This warming process can be happening without us even being aware as we still shiver through winter.

June and July are the best months to plant out deciduous trees, bedding them before the soil begins to warm.

Apart from this, it is also when there are many choices on offer whether you are planting an ornamental or a fruiting tree.

Before selecting a fruit tree consider several factors - does it need a cross pollinator and most importantly is the climate where you live warm or cold enough, particularly for apples and cherries.

The popularity of growing one's own crops is certainly increasing - don't stop at vegetables and herbs, why not consider a fig?

Their fruit is certainly expensive and really they are an easy tree to grow.

Being only small to medium trees the fig requires little space - Black and White Genoas are most popular as they are self fertile.

The miniature Trixzies are ideal for pot cultivation - Gala apple, nectarine and the two-way nectarine/peach are quite productive for their size.

The most important factor after planting out naked deciduous trees, fruiting or ornamental, is regular watering.

The new growth emerging at the top of the tree will soon shrivel if the sap stream isn't encouraged by daily watering.

If you only have a small garden there are some lovely varieties such as crab apples that bear pretty blossoms in spring and the grafted maples, particularly Acer Dissectum Seiryu.

Larger gardens are ideal for planting robinias, but they can also be accommodated in smaller spaces if 'mop tops' are planted as specimens.

This is one of my most favourite trees - planted as an avenue or features in a front garden with hedging looks spectacular.

HAPPENINGS

The Hunter Valley African Violet Society meeting this Sunday, June 28, 2pm at Kotara Bowling Club at Howell Street.