Fall back in love with trees and shrubs

It may be easy in summer for garden and greenhouse fans to concentrate on their beautiful and demanding herbaceous perennials.

However, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is keen to ensure that growers do not forget their love of trees and shrubs.

The organisation is hosting an event at its Garden Wisley site, where attendees will be reintroduced to the wonders of woody plants.

Guests at the Rediscovering Trees and Shrubs event will pay £20.50 or £11 if they are an RHS member.

This includes tea and coffee on arrival and entry to the park, as well as talks from three prestigious tutors.

Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres managing director Andrew McIndoe is set to highlight a number of hard-working varieties which "earn their keep" in the garden.

Visitors will also hear Chelsea Flower Show winning designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd discuss the modern use of trees, while landscape architect Janie Burford will look at lessons that can be learned from past uses of trees and shrubs.

In other news, the RHS recently appointed its first ever female president.