Superstar TREES

Pick a stellar performer to make your garden shine - whatever its size

- CHRIS MORLEY

AIRY CANOPY

For a tree that won't overwhelm a small garden, choose a deciduous species that has a light canopy:

* Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum, H. 10m) slow-growing and drought tolerant with pink, pea-like spring flowers that appear before the leaves.

* Amelanchier 'Ballerina' (HxSp: 4-8m) - this has it all: spring blossom, summer berries and autumn colour.

* Silver birch (Betula pendula) - wildlife friendly and fast-growing, with butter-yellow leaves in autumn. It can grow 8m in 10 years but if you want a slower grower, try 'Moonbeam' (H. 6m).

* Magnolia 'Felix Jury' (HxSp: 3x3.5m) - rose-pink flowers in spring, up to 30cm wide. Needs acid soil.

Future fabulousness 

The right tree gives your garden personality and presence for years to come. Design-wise, it provides a graceful structure to admire all year round, along with seasonal star power, like spring or summer flowers and autumn colour.