Posted: 13/05/2013 at 19:44
Rebecca, yes it does sound like it’s north facing, though if it’s like mine, the bottom of the garden – where your fence is – will be more south facing so will get some sun?
I’d agree with Fairygirl about Amelanchier lamarkii. If ever the question of small trees comes up on Gardeners Question Time this is always recommended. And with Wonderboy about checking out the neighbourhood plants and the less is more point.
I’d also add Virbunum bodnantes (Dawn, Deben or Charles Lamont). They all flower from Autumn through to Spring. Lamont doesn’t have the fragrance of the others but throughout the last 2 dire winters we’ve had, mine has flowered cheerily through snow, ice, wet and wind. Can be pruned to suit
Cotinus coggrygria Grace would be my third choice. On a sunny day its translucent leaves stand out like a beacon. Can also be pruned to suit.
I don’t normally like roses but one I have is Rosa glauca. It has lovely glaucus leaves and small delicate pink flowers. It also has rosehips in Autumn which the birds love. It grows like a small tree if left un-pruned