As we revel in the delightful spring weather of the past month, the anticipation of summer begins to loom. Now, as we step into October, it’s an opportune time to start planning and preparing our gardens for the warmer months ahead. One aspect of garden planning that often gets overlooked is the incorporation of shade. The addition of a well-placed shade tree can transform your entire yard, providing both relief from the sun’s intensity and enhancing the overall beauty of your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Shade Tree:
Whether you have a modest 600 square meter block of land or a sprawling rural expanse, there’s a shade tree suitable for your needs. It’s a matter of aligning the size and shape of the tree with the available space. However, it’s essential to note that some plots may be too compact for tree planting, especially if they contain a residence. A general guideline is to refrain from planting trees on land parcels smaller than 600 square meters.
Ivory Curl Flower – A Showy Small Shade Tree:
One remarkable tree to consider is the Ivory Curl Flower (Buckinghamia celsissima), although it may not be widely grown in the Bundaberg region. This tree is known for its captivating, large white bottlebrush-like flowers, each growing over 25 centimeters long. It stands out as a striking feature tree that can provide ample shade for your garden while attracting a myriad of birds with its blooms. Due to its small size, it’s an ideal choice for street planting, and it has been successfully employed in streetscaping projects, particularly in southern Queensland.
Red Beech – A Unique Canopy Tree:
Another intriguing tree, the Red Beech (Dillenia alata), is worth considering. It’s a tall canopy tree with stunning golden-yellow flowers, approximately 6 centimeters in length, that bloom throughout the year. While it’s naturally found from North Queensland to Malaysia, some specimens in the region seem to have a more pronounced flowering period during spring. This tree could add a unique touch to your garden, especially if you have a spacious property.
Native Gardenia – A Fragrant Small Shade Tree:
For those seeking a small shade tree option with fragrant appeal, the Native Gardenia (Randia fitzalani) fits the bill. This attractive tree boasts large glossy dark green leaves and strongly perfumed, open-petalled, white star-like flowers that grace the tree during autumn and spring. Following the flowering season, large edible yellow fruits make their appearance in winter. Native Gardenias are well-suited for street plantings or as shade trees, thriving in both sunny and shaded moist positions in your garden.
Large Shade Trees for Spacious Land:
If you are fortunate enough to have a substantial piece of land, two large shade trees worth considering are the Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) and the Rain Tree (Samanea saman). The Candlenut is a fast-growing shade tree with maple-like leaves and profuse small white flowers, making it appear as if it’s dusted with snow during the flowering season. Historically, candlenuts were valued for the oil extracted from their kernels, which burned with a smoky flame, making them useful in underground mining. The presence of old candlenut trees in previously mined areas serves as a reminder of potential mine shafts.
On the other hand, the Rain Tree is one of the most stunning shade trees you can grow. It features a broad canopy with symmetrical crown and can reach towering heights of 25 meters and a diameter of 40 meters. This magnificent tree graces the landscape with its pink pom-pom flowers clustered in a breathtaking display. The name “Rain Tree” is derived from its leaves’ tendency to fold in rainy weather and during the evening.
This weekend, take a moment to explore whether you have the space to introduce a shade tree to your garden. It can be a transformative addition, providing not only shelter from the summer sun but also enhancing the beauty and appeal of your outdoor haven.
