First Things First
First things first. Do you want an Olive Tree because of its sculptural evergreen beauty, or you are keen to grow an Olive tree for its fruit? With over 800 cultivars of Olive Tree if it’s fruit you’re after then getting the right variety is essential. Not all Olive Trees are self-pollinating, so go for an ‘Arbequina’ or ‘Picual’ Olive, which are both solid fruiting trees.
Measure Your Olive Tree
If you are buying your Olive Tree online make sure you get the tree’s measurements. Knowing the height of the tree from the bottom of the stem to the top of the tree is essential. Olive trees are slowing growing trees, so it’s important you find an Olive tree at the height you want NOW – not in five years’ time.
If you are keeping your Olive tree in a pot, make sure you know the height of the tree from the bottom of the pot. Keeping your tree in a pot is straightforward but you are containing its growth, so again knowing the tree’s measurements ensures no unpleasant surprises when it arrives.
Now you are armed with the variety of your Olive tree and its measurements, you can think about where you want to keep your Olive tree. Olive trees like free draining soil so if you have clay soil you will need to add grit and sand when planting out to ensure good drainage. If you are keeping your Olive tree in a pot then regular pruning and feeding will keep your potted Olive happy and healthy.
Shape and Form
Now, to shape and form. The Olive is incredibly architectural with its gnarled stem. Old Olive trees look wonderful as a centre piece underplanted with Convolvulus cneorum and variegated sage. The curry plant also has a silvery hue that compliments the foliage of the Olive Tree. Ancient Olive trees also work really well in a border adding height and interest to perennials like lavender and salvia.
Small patio gardens also benefit from the evergreen presence of an Olive. Sculptural trees such as the cloud pruned Olive placed against a whitewashed wall give gardens an instant Mediterranean feel.
A client of ours recently purchased an Olive Tree for her cottage and chose a young smooth stemmed variety which contrasted beautifully with her Norfolk flint cottage.
Standard olive trees or twisted stems either side of the doorway create an inviting feel.
A presentable and well kept garden is proven to add value to your property. Olive trees signify peace, hope and longevity, a tree rich in meaning to add year long colour and interest to your garden!
