Beautiful & Useful
New plants, books, tools and creative designs, plus shopping inspiration
A New Star of Spring
Spring might feel a long way off, but now is the time to start ordering trees to plant this winter so they can settle in before the growing season begins in earnest. One specimen to consider is Prunus ‘Starlight’, a new, UK-bred, ornamental cherry tree with rich autumn colour and, in March and April, blossom similar to the flowers of Magnolia stellata. The tree’s parentage includes P. x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’, which means it may flower early in years when winters are mild. Frost-resistant ‘Starlight’ grows best in full sun and in well-drained soil. Expect it to reach 3-4m after about ten years. From £77, frankpmatthews.com
Copper Heads
Biodynamic and organic gardeners have long sung the praises of copper alloy hand tools. These tools look attractive, do not rust, stay sharp and become stronger with age. Moreover, they are believed to benefit plant and soil life. Made available to plants when the tools are used in the ground, trace copper facilitates cell growth. It also encourages beneficial soil micro-organisms and fungi to thrive, and there is some evidence that it discourages slugs and snails from the garden. The new range of copper alloy tools from Crocus will help you decide for yourself. From £59.99, crocus.co.uk
Marianne North’s Travel Writing by Michelle Payne
RBG Kew, £28
Best known for her botanical painting, Marianne North was also a committed diarist, observing in detail the environments in which she found herself
