Wimbledon tree of the month. June

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold' (also known as Fastigiate Golden Beech)
Sheltering in a small clearing of woodland, within the grounds of Cannizaro House is this young tree that bursts with potential.
The golden leaf form of Fastigiate Beech is an architectural beauty, and worthy winner of the Award of Garden merit in 2002. This large native tree is both hardy and tolerant, but it is it's striking colour and form, that sets it apart from your average woodland. The cultivar 'Dawyck Gold', is a small, upright, deciduous tree whose young leaves are bright, acid yellow, turning gradually to green in summer, before reverting to yellow in autumn. This tree's flame shaped habit works well against it's dark background of mature trees, to punctuate this wooded backdrop. With a mature height of 20 metres, this tree isn't for everyone. But in this position it perfectly transforms the relaxed woodland into something more befitting of this grand house. I feel the Wilsons, who owned the house until the late 1940s, and carried out a series of improvements in the gardens with the planting of new trees, would approve of this recent addition.

Wimbledon tree of the month

In appreciation of my local area, I've decided to nominate a 'Tree of the month'. This will be a local tree I feel has notable characteristics to make this example special. It might be an unusual specimen, not often seen in the area, or it might just be a fine example of it's type. Sometimes it's position in the landscape or environment elevates it from something average to something striking. 

Paulownia tomentosa (also known as the Empress Tree, Princess Tree or Foxglove Tree 

I have admired this specimen for many years. Found at the junction of Pepys Road and Langham Road, it really grabs attention in May, with it's spectacular flowers, which are produced before the leaves. The panicles with a purple corolla do resemble a foxglove flower, and not often seen in such a public position. Centred on a small triangle of green turf, it seems to enjoy it's position where it benefits from full sun. I have seen them in private gardens where they are pollarded to keep them small and maximise their leaf size and create drama. But this process means you never see the blooms as they only form on mature wood!

In China, an old custom is to plant this tree when a baby girl is born. The fast-growing tree matures when she does. When she is eligible for marriage the tree is cut down and carved into wooden articles for her dowry.

Spring has sprung

There is no doubt that Spring has arrived. The signs are everywhere.

Helleborus Orientalis

Back in popularity, the Lenten rose is a must-have plant. I love it's unassuming nature and staggering variety of colours - ranging from immaculate white to virtually black, as well as every shade in between through pinks, purples, clarets, yellows and greens. Hellebores hang their heads demurely, and one can't resist gently turning up their flower heads to appreciate the individual subtleties. I like to plant them under deciduous trees, combining the pinks and clarets colours with Pulmonaria.

Pulmonaria

Grown for their early flowers in late Winter and early Spring, they are among the first perennial blooms. But their all too often overlooked hairy leaves with attractive silver spots, come into their own once the flowers have finished. Grow in woodland among shrubs in a humus-rich, moist soil.

Magnolia x loebneri

I can't help feeling every garden should have a magnolia at this time of year. There are so many to choose from, no matter what your taste. But I prefer the delicacy of Magnolia Loebneri and stellata.  These small, slender branched deciduous trees are perfect fits for modern and traditional schemes. The star shaped flowers, with slender white petals suffused with lilac edges are produced before the leaves emerge. They need an acid to neutral soil, but the smaller varieties do well in pots.

Anemone blanda

These cheerful plants bring a a smile to my face. The daisy shaped flowers appear in early spring over deeply dissected or toothed green leaves. Plant them amongst other ground cover plants in humus-rich soil in partial shade. 

Early promise

The signs are here. Those plants that cheer up, even the most dull and miserable days, have arrived. Their optimism never ceases to amaze me. But they are always such a welcome sight, as you can start to believe that Spring, with all it's colour and vibrancy is just within reach.

Here are just a few stars I have seen in the last few days.

Hamamelis x intermedia

The Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, perfect for a woodland area or a shady border. They have good Autumn colour, but it is their fragrant, starburst -shaped flowers that dazzle at this time of year. There are lots of varieties available, but they do vary considerably. So I would always recommend you do some research and buy them in flower. Some have a simplicity about them, while others are much more bright and showy.

Galanthus Sir Herbert Maxwell

I know they're predictable, but I do think no garden should be without Snowdrops. They are the first bulbs to show, their pear-shaped, delicate white flowers. They are sometimes scented. I prefer the more simple, single shapes in pure white and green.  But their are many options, and some much more complex double, frilly types. Best to buy them 'in the green' rather than as dormant bulbs. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested; contact with bulbs may irritate skin.

Helleborus Argutifolius

The Corsican hellebore has leathery, elliptic dark green leaves, with spiny-toothed edges. I like the plant's strong architectural shape, making it suitable for both modern and naturalistic planting schemes. Pendent, shallow, bowl-shaped flowers appear in Winter to early Spring. I find Hellebores most effective when grown in groups in a border, or naturalised in a woodland garden

Sarcococca X confusa

The shiny leaves of this bushy shrub keep it looking good all year round. But it is during Winter and early Spring when it's fragrant white flowers turn it into something special. The delicate flowers are followed by attractive, glossy black fruits. Looks good as an informal hedge, or as ground cover in dry shade.

A blank canvas

The arrival of snow this Winter, reminded me how this is a perfect time to review your garden's design.

As a designer and gardener, the winter is one of the best times to observe and assess your outside space. Many shrubs and trees have lost their leaves and herbaceous plants have died back, leaving the naked skeleton in view. Evergreen shrubs and trees have jostled from their supporting roles all year, taking their opportunity for star position. But the addition of a layer of snow reveals everything in a new perspective. Suddenly, texture and colour has vanished, and all you see is the pure structure of your garden. This is your perfect chance to evaluate what you see, and decide what you would like to see.

Take some pictures if you can or draw a sketch. Note the shapes you see and decide what is working well and where you would like to see changes. For instance, is your boundary totally revealed, or are portions concealed to create interest and the suggestion of hidden treasures? I always like to see something sculptural emerge from the snow. A clipped tree to draw your eye or a hedge to hide a section of the garden. Consider the proportions of your garden and whether divisions or changes in levels would improve your view?

This is your chance to plan new projects, list garden 'must-haves' and maybe devise some new resolutions. Make a wish list that is sensible and achievable.

Don't forget about the birds and insects at this time of year. Providing water, food and shelter, will give refuge to these beneficial creature, attracting them to your garden throughout the year. 

For most gardeners this is one of the most dispiriting times of the year. But by making the most of your time inside - you will maximise your appreciation of your outer space for the rest of the year. Remember, below the ground roots are flexing and bulbs swelling, and before we know it, we will be welcoming the first signs of Spring.