As gardening enthusiasts, you know that a well-planned garden is a true haven of peace, especially for those situated in Derbyshire, where the rolling hills and quaint cottages add a certain charm to any outdoor space. Every detail counts in a garden, from the smaller plants that grow near the ground to the larger trees that tower over your space. Not only do trees add visual appeal to your garden, but they also provide a much-needed shade during the hot summer months. When planting trees in your garden, it’s important to consider the size of your garden and the type of tree that best suits your space. This article aims to help you understand what ideal trees to plant for shade in a small Derbyshire garden.
Choosing the Ideal Tree for Your Small Garden
Before you begin planting, it’s essential to understand that not all trees are suitable for small gardens. Some trees may grow too large, overshadowing your space and making your garden feel cramped. Additionally, the roots of some trees may also pose a risk to your home’s foundation. Therefore, when choosing a tree, consider its maximum height, spread, and root system.
Small trees with a wide canopy are often ideal for providing shade in small gardens. These trees will not take up too much space but still provide a nice area of shade for you to enjoy. You should also consider the tree’s growth rate. Slow-growing trees might take a longer time to provide sufficient shade, but they tend to live longer and require less maintenance.
Best Time for Planting Trees
Timing is crucial when it comes to planting trees. The best time to plant a tree in your Derbyshire garden will depend on the type of tree you choose. However, spring and autumn are generally the most favourable times to plant trees. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the soil conditions are ideal for tree growth.
Planting in spring gives the tree plenty of time to establish its root system before the hot summer months, while autumn planting allows the tree to grow roots during the cooler winter months, ensuring it is strong and ready for the next growing season. It’s also important to monitor the weather conditions closely. Avoid planting if frost is expected, as this can damage the young sapling.
Suitable Trees for a Small Derbyshire Garden
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
The Rowan, or Mountain Ash, is a small but sturdy tree renowned for its resilience and beauty. It features dense, feather-like leaves that turn a fiery red in autumn. In spring, clusters of white flowers make a striking contrast with the green foliage, followed by vibrant red berries in late summer. Not only will the Rowan provide shade, but it also attracts a variety of birds to your garden due to its tasty berries. This tree is ideal for small gardens as it has a modest size, with a maximum height of 15 metres and a spread of 7 metres.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The Hawthorn is a traditional English tree that offers a tapestry of change throughout the seasons. With its dense, branching growth and compact size, it’s ideal for smaller spaces. The Hawthorn leaves a beautiful green hue in summer, turning golden brown come autumn. In May, the tree is covered in clusters of fragrant, white flowers, earning it the nickname ‘May-tree’. The flowers are then replaced by red berries in autumn. Hawthorns are relatively slow-growing, but once established, they are hardy and require little care.
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
The Crab Apple is another small tree that provides shade and beauty to your garden. It features a dense canopy of leaves, providing a decent amount of shade in the summer months. In spring, the Crab Apple becomes a focal point in the garden, with a profusion of pink or white blossoms. By autumn, these flowers turn into small, vibrant apples. With a height of up to 10 metres and a spread of 4 metres, it’s a suitable choice for smaller gardens.
Caring for Your Trees
Once you’ve chosen and planted your ideal tree, proper care is crucial to ensure it grows healthily and effectively provides shade. Regular watering is essential, especially during the dry summer months. You should also prune your trees regularly to maintain their shape and prevent any potential damage from broken branches.
Remember, patience is key when growing trees. It might take time for your trees to grow large enough to provide ample shade in your garden, but with proper care and maintenance, these trees will become a beautiful and functional part of your outdoor space.
In conclusion, creating shade in a small Derbyshire garden does not have to be complicated. By carefully selecting the right trees and providing them with the care they need, you can enjoy a beautiful, shaded garden for many years to come.
Acer Palmatum: A Subtle Addition to Your Garden
Moving into the realm of more subtle favourites, the Japanese Maple, or Acer Palmatum, is an excellent choice for a small garden in Derbyshire. This tree is particularly popular among gardening interest groups due to its versatile nature and year-round benefits.
A mature Acer Palmatum is a small tree or large shrub that usually grows to a height of 6-10 metres. Its size makes it an excellent fit for a small garden, offering ample shade without dominating the entire landscape. It has a beautiful spread, with its green leaves turning a vibrant red or orange in autumn, providing a visually appealing autumn colour spectacle.
In spring, the Japanese Maple is a sight to behold, with leaves springing into life in a multitude of colours, from bright green to deep purple. What makes this tree a special interest among gardeners is not just the colour of the leaves but their unique shape as well. The deeply lobed leaves are almost fern-like, adding an intriguing texture to your garden.
While the Acer Palmatum does not offer the same degree of shade as some other trees, its unique form and year-round interest make it a worthy addition to any small garden. It thrives best in partial shade woodland conditions, adding another layer of depth to your garden’s ecosystem.
Hardy Geraniums: A Great Companion for Your Trees
Just as trees are important for creating a shaded garden, the choice of smaller woodland plants to accompany them equally matters. Hardy Geraniums are an excellent choice to complete your small Derbyshire garden. Not only do they thrive in the shade provided by the trees, but they also add a dash of vibrant colour to the garden, particularly in spring and summer.
Hardy Geraniums are perennial plants that offer interest throughout the year and are known for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms. These low-maintenance plants produce beautiful white flowers, which can be a great contrast against the green leaves of your trees.
They have a modest height, typically growing to just 60cm, making them a perfect understory for your garden. Their roots are non-invasive and do not compete with the tree roots for nutrients, making them a harmonious addition to your garden.
Supplementing your garden with Hardy Geraniums will help create a multi-layered effect, adding depth and visual interest to your garden.
Wrapping Up
Planting the ideal trees for shade in a small Derbyshire garden needn’t be a daunting task. With careful consideration of the tree’s size, growth rate, and the kind of shade it offers, you can transform your garden into a tranquil and shaded haven. From the robust Rowan and Hawthorn to the more subtle Acer Palmatum, you can select trees that not only offer shade but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your garden.
Additionally, complementing your trees with smaller woodland plants like Hardy Geraniums can create a layered, textured, and colourful garden that provides year-round interest. Remember, it’s not just about planting the trees; regular care, including watering and pruning, is essential to ensure healthy growth and longevity.
Image credit: Getty Images.
In a nutshell, creating a shady garden in Derbyshire involves more than just planting a few trees; it’s about creating a balanced ecosystem that’s visually appealing and easy to maintain. With patience and care, your garden can become a beautiful, shaded sanctuary that offers respite and peace, not just for you but for local wildlife too.
