Hi all,
I'm in the process or re doing my garden to make it as wildlife friendly as I can and get the most out of the space I have.
Currently having a dilemma about what shrubs to put in. Contoneaster and Pyracantha are on the list but I wonder if anyone can help with the below?
Cotoneaster -
What species is best? I don't have a huge space around 2 -2.5m square so will have to prune. i've read that some berries are not as favored as others and want to make sure I get the best thing I can.
C. Lacteus was what I was thinking.
Pyracantha -
This seems like a good option but the thorns are a worry. Are they a danger to young children?
Again what species is best?
Many Thanks for any help!
If you've got room you could also consider a small crab apple tree. My previous neighbour had one which was no more than 6 -8 feet tall which had small red fruits which lasted well into winter. The winter thrushes like Fieldfares loved them when they began to soften.
As you can see the fruits are only cherry sized. Unfortunately, I don't know the variety but they look similar to Malus Red Jade although I can't be certain. Other suppliers are available.
Good luck in your endeavours.
____________________________________________________________________
Tony
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Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)