After years of working as a professional gardener in very different climates, from the warmth of Tuscany to the wet hills of South Wales, I’ve come to really value the plants, shrubs and trees that are tough and reliable. Those species that need little attention, and quietly hold a space together, offering structure, shade, and a real sense of enclosure and protection.
I’ve spent years working with and studying trees, and co-authored The Tree Atlas in 2024, all of which has only deepened my appreciation for the extraordinary range of trees worldwide. But when it comes to small gardens, pots or patios, I think it’s the fuss-free few that truly shine. The easy-going varieties that don’t demand attention but always deliver on impact and aesthetic.
