November's plants of the month are trees – the most invaluable occupants of any garden. November is also a great month to plant them, as moderate temperatures and rainfall allow plants to root and acclimatise before spring comes around.
There's a tree for every situation, whether wet or dry, acid, alkaline, chalky or clay. From flowering cherries and crab apples to evergreen yews and weeping willows, trees offer different leaf size, shape and colour. There are those which flower magnificently in spring and those whose leaves offer brilliant autumn colour. And that's not even counting their positive effect on the environment.
For smaller gardens, choose naturally lower-growing types like cherries, snowy white Jacquemontii silver birches and rowans – great year-round value with their pretty foliage, spring blossom, red berries and fabulous autumn colour. None grow more than about 8-10m high and all will become old friends as you get to know them over the years.
Pick a tree and you'll bring grace and movement to your garden, plus stunning foliage, lovely flowers, great fruit and wildlife, too. They're long-lasting, easy to look after and great value.
