This is the last in a series of four blogs about planting in pots

In a London garden where space is paramount everything we use must do a precise job. Planting in a pot is a great technique for increasing height when access for a taller plant would cause problems. It’s also a fabulous solution when a client is in a rental property and wants the flexibility to take their planting with them when they move.

These two benefits came together for a client renting in London who wanted to soften the look of tall boundary fences with trees, but could only get those trees into the garden by going through the house. Normally we use a crane but in this instance that was impossible.

We therefore looked for the biggest trees we could bring into their home – and used a pot to gain further height. We chose a white flowering Prunus yedoensis (Cherry Tree) with an interesting architectural weeping habit that would grow well both in the sun and in shadow.

These were big beasts! The root ball diameter was 30 centimetres, each tree weighed at least 300 kilos and we made sure the canopies were securely tied to get them in the front door, along the corridor and out at the back. Each tree was three metres tall but by planting them in 80 centimetre pots we were able to create an overall height of four metres. Using the pot gave us three advantages:

1. Extra height for added drama

2. Enough space to walk under the trees

3. Solving the problem of access

Meeting challenges like this is our speciality, both sourcing dramatic specimens for maximum effect and then making access happen through technical expertise that only comes with years of experience.

In this case we wheeled the trees on a specially made trolley then took them up a step system 10 centimetres at a time before lifting them into the pots. Not a task for the fainthearted but one that often sees us called in for such tricky situations.

Prunus yedoensis (Cherry Tree)

The result for the client was game changing: unique vision and maturity affording instant impact. These trees dazzle with flowers in the spring, offer dappled shade in the summer and in winter impress thanks to brilliant architectural form showcased with night-time uplighting, giving the whole space remarkable beauty and drama.

Even more so when our client decided not to move after all but to buy the house, and we were called in to add some delightful permanent features!

Call us today to find out more.

Talk to us about how we can help create an amazing space for you.

Call us on 0207 305 7183 or email at enquire@alasteranderson.com