A well placed tree in your garden, nicely pruned and rather decorative thanks to its colours and shape, can be the main feature in a garden.

Grass often grows badly under trees. Preferably choose a mixture of grasses able to cope with the shade and drought.

Certain species naturally thrive underneath trees. Plants that like the same environment go well together:

• Groundcovers like periwinkles, are easy-maintenance; planted around the edge of the tree they will repel weeds.

• Content yourself with plants and bulbs that do well in the undergrowth such as anemones and cyclamens.
  

To enjoy a shady spot that is pleasant in summer, place underneath a big tree a straight bench or one that surrounds the tree trunk (ensure in this case that you leave enough room for the trunk to grow).