[Cherrysparkle]

Hi (again, another question!).

I have a small tree (unknown name, hideous umbrella shaped thing) that screens my garden from my next door neighbours patio.

It's foliage is very dense and no matter where the sun is it shades the ground underneath and nothing will grow there.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never be able to grow bedding plants in that section of the garden but would like to grow a more attractive screening tree in its place.

I was thinking of a magnolia tree, and the two varieties I'd like are the tulip or the Susan.

Does anyone know how quickly they grow? I'd quite like a fast growing tree that stays small (if that's possible..)

Or if anyone has any suggestions for a small, pretty tree that I could grow it would be very welcome!

(The spot I want to grow it in is sheltered, ph neutral soil and gets full sun when we actually have sun).

Thanks so much.

[Sive]

Amelanchiers are really lovely.

[john1412]

is the "hideous umbrella shaped thing" possible a Kilmarnock willow??

and what about some Japanese maple, they do well both in full sun and part shade prob wouldn't grow above 15 20 ft either, and Aldi have them in this Thursday at a very good price from them I must say.

[Greengage]

come on lads and girls support Iriish nurseries not all these imports

[Sive]

Well done, greengage, I'm with you all the way.
Support your local producers/farmers/manufacturers....ultimately we all reap the benefits.

[Good guy]

Hear hear. And while on the subject of buying local, isn't it a pity we can't get locally grown (hazel/ash etc) plant support material? Instead of imported bamboo. Not all of us have the space to grow and pollard our own.

[tippben]

If you like Magnolia, but only want 8' height, try Magnolia stellata. It is very slow to grow, so expect to pay 100 quid or more for a 6' plant. It'll be a one off investment. M. soulangiana or lilliflora, may be a lot cheaper, but that's because they are vigorous, and want to turn into a 30' tree.

[Greengage]

jezz where are you buying your trees, Let me know where you are and Ill come up with a supplier cheaper even if its imported.

[Cherrysparkle]

Oh wow thanks for all the suggestions. It's not a Kilmarnock Willow John (yay, one thing it's not ruled out already) ; I'd post a picture but I don't know how to do it from my iphone? . Sive I do like the Amelanchiers and TippBen the magnolia stellata is lovely - I'll keep it in mind (and start saving!). Greengage I need to get to know your suppliers - unfortunately I seem to have 'Novice Google Gardener' tattooed across my forehead and have shelled out an unmentionable ammount on plants I'm sure I could have gotten cheaper somewhere else (but I can walk to my local centre so I'm sure I've saved on petrol at least ). And also, I need to stop buy plants. It's just ridiculously addictive...