Evergreen trees tend to provide the garden with a sense of continuity through the year, whilst deciduous trees exploit the different seasons, showcasing their attractive blossoms or brilliantly coloured foliage. Planting a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees will therefore give you a dynamic garden that changes through the seasons, providing interest throughout the year.

With careful planning, you can ensure that your choice of trees provides you with a varied display of berries, fruits, flowers and foliage over the entire year. For example, you could choose to plant the following:

Spring

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) - pea-shaped blooms cover the tree, bursting from shoots, the surface of the bare branches and even the main trunk of the tree. This tree also provides interest in the autumn with large bunches of rich purple pods and yellow and chestnut foliage.

Summer

Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides) - tall panicles of white flowers appear, usually followed by slender pods.

Autumn

Eucryphia (Eucryphia x nymansensis) - spectacular, large white flowers.

Winter

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' - pale pink flowers appear on the bare branches in mild spells from November to March. Also provides rich red and broze foliage in the autumn.

Take a look at the following tree guide to find trees that offer particular seasonal interest.