. Nevertheless he notes gardeners with ample room may set up a row of beech bushes and preserve them as a hedge.
“Beech tree hedges are pleasant,” Alan stated. He highlighted the “recent lime inexperienced” progress within the spring and the crisp, browns of the winter.
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