Choosing flowers and how to use them is an exciting part of any wedding preparation.
As in any kind of design, they have to suit the couple, the type of wedding and the style of building where they’re being used.
As well as a range of flowers, an avenue of native woodland trees will line the aisle of Westminster Abbey for the royal wedding tomorrow; creating an English rural look rather than the formal style that might have been expected.
It’s an expensive choice for a temporary display at a wedding, but it’s a timely reminder that these are wonderfully versatile trees for gardens, just make sure you have the right type of soil.
Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
It’s very adaptable and can be grown as a single tree, a hedge or pleached (trained to form a kind of hedge on stilts). The leaves have a similar appearance to Beech, the furrows in it’s leaves are deeper and like most sycamores, it has winged seeds.
It’s deciduous, but the coppery leaves stay in place during winter.
It’s prefers rich, well drained soil, and if allowed, can reach up to 25mhigh.
Acer campestre ( Field Maple)
Often seen growing as part of the typical English hedgerow, but if left to grow as a tree it can eventually reach up to 8 m high, though it usually reaches about 10m.
It’s happiest growing in rich, fertile soil.
Although they’re being placed temporarily inside a building, they’re happiest outside. As English native trees they are particularly good at providing food and shelter for many birds and insects.
The wedding photo at the top of the page, show part of the display that I did for a family wedding last summer.
Do you think trees make a good display for a wedding?
Jill
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