Top 10 native trees and shrubs

Native trees and shrubs are a great way of providing food and habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. They’re usually pretty tough and a bit wilder than their garden cousins, though no less attractive for that.

Autumn (October/November) and spring (March/April) are the best times to plant but you can plant potted plants at any time of year, except when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Just remember if you do it in late spring or summer you’ll need to water them more.

Here’s a selection of mostly good all-rounders, easy to get hold of, tolerant of a wide range of conditions and with plenty of interest:-

Crabapple

Dogwood

Spindle bush

Guelder rose

Hawthorn

Catkin

Holly

Juniper

Purple willow

Wild rose

(The full version of this article was originally written for the Grow Wild campaign and can be read on Green Matters & More )