A tree for the active or lazy gardener

September 27th marks the beginning of National Conifer Week in the UK.

The week celebrated the conifer; that easiest of easy trees to maintain and a mainstay in British gardens for decades.

According to recent figures from PlantforLife, more than one in five people (22 per cent) tend to their gardens just once a month or less, yet more than nine in ten (91 per cent) want to enjoy an attractive garden.

For the dedicated gardener, a garden can be transformed into a work of art with a little work both outside and in the greenhouse.

But for those with little time, a conifer can be a good start to creating the shape of a garden.

The trees are low maintenance and provide colour and style all year round.

The PlantforLife study found that 57 per cent of respondents wanted a colourful garden, while for 55 per cent, a low maintenance garden was key.

Even for those who are inclined to get their hands dirty in the garden or greenhouse, a conifer could be an excellent addition to a perfectly manicured garden.