Which tree/plant best as a thank you present?

alfieroux

Hi,

My little boy leaves nursery for "big school" in a couple of weeks. Instead of spending out on chocolates and wine for all the nursery staff, I thought I would buy one tree or plant that couuld go into the garden area.

Obviously nothing with thorns - which rules out roses/gooseberries etc as it is a garden used by 0-4 year olds! Ooh and nothing with poisonous leaves or berries :think:

I thought perhaps a fruit tree (but they are quite expensive on-line - will need to check out the garden centres nearer the time). Or perhaps a Magnolia? Even a fruit bush or some sort? Any advice would be great. It will be for planting towards the end of July when the schools break up.

Are there any trees/plants that have a meaningful name as a leaving/thank you/children's present? Can anyone recommend an alternative tree I haven't thought of that would be a suitable present?

Many, many thanks in advance

Mrs Alfie

annie123

Strawberries..........easy to look after, safe and everyone loves them.

If past experience is anything to go by, then a tree will involve an over the top health and safety assessment and a buildings insurance revue and will probably be ruled dangerous for some unlikely reason and end up in a private back garden.

Farway

Trouble with strawberries is the birds & slugs

There are thornless gooseberries, no idea on flavour /taste though, or maybe a currant? Flowers & fruit

Assuming the H & E aspect are ignored then a fruit tree would be best, because once established it will give some blossom & fruit regardless of the neglect it gets, I guess an apple is the obvious choice, but a self fertile pear maybe?

3v3

Rosemary for "rememberance"

Shakespeare:
“There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember; and there is pansies, that's for thoughts.”

Little_Mankties

How about a cherry tree? Lovely blossom, with the added bonus of fruit too (mind you, H&S may have something to say about the stones!)

Barneysmom

I love the rosemary idea. You could get a few herb plants, knowing they'd come back every year.

Mayflower10cat

There are some thornless roses you might be able to consider! (See link to expensive David Austin site but you could google for them elsewhere)
http://www.davidaustinroses.com/english/Advanced.asp?PageId=2026
Also, there are little 'ballerina' fruit trees that might be suitable? https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/367238

alfieroux

Brilliant ideas! Thank you. The trouble with the strawberries is that they need TLC, both in the height of summer and in the winter. I love the potted herbs idea. I will look out for some cheap terracotta pots and little herb plants - failing that I think I still like the fruit tree idea as it will give the children blossom and fruit. I love trees as they tell children the seasons too. Will trawl the garden centre over the weekend and see what is the most cost-effective and reasonable present.

Thanks
Mrs Alfie x

Yorkie1

July really isn't a good idea to be planting a tree, particularly if the nursery then shuts for the summer holidays.

pinkcandyflossprincess

how about a seed & pots collection instead?
as the school will shut til september the plants may not be looked after but the seeds etc can be stored for future use?

alfieroux

The nursery stays open over the summer - it just gets a lot more quiet!