The humble tree is the foundation of a multitude of ecosystems, but in the ever increasing demands for housing and services, India has – to an extent – left it behind. According to mass collected statistics, your average Bengalureans only receives 2sq m of tree cover. For comparison, the World Health Organisation recommend at least 9. With a range of health benefits and a positive influence on local flora and fauna, the case for having trees is clear.
However, can trees be stylish? When crafting the perfect home garden, many homeowners and designers will have a specific vision in mind that doesn’t necessarily involve trees. They can be perceived as high maintenance, difficult to control or insufficiently versatile. What you might not consider is that trees can have a fantastic stylistic contribution to your garden without too much fuss – all while bringing those excellent holistic benefits.
Considering tree types to maintain your style
One of the issues with plantlife is that it naturally goes through seasons. This can radically change the look of your garden throughout the course of the year, with flowers losing colour and certain grasses changing colour entirely. Whereas this can be mitigated in many examples, trees often offer the most stark contrast as they lose the entirety of their foliage through their winter months. The answer to this conundrum is to opt for perennial plants, which will drop small amounts of foliage throughout the year but only to replace them with fresh leaves. In Bengaluru, the Centre for Ecological Sciences details dozens of common evergreens, and a couple of key species will be easily maintained in the area while also providing stylish tones to your garden.
The Indian Elm
The Indian Elm is a widespread and excellent option for finely designed gardens. It is pollution absorbing, perfect for the congested inner city of Bengaluru, as well as hardy, making it easy to upkeep. Where it really excels is its compact but arresting shape. Only growing to 7 metres, it will not entirely dominate your garden and become uncontrollable. Despite that, it has a long trunk before foliage cover starts, giving a perfect shade to the garden. Its fruits provide a talking point, as well as assisting the local ecosystem. In summary, the Indian Elm is the perfect example of an easily maintained, reasonably sized tree that can bring plain but beautiful flavour to your garden.
The everpresent Pink Poui
Many of the most common trees in Bengaluru today are actually foreign, and the Pink Poui, or tabebuia rosea, originates from 19th century El Salvador. They are one of the most common trees in Bengaluru, but are incredibly beautiful with a gorgeous pink blossom. The leaves are technically deciduous but leave considerate cover during winter, meaning your garden designs are not significantly altered. They grow massively, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on them, but at their best provide a stunning pink bloom to your garden. They can be the perfect colour piece in monochromatic designs. Be wary of the significant foliage drop.
Trees are often overlooked in favour of stonework, easier maintained grass and plants and plain, clean features. However, the venerated plants can be easily put into modern garden design and bring life to your outdoors space, along with a sense of nature and benefits on other aspects of life. Consider planting today – it could be the best choice you make.
