I like a very full, ornate tree, with plenty of sparkle. I have large bows and a train that runs through the top of he tree, with puffing smoke and a bright lint and whistle. I like the tree to take on the whole meaning of Christmas and I overload it with memories and moments of Christmases past. I also have Christmas elves in mine. They are about knee high and are dressed in rich burgundy and green traditional costumes, with lots of gold embelishmens. They have porcelain faces and there are enough climbing amongst on perched on branches to look real for my daughters amazement! They add to the whimsical and imagination of little ones.

Susanna, A standard cypress which is evergreen could work. I have two cypress or juniper looking standards which are ground covers that are grafted onto a set height, my two plants are 1mtr and 1.5mtrs respectively. They are planted in the ground right beside a concrete fishpond and they have shown no sign of disruption. The major growth is usually only in trunk size and the foliage or span of my golden variety reaches over a metre now, so it doesn't cast much shade but is spectacular all the same. I'm currently away from home but when I return tomorrow, I can attach a photo of both my standards and botanical names if you'd like. Cheers, Barbara

Hi Astri. I am in Canberra and have nineteen trees in our garden. How big is your block? Which way does it face for solar access? Do you have any power lines or easements to consider? What plans do you have for dealing with the autumn leaves? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a gatehouse and arbour on the fenceline but have you checked the regulations for structures on your boundary? Where do you want to plant the hedge and what is the width?

Do a Google lens search. just hit the camera on your google search box, then take a picture of the tree and it can probably identify it for you.