Tips for Designing with Trees in the Garden - FineGardening

Abstract

In ancient cultures, trees were revered as symbols of immortality; indeed, each tree you plant may outlive you and even your offspring. So how do we choose what to plant and where? It pays to think about trees in relationship to one another and to the other plantings in a garden. A Mixed Grove Planting a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees mimics the look of a natural woodland. Feature a stand-out tree Do you have what I call a "Cosmic tree," one that stands out as a special icon? In design terms, such a tree is often called a specimen-an individual tree planted for its distinguishing ornamental or symbolic qualities. You can have more than one cosmic tree in a garden, but the trees should be placed so that each stands out. An Orchard A more formal planting of a single species or a few species of trees, as in an orchard, conveys a sense of order. Echo the look of a grove Beyond the placement of a single stand-out tree, trees in a garden setting are often clustered within some type of grouping.