Planting

The designer will also try to understand the dynamic natural condition of the site – the quality of the soil and drainage, the plant families that seem to be successful in the locality, the condition of the exposure and shelter. This Design Guide does not offer any kind of manual of suitable plants or trees for use in different situations as so much advise on this is available elsewhere. The Design Guide does however recommend careful observation of local vegetation and acceptance of certain locally dominant native species to form the framework of planting schemes. A tree survey should be obtained where development may affect existing trees.

As vegetation is relatively slow growing in the Northern uplands any existing trees or larger shrubs should be retained and treated as part of the context of the design. The vigour and life span of old trees can often be extended by carefully surgery carried out by a knowledgeable forester. Care should also be taken to avoid damage to roots during a building operation either from foundation or drainage trenches or by raising or lowering the ground levels significantly, close to the tree. Similarly care should be taken in installing services.

New trees should be planted with careful thought to their mature height and spread including a respect for the vigour of the root system which can cause disturbance to the foundations or boundary walls, to path surfaces, and drains if adequate space is not allowed.

Careful pruning and management is essential to achieve good shape and vigour for specimen trees and for hedges is a regular requirement for form and density of growth. The art of topiary in its more exuberant forms adorns only a few gardens in the National Park but its idiosyncrasy and artifice is often greatly admired.

The common hedging plants of the country garden are Beech, Hawthorn and Holly.

Planting with native trees and shrubs can also be beneficial for wildlife. Berry-bearing species can be a vital food source for birds in the winter and plantation areas linking other natural features such as hedges, ponds and ditches around the buildings can be important for bats, other small mammals, and birds.