19 trees

Trees! It's interesting how I see this garden differently as time passes. Areas previously over-looked suddenly resonate, ripe with potential and promise. Thus it was with a wonderful clarity of vision that Isobel, Hannah and I travelled over to our local nursery (http://www.woodburyestate.co.uk/) and filled the trailer with trees. My well thumbed copy of Ken Fern's 'Plants for a future' was invaluable as we worked round the hundreds of species offered. It often surprises me how many feature in the book, though I suppose there is no reason why it should. The more I discover about the plants already living in my garden, those many would call wildflowers, or weeds, the more I realise that they all have a 'use', either directly as food, fuel or suchlike, or as a contributor to the system as a whole. Is it better to clear the ground and plant trusted old vegetables, or simply learn to eat what is already there?
The vision I had last week in the half light of the evening (a great time for garden planning - distracting details give way to a clearer view of the big picture) was of a line of trees between the polytunnel and the dell. This will serve several purposes: firstly, more trees is good, full stop. Secondly it will act as a windbreak on the most exposed side of the garden. Thirdly it will screen the polytunnel from the wild beauty of the dell. Finally it will provide food, construction materials and fuel. Over 40 metres I have planted 6 hazels, half Gunslebert half Corabel, cherry plum, spindle, amelanchier, Siberian pea tree, sea buckthorn, and a service tree.
It is always a good feeling planting trees. Elsewhere this year I've planted several apples that I've grown from seed. They are vigorous and healthy, and I have high hopes for them. I may have to wait a while for the fruit, and how it will be is as yet unknown, but the joy they've already given me is repayment enough for my efforts. The top end of the garden is now home to an oak, some willow and alder, an alder buckthorn (much loved by bees), an Amelanchier RJHilton (hopefully the Amelanchier will fruit better now there are four of them), and a Japanese dogwood. All I need to do now is keep them weeded and watered, and make sure the deer cannot get to them. They seem to be away up in the hills now the spring is here, but you can never be sure...