An English Park in Connecticut.

This is my version of an English parkland.

I don't have 150 acres,

or 100 ft trees.

But by choosing smaller trees and shrubs,

or by pollarding larger trees to keep them to the desired height.

With three exceptions, I have 15ft trees on 0.5 acres. 

With a flower that could be a cross between a foxglove and an orchid,

The first exception is the Catalpa bignonioides. Which usually grows 30ft to 40ft. By planting on the north side, it can grow to its full size and showy display, without shading the smaller trees.

Secondly, Salix 'Niobi' the golden willow, A splendid cultivar that needs room to show its weeping habit, also planted on the north side.

Our final oversized tree is the Magnolia soulangeana. the blossoms can be damaged by late frosts, wind or rain,

but occasionally, as with this year, the gods look down favourably.

One of the trees that we pollard to keep small is Albizia julibrissin.

This year flower buds cover the tree,

which should make for a showy July display.

With fruits that look as if they should crawl away.

The mulberry, once it reaches its required height, will be pollarded.

As will the Dogwood.

 Hawthorn

 and Crab-apple.

Stewartia gemmata has small fragrant flowers, not as showy as Pseudocamellia,

but more in-keeping with my size requirements.

Franklinia alatamaha, similar in size and flower to the Stewartia, but does not flower until late summer/fall and requires constant moisture.

 A little careful planning and pruning can yield surprising results. 

 Now how to get my favourite Meconopsis to survive a hot and humid Connecticut summer.