In natural conditions the Colorado spruce, Picea pungens, reaches 30cm/100ft, but numerous smaller forms of this beautiful tree have been raised for garden cultivation.

The pear family does not include ornamental species to compare with the cherry in terms of showy flower-bearing. The beauty of Pyrus salicifolia, the willow-leaved pear, lies in its delicacy and grace.

Amelanchiers are hardy trees, easily grown and as beautiful as their common name, snowy mespilus. Not only do they bear spectacular spring flowers, followed by round, edible fruits, but the autumn colour of the attractive oval leaves is exceptional.

Like the winter-flowering jasmine, witch hazels produce yellow flowers on bare stems before the leaves unfurl. They make good specimen trees or can be incorporated in a shrub border.

Like the winter-flowering jasmine, witch hazels produce yellow flowers on bare stems before the leaves unfurl. They make good specimen trees or can be incorporated in a shrub border.

The genus Prunus includes a huge number of trees that provide spectacular displays of spring flowers.

The genus Sorbus includes rowans, which are discussed here, and whitebeams. Rowans or mountain ashes are elegant trees admired for their pinnate leaves, which take on brilliant autumn tints.

The yellow-green, elegant foliage of Robinia pseudoacacia is best appreciated in larger gardens.

If you can offer a sheltered, position, perhaps with the protection of a warm wall, Eucryphia x nymansensis would be a worthy candidate for the spot.

The stag's horn sumach. Rhus typhina, is chiefly grown for its stunning autumn foliage, though it bears dense, 20cm/8in long panicles Of minuscule flowers in summer.