TREE OF THE MONTH – May
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Often referred to as the May Tree since the delicate burst of white and pink blossoms correspond with the start of the merry month of May in England. A deciduous, occasionally semi-evergreen tree species that will tolerate a wide range of soils, urban pollution and coastal conditions. The dense, thorny foliage makes a sheltered nesting choice for many species of bird though is a great food source for caterpillars, moths, migrating birds and especially, the pollinators. Hawthorn can live for 400 years, although is considered ancient from 225 years onwards; many will have gnarled characteristics from around 175 years. It has long been grown as a hedging plant and is a popular choice in wildlife gardens. Farmers used Hawthorn in their hedgerows to protect their crops, or to aid confinement of cattle. Stand-alone Hawthorns can reach around 12m+ in height, often growing with the prevailing winds at an angle, on hillsides! Common Hawthorn timber is pale bronze in colour, finely grained and very solid. It can be used in turnery, engraving and to make veneers and cabinets, as well as tool handles and boat parts. It also makes good firewood and charcoal, and has a reputation for burning at high temperatures. The young leaves, flower buds and young flowers are all edible. They can be added as a garnish to salads. The haws can be eaten raw but may cause stomach upset so are more commonly used to make jellies, wines and ketchups. In mythology, Hawthorn is one of the most sacred trees and symbolises love, romance, new starts, fertility and protection. It was the ancestor of the Maypole and its leaves and flowers the source of May Day garlands. Let summer commence!
*** See the planting team at work here: https://fb.watch/qwhlQIovyX/ PAINTING: Guinevere’s Maying by J Collier 1900
Heritage Tree Gift Service
Whether you would like an exciting centre-piece for your garden, a commemorative tree to remember a loved one by, a gorgeous Wisteria heralding the onset of late Spring, interesting driveway hedging or roadside screening, a tree-lined walk-way to open up a vista, or a bespoke tailor-made design by Hugo, please CONTACT US to discuss your desires. We will source, deliver and install many varieties of gift trees, and shrubs, for your individual project, of all imaginable sizes - anything from the adaptable Field Maple; stunning in autumn, a contorted corkscrew Hazel in a terracotta pot on the terrace, an eye catching white stemmed Birch (or three) on the horizon, a pretty weeping Cherry cascading beside a water feature, or a characterful Olive Tree overlooking your estate. Please ask us! With over thirty five years planting knowledge on the Chiltern Hills and soils of the surrounding areas, expert advice is guaranteed. Allow us to inspire you!
Tree Gallery
Here we have an example of the vast array of trees available for your assorted requirements:
Rewilding Species
Aspen
Birch
Sallow
Scots Pine
White/Grey Willow
Screening Species:
Field Maple
Holly
Hornbeam
Ilex castaneifolia
Laurel
Magnolia
Pleached & Espalier trees
Garden Pollinators:
Acer palmatum
Acer griseum
Bay
Blackthorn
Chestnut
Crab Apple
Cotoneaster
Dog Rose
Field Maple
Hawthorn
Hazel
Holly
Liriodendron tulipifera
Paulownia tomentosa
Whitebeam
Wild Cherry
Woodland Species:
Beech
Birch
Crab Apple
Dog Wood
Elder
Hawthorn
Hazel
Holly
Oak
Rowan
Sycamore
Parkland Species:
Beech
Field Maple
Holly
Mestasequoia glyptostroboides
Oak
Sweet Chestnut
Yew
Urban species:
Field Maple
Gingko
Lime
Paulownia tomentosa
Plane
Yew
Contemporary Species:
Birch
Catalpa
Cypress
Gingko biloba
Japanese Maple
Koelreuteria paniculata
Paperbark Maple
Parrotia persica
Pleached & Espalier screens
Liquidambar
Mulberry Tops
Topiary Yews
Walnut