Walnut

Walnuts, photo courtesy of Molly Holzschlag/flickr.com

Walnut trees grown for their fruit are self-fertile. They are hardy, and positively like cold winters. According to variety, they may come into production only after 5 to 6 years. Remember that walnut leaves are toxic to other plants and trees, and so the tree should be positioned with care. Don’t put walnut leaves into your compost. Do not plant fruit trees close to walnut trees. Grafted walnut trees are a special item, much more expensive, but they need less room.

Click here to go to the Tree Varieties page, where you can select this and other varieties in a provisional order

Morus nigra – mulberry

Mulberry, photo courtesy of Cantaloupe Alone/flickr.com

The mulberry is a beautiful tree that spreads, and it gradually acquires a fascinating crooked and gnarled appearance. It produces juicy-purplish-black fruit resembling a blackberry, of superb flavour that can be eaten as it is, or used in desserts and preserves – or even for wine. It ripens from mid-August to September, and it tends to fall from the tree as soon as it is ripe. This is why you never find mulberries in supermarkets: it is just too delicate! So it is ideal as a unique, original tree for the garden. The fruit ripens over an extended period of time and so you can enjoy it day by day.

Click here to go to the Tree Varieties page, where you can select this and other varieties in a provisional order

Cobnut

Cobnuts, photo courtesy of Ida@Sustain/flickr.com

The cobnut is basically a cultivated hazel. The tree is self-sterile, but if you have hedgerows or woodland nearby, pollen from the yellow catkins of wild hazels will fertilize the flowers. If not, you should plant two varieties. The tree is robust, hardy and easy to grow; the nuts are great!

Click here to go to the Tree Varieties page, where you can select this and other varieties in a provisional order