New Tree for the Garden

Thanks @Plantminded That's my understanding as well, and the reason I went for it. I don't want it to look like topiary, but if it can take that, I figured it can take aggressive pruning.

I do think I need to decide whether I have the patience to do what, considering a good result is not guaranteed, or gift it and replace it with something else. I have plenty of time to make a decision. But already I am thinking of some options e.g. I have an enkianthus campanulatus that I could move there but based on some quick research I like sorbus "Glendoick Spire" (and am not opposed to "Autumn Spire"). I do like considering possibilities, so I will take my time with it

(This an image of Gen / Glendoick Spire sorbus, found online).

 

I grow Glendoick Spire, ( Glendoick is only about 1/2 hours drive from where I live).Mine is about 10 years old, height roughly 10 ft and spread about 6 ft. Think your Enkianthus sounds a better idea unless you want to be doing a fair amount of pruning. To me I don’t see the point in continually pruning trees to fit the space which usually spoils their beauty, better to grow something suitable for the available area but each to their own.

 

Thank you @hailbopp

That's a good point. I don't mind pruning at all personally, quite the opposite, as long as I can achieve a shape that doesn't look too unnatural. My concern with the enkianthus campanulatus is that it may not get tall enough - though in some cases it can get to 4m, most commonly it gets to about 2.5m I believe. I want to screen the view of a house at the back.

While the photo I posted shows little space, that's on the ground. The plants around it aren't very tall, so if I planted a tree and removed the bottom branches, there would a reasonable amount of space for the canopy (e.g. enough to accommodate the Glendoick Spire one, I am not talking huge). As a matter of fact, if I didn't go too overly narrow, that would give me better screening. Are you happy with the Glendoick Spire sorbus overall?

Thanks.

 

I hope the Sorbus does well for you @CostasK if you decide that is what you are going with. I grow many different Sorbus, Glendoick is not my favourite but its habit might suit your location better than some which are stronger growers. Sorbus trees are, in my experience, very successful if purchased bare rooted and now is a good time to be planting them. They are considerably cheaper to buy and will not be root bound as they often are when they have been far too long in containers.
As for pruning! When you have a garden my size the less pruning the better. Below is about 1/3 of the garden, way too big but I love living where I do so try the best I can to keep it in bounds!

 

Thanks again @hailbopp That looks wonderful! A very nice combination of colours and textures. Of course that makes sense regarding pruning, especially with a large garden.

I haven't decided on the sorbus and I think I will take my time with it. My decision-making process involves changing my mind about 50 times before settling down on something I actually enjoy that process of imagining the different options and spending some time with them.

 

Buy a fruit tree. Blossom in the spring and juicy fruit in the Summer.

 

Having seen this year's crops I'd be a bit wary of buying an apple tree!

I have bought an apricot this year and plan to get a plum too during bare root season.

 

I love the idea of fruit trees too, though I would say ornamental value is a bigger factor for me usually.

I have an apple tree and while I do enjoy it, it is quite susceptible to apple scab. It was an impulse purchase at a garden centre so I hadn't done my homework. I know that there are varieties which are more disease resistant.