I adore these small trees/bushes with so many good moments, first as it buds up in the spring and is then covered in blossom and coppery leaves in April. Then come the jewel-like berries, brilliant red and apparently super-tasty if youre a blackbird. Then in autumn, amelanchier is aflame, top to toe in every tone of red. We have three in our Dutch Yard and I couldnt more highly recommend it, perfect for even a small garden.

The berries of amelanchier can be used in cooking – try them in pancakes or muffins, instead of blueberries.