The varieties of cherry tree known as ‘acid’ are a good bet for the smaller garden.

Prunus cerasus, acid or sour cherry trees are much smaller than sweet cherry trees as they are grafted on to a less vigorous rootstock, reaching 3m height x 3.5m spread.

They differ from sweet cherries in that they crop on shoots that are produced the previous summer.

They are mostly self fertile so you will not need another tree to act as a pollinator.

The fruit may not be good to eat straight from the tree but is great for cooking and preserving.

They tolerate some shade so are ideal for a north facing site and with leaves that turn shades of flaming red and orange in autumn they are well worth the space.

Some acid cherry varieties to choose from are prunus incisa ‘The Bride’, smothered with a profusion of large white flowers, which show off the bright red anthers. This tree has a dense shrubby growing habit.

Prunus cerasus ‘Morello’ AGM with an excellent flavour, is self fertile for picking in late summer.

Prunus ‘Nabella’ a beautiful shower of blossom in spring, followed by branches laden with bright red fruits for picking in late summer.

In a cloud of smoke

I’ve always admired the bright purple leaves of the smoke tree, so called as its spring flowers mature and ‘puff’ out as if they were clouds of smoke.

The growth habit of this ornamental shrub or small tree can be a bit splayed, so to keep it in check give it a prune to help keep it more compact and strengthen its limbs.

Cotinus coggygria ‘royal purple’ is deciduous and grows to an ultimate height and spread of 8m x 8m over 20 years.

It is happy in all aspects in full sun or partial shade, exposed or sheltered in all ph soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil.