Chris J Dixon writes
Whilst at Grand Designs Live, I heard a talk by James
Alexander-Sinclair, who I have to say was a most engaging and
informative speaker.

He encouraged us not to keep plants simply because they have been
there for a long time, saying that he often finds an overgrown
forsythia in a corner of a garden, boring for most of the year,
and constantly in need of cutting back.

This prompted me to think about replacements for mine. I have
room for a small tree, but wonder what is considered to provide
the greatest amount of year-round interest?

Amelanchier - a large bush or small multistemmed tree. Bronze foliage in
spring, followed by white blossom, berries, and finally good autumn
colour.

Any of the rowan type Sorbus, with white flowers, berries in yellow,
orange, red, pink or white, depending on species, and good autumn
colour.

Snake bark type maple, for autumn colour and bark pattern through the
winter.
--
Kay