Trees For Small Gardens

In this special Dig It podcast we talk to Nick Dunn, managing director and top tree nurseryman of Frank P Matthews. Founded in 1901, Matthews are one of the UK's leading ornamental and fruit tree grower supplying trees to the Garden Centre trade. We discover the processes of growing in the field, containerising, budding and grafting, popular tree favourites, new trees coming to the market, top tips on growing them and much more. Nick brings his unique insight on trees and his words of wisdom are bound to encourage you to plant a tree this winter.

Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day select their favourite trees and they reflect on the important role trees play to our planet, plus a look at how rootstocks have revolutionised the way we grow many of our best loved garden plants.

Products mentioned: Greenworks Cordless Leaf Blower, Rakes, Garotta Tree stakes, Tree buckle ties, composted bark for mulching, secateurs (for pruning)

Trees mentioned: Albizia, Acacia, Amelanchier, Betula (Birch), Dwarf conifers, dwarf fruit varieties, Hornbeam, Prunus (flowering cherries), Malus (crab apples), Pines, Saskatoon (June berry).

Specific trees which require specific rootstocks include Prunus, Malus, Sorbus, Acer and Salix.

The revolutionary new Inkarho lime tolerant rootstock is particularly recommended for growing Rhododendrons on neutral clay soils, up to pH7. This patented rootstock was developed from a Rhododendron growing in a German lime quarry. Inkarho rhododendrons are available in spring from the Garden Centre.

Chris's favourite: Young’s weeping birch

Peter’s favourites: Hawthorn (quickthorn)

Nick’s desert island tree – a black mulberry (Morus nigra)

Nick’s recently introduced tree Malus Scarlett, Malus Aros, Prunus Chocolate Ice, Prunus Royal Burgundy, Cercis Eternal Flame (Best new plant named at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in September). Magnolia Eileen Blaines. Apple Christmas Pippin and Herefordshire Russet. Aprium Aprisali.

Nick Dunn’s book Trees for your Garden Please ask at the Garden Centre for details of claiming a free copy of the book

The poem 'Said the tree to the man, Said the man to the tree' by Elizabeth Barling.

Useful links

The Queen’s Green Canopy campaign

Help plant trees in Africa by buying a cut fresh Christmas tree at the Garden Centre this Christmas. Ripple Africa

National Tree Planting Week 27th November – 5th December

Frank P Matthews website

Buckingham Nurseries range of bare-root trees and hedging

If you’d like to ask Peter or Chris a gardening question or comment on the podcast, contact us here

Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for providing the music.

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