John Woods Nurseries’ top trees in support of National Tree Week
John Woods Nurseries is lending its support to National Tree Week by reminding gardeners you don’t need huge amounts of space to plant a tree.
The 37th National Tree Week gets under way from November 26th until December 4th with The Tree Council encouraging people to do their bit for both the environment and climate change by planting a tree. The theme of the campaign this year is that every tree matters.
Suffolk-based John Woods Nurseries have been long-standing supporters of the initiative. Their message is that while some gardeners might be put off planting a tree because there’s not the room, they shouldn’t.
There are a number of perfect trees which you can safely plant in your garden which don’t require acres of space, which can be easily maintained and present a perfect feature to your home.
The John Woods Nurseries’ top three small tree choices are:
Cercis Lavender Twist: This is the ultimate small garden tree. It has interest in every season, through winter with its gently twisted, weeping branches providing structure, and in spring, rose-pink flowers stud the bare branches before the apple-green heart-shaped foliage emerges. Cercis Lavender Twist is best planted in a sheltered, sunny site, in a well-drained soil. Eventual height is approximately 2.5 metres.
Apple Scrumptious: Plant this self-fertile, eating apple tree to combine all the environmental benefits with the fun of growing your own fruit. Apple Scrumptious has been especially developed for UK gardens. This easy-care variety produces crisp, sweet and juicy fruit which is truly scrumptious, especially when eaten straight from the tree. The thin-skinned fruit is especially suitable for children. Approximate tree height when mature is 2.5 metres.
Cornus Venus: A striking new hybrid between Cornus nuttallii and Cornus kousa chinensis, Venus has already gained the acclaim of European nurseryman after winning a host of awards, including at IPM 2008 in Germany. Venus has extremely large, creamy-white bracts which almost cover the plant between mid to late May, lasting up to three week. Beautiful autumn colour in shades of yellow, orange and violet add an extra season of interest. Height and spread is approximately 3-4 metres x 2 metres.
National Tree Week marks the first anniversary of The Big Tree Plant, a partnership with the Government encouraging tree planting by communities.
Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, said: “Trees are an important part of every community and necessary to our very existence. The Tree Council’s National Tree Week is the perfect time to inspire more people to plant trees in their local communities. It will see thousands more planted right across the country, helping to create neighbourhoods that everyone can be proud of.”
The Tree Council is urging everyone who cares for their environment to take that step and plant one tree, or more, during the coming week. Among the benefits of planting a tree are:
- Trees are a carbon sequestration and storage tool, as well as a regulator of the urban microclimate which takes up air pollution.
- Trees temper the adverse effects of weather. They reduce wind speeds on blustery days, give shade on hot days, cool the air, reduce heating and air conditioning costs, and saves energy. This, in turn, cuts down air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
- Every tree has a role moderating rainstorm impact, as part of sustainable drainage systems and storm water management, lessening the likelihood of flash floods.
- Each tree makes a major contribution to the restoration of derelict and degraded land after the ravages of industrial development, waste disposal, and other man-made blights, creating a more pleasant environment in which to live.
- Trees provide great habitats for wildlife, and the sustainable cultivation of tree for renewable low-energy construction materials, charcoal, food, and as an alternative energy source.
According to Pauline Buchanan-Black, Director-General of the Tree Council, every tree will matter more and more in years to come. She said: “A tree planted close to where you live, work or study is good for you and for the nation’s condition. Trees have been proven to have positive effects on mental health and as an antidote to stressful lifestyles, even aiding recuperation from illness.
”However, to be able to look out on a tree simply lifts my soul and gladdens my heart. That, at bottom, seems to me to be one of the most compelling reasons to argue that everyone should be able to see a tree from their window - and if you can’t, then now is the time to set about changing the view.
“Every tree matters as much for the beauty, growth and renewal, whether in urban or rural settings, that it demonstrates year on year as for the very practical benefits it brings.
“The Tree Council applauds the efforts of the people who have already realised that every tree matters and successfully applied for Big Tree Plant funds to take that first step with their own community projects.”
The Cornus Venus, contained in a 7.5 litre pot, retails at £69, the Cercis Lavender Twist in a 12 litre pot retails at £59 and the Apple Scrumptious in a 12 litre pot retails at £35. All three are available from garden centres throughout the UK, to find your nearest stockist call 01728 745158.
Editors’ notes
John Woods Nurseries
John Woods Nurseries was incorporated in August 2007, following a management buyout of the then Notcutts Nurseries by managing director John Lord and finance director John Kirkum.
The original John Woods Nurseries was established in 1837 and purchased by RC Notcutt in 1897. The name was chosen for the new business to reinforce the company’s heritage and authenticity.
John Woods produces hardy nursery stock on a ninety-five acre site in Suffolk. Sixty acres are currently in production, with the remaining thirty-five available for expansion.
The company’s product range extends to 1,500 lines in a range of sizes across shrubs, perennials, roses, ericaceous plants, climbers, trees and fruit. More than 1.3million units are produced annually.
ISO14001 and ISO9001 accredited, John Woods Nurseries is one of the UK’s top five nurseries supplying the garden retail market. Annual turnover is approximately six million pounds.
Industry Awards
Garden Retail Awards '11 -Best New Plant
Silver-Gilt Flora -BBC Gardeners' World Live 2011
Silver-Gilt Flora - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011
Garden Retail Awards ’10 - Most Successful New Plant
Gold Award ’10 - RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2010
Gold Medal ’10 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010
Grower Awards ’09 - Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year
Garden Retail Awards ’09 - Most Successful New Plant
Grower Awards ’08 - Trade Marketing Campaign of the year
Garden Retail Awards ’08 - Most Successful New Plant
For pictures and more information, visit John Woods Nurseries press room at www.cisionwire.com/john-woods-nurseries
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