What Is Your Favourite Tree?
At our garden centre, we believe every tree tells a story, and so does every gardener who plants one. Our staff each have their own favourites, chosen not just for their beauty, but for the unique qualities, memories, or feelings they inspire. From trees that shimmer in the wind to those that attract songbirds or glow with autumn colour, these selections highlight the plants that make our team smile and spark conversations in the garden.
Michael: Ginkgo
The Ginkgo also known as Maidenhair is often called a “living fossil,” being one of the oldest surviving tree species on earth, and its history alone makes it remarkable. Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves give it a look unlike any other tree, lending a touch of elegance with an almost tropical flair. In autumn, those leaves turn a dazzling golden yellow, creating one of the most vibrant fall colour shows you can find. Hardy, low-maintenance, and incredibly long-lived, Ginkgo trees are a true symbol of resilience as well as beauty. One of the most magical moments comes in late autumn, when a sudden shift in weather causes the tree to release its canopy all at once, showering the ground with a “yellow rainfall” of leaves, a breathtaking sight that makes this tree unforgettable.
Alex: Eastern Redbud
The Redbud is a true three-season performer. In early spring, it bursts into a spectacular display of pink to magenta flowers before the leaves even emerge, brightening up the landscape after winter. Through summer, its heart-shaped leaves add charm and provide a soft, dappled shade. Come autumn, the foliage shifts into golden tones, extending its appeal right into fall. Another reason it’s a favourite is that the Redbud is native, meaning it supports local ecosystems while still being ornamental.
Kendra: Weeping Nootka Cypress
This tree is often described as spooky but in the best way. With its long, draping branches and rich green needles, it creates a dramatic, almost mystical look in the garden. The elegant, flowing habit gives it a sculptural quality, making it a standout specimen tree. It’s both spectacular and unusual, the kind of evergreen that sparks conversation and adds year-round presence.
Cheyenne: Swedish Aspen
Swedish Aspen are tall, narrow, and fast-growing, making them perfect for creating vertical accents or privacy screens. What makes them so special, though, is their beauty in motion: the silvery undersides of the leaves catch the light as they flutter in the breeze, creating a shimmering effect. They also produce a soothing, rustling sound when the wind blows, adding not only visual but also auditory interest to the garden. They can reach impressive heights, making them popular for defining spaces or softening hardscapes.
Mark: Birch
Birches are admired for their quick growth, graceful form, and striking bark. Their white trunks and peeling texture provide strong winter interest when many trees fade into the background. Adaptable to different soil and light conditions, they bring both elegance and resilience to the landscape. For many, they also carry a nostalgic, almost classic appeal, reminding people of natural woodlands or cottage settings.
Sabryna: Serviceberry
The Serviceberry is one of those trees that seems to have it all. It starts the year with a stunning show of white spring flowers, providing early food for bees and pollinators just waking up. By summer, it’s covered in small, edible berries that birds can’t resist, and by autumn, it glows with fiery red and orange foliage that lights up the garden. Sabryna loves it most for its connection to wildlife. The berries are a favourite of cedar waxwings, and during courtship, the males will sometimes offer a berry to a female. Instead of eating it immediately, the two sometimes pass it back and forth like a tiny game of catch. When she finally eats it, that’s her way of saying yes. It’s a tree that brings beauty, food, and life to the garden. A reminder that sometimes nature’s most beautiful moments are the quiet ones.
Justin: Autumn Blaze Maple
Autumn Blaze is a fast-growing, upright tree valued for its brilliant fall colour. Its leaves turn a fiery blend of orange and red, often holding their colour longer than other maples, making it a standout in the autumn landscape. Hardy and adaptable, it tolerates a wide range of soils and climates, which makes it a reliable choice for many yards. With its broad, oval canopy, it also provides excellent shade, making it both a practical and ornamental option.
Heidi: Brandywine Maple
Brandywine Maple is a standout choice for those who love brilliant autumn displays without the worry of seedlings. This seedless variety of red maple produces no unwanted sprouting, keeping maintenance simple and tidy. In spring and summer, it offers a clean, symmetrical canopy of rich green foliage. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn first to deep red. With a moderate growth rate, strong branching, and excellent cold hardiness, Brandywine Maple is perfect for adding shade, beauty, and reliable seasonal impact to both residential landscapes and larger properties.
Jacob: Harlequin Maple
This maple stands out because of its variegated foliage. The creamy white edging against deep green centres makes each leaf look hand-painted, and together they create a striking, dappled effect across the tree. It brings brightness to the garden throughout the growing season and looks especially impressive when backlit by the sun. The Harlequin Maple is unique enough to feel special but still easy to grow, which makes it a staff favourite.
Alycia: Armstrong Maple
Armstrong Maple shares the same toughness and adaptability as other hybrid maples but stands out for its upright, columnar form. Instead of spreading wide, it grows tall and narrow, making it perfect for smaller yards, tight side lots, or anywhere a vertical accent is needed. In autumn, its leaves blaze with fiery shades of red and orange, delivering some of the best fall colour you’ll find in a tree. Because of its uniform shape and strong branching, it’s often planted along driveways, boulevards, or property lines to create a formal, striking effect that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Hardy, reliable, and visually dramatic, Armstrong Maple brings year-round structure and brilliant seasonal flair.
No matter which tree speaks to you, the best choice is often the one that brings you joy year after year. Just as our staff have their own personal favourites, we encourage you to explore, ask questions, and discover the trees that resonate most with your style and space. Whether it’s enjoying seasonal interest through flowers, foliage, or bark, or watching a tree grow tall and outshine the rest, finding your own favourite is part of the journey, and we’re here to help you along the way.
