Trees

Trees are defined as woody stemmed plants with a clear trunk and branching canopy. It can be observed that through the millennia man has always had a fascination and reverence for trees. The most recent fascination was discovered in 1998 with the uncovering of 'Seahenge', at Holmes-next the-Sea in Norfolk, England. This demonstrates a massive deliberately upturned oak tree stump rammed into the ground circa 4,050 BC. For many people trees imparted a magical quality that has not diminished down the millennia. The book of Genesis mentions the 'Tree of Life' and images can be found throughout many cultures.

 

The twentieth century saw the emergence of the arboretum, when the fascination for new plant collections was at its peak during the Victorian period. There were a number of great plant hunters and collectors of the time and large spaces were required to grow on the many collections brought back from around the world.

 

A local passionate collector was Reginald Cory who sponsored a number of expeditions most notably sponsoring the Victorian plant hunter George Forest. Cory received a share of the first seeds to be returned from these expeditions and established the arboretum, at Dyffryn Gardens located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, UK. The arboretum was originally Cory's nursery area for seedling trees and shrubs, it is located to the east of the house and contains many fine trees notably a number of Champion Trees and a beautiful glade of Acer griseum. The grounds are open to the public.

 

In our gardens today many of us will perceive that we just don't have the space for a tree or are too worried about possible root damage to our property. Trees are a valuable design resource; they enrich the garden and are ecologically sound. There are a huge number of trees to choose from for every size of garden. Design Outside will select a tree, if appropriate, for its contribution to the overall scheme in your garden, its suitability for the proposed location and its suitability for the future.