Archive for the ‘Trees’ Category

May 09 – Tree Of The Month – The Fig (Ficus carica)

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Fig Tree - Ficus carica

Fig Tree - Ficus carica

Natural History: The fig genus is so large it includes over 800 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and woody vines from all over the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Also popular as a conservatory plant, a few species, including Fig carica (“Brown Turkey”), which was first cultivated in Britain in the early 16th Century, can be grown outside in cool-temperate gardens.

Medicinal Uses: The fig fruit is an excellent natural laxative; the latex from the fruits has been successfully used to treat warts on the skin and remedies made from the leaves can help lower cholesterol levels improve glucose uptake by the skeletal muscles.

Ancient Wisdom: Give a Fig if you want to send someone Good Luck or extra protection in the home. If you want to leave someone spellbound by your very presence, give them a fig (this only works if they actually like figs!)

A ripening Fig

A ripening Fig

Fig Care & Tips: Grown against a warm, sunny wall or in a sheltered corner, you can expect your tree to fruit once a year.

Buy a Fig Tree Gift from our online shop!

Published May 21st, 2009 in Tree of the MonthNo Comments

Olive (Olea europaea)

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Buy an Olive Tree - Click Here

Buy an Olive Tree - Click Here

Natural History: Natives of the warm regions of the Old World, there are about 20 species of tender, leathery-leafed evergreen trees and shrubs in this genus but only a handful will survive life in a mild, British garden

Medicinal Uses: Not many people will know the olive leaf has been used for the treatment of many viral conditions, including (very topically) Swine Flu, herpes and shingles. The leaves contain a compound called oleuropein which is believed to confer this anti-viral activity. As olive oil, medicinal uses include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks to the presence of antioxidant, vasodilating and antiplatelet properties.

Ancient Wisdom: Give this tree for Peace and Happiness in the home. Olive oil was the only oil burned in sacred lamps in the ancient temples of Greece and was traditionally used as an anointing oil in sacred healing rituals.

Olive Tree Care & Tips: Plant in fertile, deep and well-drained soil, preferably with the protection of a south or west-facing wall in full sun.

Buy an Olive tree gift from our online shop.

Published May 21st, 2009 in Tree HistoryNo Comments

Hazel Tree (Corylus avellana)

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Hazel Tree - Click to Buy

Hazel Tree - Click to Buy

Natural History: Native to the British Isles, the Hazel tree is a woody bush that can grow up to 20ft in height. It occurs widely in woodlands and old hedgerows and shows enormous powers of regeneration when cut back. The large, rounded and oblong leaves open in April and turn golden in late October before falling. The yellow male catkins appear in January, the female catkins, which turn into hazelnuts, ripen in September.

Medicinal Uses: While some people are, of course, allergic to nuts and should avoid them, the oil made from hazelnuts has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and confer antioxidant protection when consumed.

Ancient Wisdom: In Britain, forked hazel sticks are still used for water divining, while Druidic heralds carried hazel wands as a sign of their authority. The ancient Celts treated the nuts as a symbol of concentrated wisdom so give hazel to anyone who may be struggling through life’s journey right now.

Hazel Tree Tips & Care: Will do well on almost any soil but especially loams and chalk. Prune regularly to prevent your tree becoming too large.

Find out more about Hazel trees from our Native trees directory. Or buy a Hazel tree gift from our online shop.

Published May 21st, 2009 in Tree HistoryNo Comments

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Blackthorn Tree - Click to Buy

Blackthorn Tree - Click to Buy

Natural History: A British native, which grows abundantly in hedgerows, thickets and on waste ground, this is a small tree which grows to a height of around 13ft. The black, thorn-studded twigs carry alternate winter buds that are oval and purplish-black or red in colour. In April, Blackthorn produces clouds of white blossom which are followed by the leaves. The fruits, known as sloes, ripen slowly throughout the year and only sweeten after the first frosts.

Medicinal Uses: Blackthorn flowers are used in remedies for respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. The berries are used for mouth rinses and can help reduce the symptoms of a mild throat infection.

Ancient Wisdom: Send a Blackthorn tree as a Blessing; in ancient times, people in the North of England was gather on January 1st to burn blackthorn and bless their apple trees, scattering the ashes on the fields to bless them too.

Blackthorn Tree Care & Tips: Handle with care! The spikes can inflict a nasty wound if you don’t keep a respectful distance.

Find out more about Blackthorn trees from our Native trees directory. Or buy a Blackthorn tree gift from our online shop.

Published May 21st, 2009 in Tree HistoryNo Comments

Tree2MyDoor – Conservation Update

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Fauna and Flora International’s Global Tree Project

Tree2MyDoor is currently working with Fauna and Flora International’s Global Tree Project partners to develop a “Dedicated Tree” programme that will help conserve many of the world’s most endangered tree species.

From rare Magnolias in China, to disappearing Palms in Tanzania; threatened Conifers in Vietnam and endangered Apple Trees in Kyrgyzstan, Fauna and Flora International (FFI) which has over 100 different conservation projects in over 40 different countries, is currently involved in a dozen tree conservation projects across the Globe, ranging from identifying key sites for threatened trees in southern China and Vietnam to saving threatened hardwoods in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains.

Already leading the field in dedicated tree programmes in the UK, Tree2MyDoor is currently involved in FFI Tree projects in Brazil, Chile and Belize. In Belize, for example, conservationists are currently investigating the sustainable management of the Honduran Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii); a high quality timber used in the production of musical instruments but currently under threat from local agriculture   practices.

Founder Gareth Mitchell says: “ Tree2MyDoor has worked hard to support a number of conservation projects and since the company started, in 2004, we are delighted to report we’ve raised over £10,000 to support the Global Tree Campaign.”

Published June 15th, 2009 in ConservationNo Comments

Tree Of The Month – Rowan Tree aka Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Rowan treeNatural History: The Rowan tree is a widespread native of the British Isles, equally at home on healthy scrub land, mountain rocks or even supermarket car parks! Dense clusters of short-stalked white flowers appear in May and June, followed by scarlet berries in September. The attractive, feathery leaves turn red and gold in the autumn before dropping.

Medicinal Uses: The berries are a rich source of vitamin C but contain other compounds which can cause gastric irritation so it is safer to dry or cook them before eating. Historically, people have used the berries to help treat a range of inflammatory diseases from gout to arthritis.

Ancient Wisdom: The name Rowan comes from the old Norse word “runa” meaning “a charm”. Rowans were planted to protect against witchcraft and if you take a closer look at the berries you will see they are marked with the sign of the pentagram which is a symbol of protection.

Give this tree to: Anyone who enjoys bird-spotting; the rich crop of juicy berries will attract a wide variety of birds, especially finches, into the garden in the Autumn.

Rowan Tree Care & Tips: An easy-care, hardy tree that likes chalky soils but is tolerant of most sites and can be planted in open ground. Prune, in Spring, to your preferred shape once the tree has established which will take a few years.

Buy a Rowan tree gift from our online shop.

Published June 15th, 2009 in Tree of the MonthNo Comments

Tree Of The Month – Yew (Taxus baccata)

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Yew TreeNatural History: Although a large tree, the yew is not tall, rarely growing over 20ft. It is, however, one of the longest lived of all trees and despite its slow rate of growth, can reach a girth of 50ft. The yew’s branches start just a few feet above the ground, growing out almost horizontally and throwing out numerous leafy twigs to provide dense and extensive shade. The male and female flowers are usually borne on separate trees although you may spot the odd yew tree where one branch has flowers of the opposite sex to those of the majority of the branches.

Medicinal Uses: Yew is now medicinally-licensed for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer in the UK and the USA – but only under medical supervision. All parts of the plant are poisonous to eat with just 50-100g of yew needles providing a big enough dose to cause death.

Ancient Wisdom: A powerful symbol of rebirth and regeneration. As it ages and the old trunk dies, the new tree grows out of the spongy dying mass of the old making Yew is a great gift for anyone moving house, starting over or changing career.

Yew Tree Care & Tips: Does best in chalky soils but can be grown elsewhere. For best results, keep your tree out of full sun. People think yew is frustratingly slow-growing but with a good start; i.e. well-prepared soil and careful watering, these trees, especially the younger, smaller saplings, will get a spurt on and can provide impressive hedging as well as a wildlife attraction in your own garden.

Published July 15th, 2009 in Tree of the MonthNo Comments

Tree Story: Joe’s Favourite Apple Tree

Monday, October 25th, 2010
Joe's Apple Tree in October

Here's me with our apple tree

Autumn is well and truly on the way now; every day on the walk to work I notice the leaves getting redder, their grip loosening and succumbing to the changing weather. And every day I feel the nip of the cold that little more for the 6.30 am wake up.  It’s at this time of year that something funny always happens to me; I get a weird and unexplained sort of feeling, it’s the sort of feeling where you can tell something is wrong but you’re not sure what it could be, so you just carry on about your normal day, yet with a cloud of puzzlement and slight fear. Then, after a sudden jolt, it finally clicks into place; THE APPLES! “Mum…. did you remember to collect the apples” I call her on the phone.

Back at my mum’s house we have a nice big apple tree that’s been there years and years, since before anyone can remember. My granddad, who was a baker, used to make apple pies and apple crumbles galore with its lovely fruit each year. It’s always been a big provider for us; apple crumbles for my sweet tooth and perfect apple stew for the Christmas dinner table. And so, this time of year has become ingrained in my brain as apple time, forever and always! I can sense deep down when it’s coming and I know that I need to remember to remind everyone to not let those beautiful apples go to waste. Yet I know, it is easily done; everyone is so busy at home now, it’s becoming increasingly easy to leave it too late…you leave it a week and the apples fall to the ground, becoming fodder for the bugs or the cold (which ever gets there first).

I can’t help but wonder about all those apples falling to the ground and being forgotten about everywhere. Thinking about my apple tree, I have been inspired to get in touch with family and friends, in a bid to share their tips and recipes for using up apples with you all. I hope I can get together a few really delicious old and new recipes for using up those beauties and I would love to hear from you if you have a recipe of your own that you would like to share with us all, join our Use Your Apples cooking series.

Just remember I will have to taste them all first.

If you’ve been inspired reading this post to plant your own apple tree or perhaps you fancy reaping the rewards of having apples growing right in your garden or patio, then please have a look at our selection of Apple Trees. Our Bramley Apple Trees are perfect for cooking with, great for crumbles :) . On the other hand, if its a sweet taste your after then I would recommend trying the Golden Delicious, they’re great and can be eaten straight off the tree. And then finally, for those of you who prefer a sharper taste; The Queen Cox, is still the king..ahem or queen I suppose!

Published October 25th, 2010 in Tree StoriesNo Comments

Citrus Tree Winter Care Guide

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Orange Tree

Tree Care Guide: How to care for Your Citrus Fruit Tree This Winter

For today’s blog, I will be going through some of the major do’s and don’ts for making sure your Citrus Tree is in tip top, sprightly condition this winter.

With the weather getting colder each day, inevitably the temperatures inside your home will be going up as you grab for the nearest dial to whack the heat up.  If your lemon tree is currently being kept directly inside the house, then stop! Despite citrus trees being classed as ‘indoor trees’, they  don’t like direct heat and don’t really flourish if they are kept in your stuffy front room. Citrus trees will flourish in places with good air circulation and where they can receive plenty of light, so a porch area for example would be perfect.

Watering your citrus tree at this time, is something that requires a little extra thought. But in all honesty, all you need to do is to watch when the soil has completely dried out and then water your plant then. Citrus trees do not like to stand in water; if they do too often then the roots will rot. At this time of year moisture may retain in the soil longer than it did in the summer, so your tree may require watering at different times than you did in the summer, so be careful not to just fall into the same watering habits. Remember that water straight from your taps during winter months might be icy cold, so I do recommend keeping a water filled container at room temperature to prevent any shock to your tree. The best advice is really, just to follow these simple steps and you won’t go wrong when it comes to watering citrus plants.

Winter is also the season when your citrus fruit tree will hopefully be developing juicy fruits. When it comes to picking your fruit, there are no hard and fast rules about the best time to do this. The best advice in this is to look at the colouring and then to decide for yourself when the fruit looks ripe. If your tree is fairly young, then a good tip to promote growth is to harvest your fruit as soon as it looks ripe. This should encourage growth in years to come.

Citrus Tree Winter FeedA quick little tip; in winter, citrus trees really benefit from a change in their feed. Try our winter citrus feed if you are worried about the condition of your tree this winter. It helps to maintain a strong crop of fruit and protect foliage.

I hope this quick tip guide has been useful for anyone who owns a Lemon, Lime or Orange Tree and for those who are perhaps thinking about getting one of our citrus trees for Christmas, but you’re not sure how to care for it. If you would like to know more, then join us on our Facebook page and ask a question on there, or follow us on Twitter for more hints and tips this season.

Published November 18th, 2010 in Tree CareNo Comments

Tree of the Month: Holly Tree for Christmas

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Tree2mydoor Holly TreesIt’s December, the weather outside is frightful but our trees or so delightful (Ho-Ho-Ho). In all seriousness though, we are all really excited about Christmas and Christmas trees here at Tree2mydoor. However when we say Christmas trees, we aren’t talking about those trees that get dragged into the home for 2 weeks a year, oh no; we are talking about the wonderfully Christmassy Holly Tree.

Holly trees have always been synonymous with Christmas; from Christmas tales to festive song, the little red berry is ever present. The mere sight of luscious and vibrant red berries mixed with the dark green leaves exude a classic Christmas style, easily on par with a sherry and a few carols. Holly leaves have also been the traditional symbol of festive welcome; adorned to the front door, a wreath welcomes your friends and family into your house every Christmas.

We’ve been working hard at Tree2mydoor this month to bring you a brand new selection of holly trees as Christmas gifts. So whether you are buying a little gift for yourself or wanting to spread the Christmas spirit with a lovely holly tree gift, we are sure to have something to suit.

Our personal favourites are the new Christmas wreaths. We have a really nice Christmas holly wreath in at the moment; lovely for the front door. Or as a bit of an alternative to the more traditional option, we have a holly and ivy mixed wreath.

In addition to these wreaths, we have a charming new holly tree called the ‘Golden King Holly’. This holly tree features a handsome golden tinge around the end of its dark lush leaves.  Its flowers will blossom in late spring with the bright red berries appearing just in time for Christmas. It’s got a lovely name, so you can send one of the three kings with this golden king holly tree.

Our native holly and our plaited holly trees really have been going quick this year…perhaps everyone has been bitten by the holly bug? Either way, wishing all of you a very merry Christmas from all of us here at the Tree2mydoor team.

If you’re interested in buying a holly: check out our tree re-potting guide, to see Gareth demonstrating how to move your new holly tree gift into a new pot.

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Published December 8th, 2010 in Tree of the MonthNo Comments

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