In an interview with H&G, Manoj revealed that you can define the Palace’s garden with one overriding feature – trees. And amongst the most iconic of these trees is the Mulberry tree. The expert behind the new TV series, Secrets of the Royal Gardens, explains how you can mirror the Palace’s aura in your garden – with help from the iconic Mulberry.
Using a Mulberry tree to bring Buckingham Palace into your garden
‘Trees [have] shaped the landscape of the Royal Gardens; every garden should have a tree – if not a few,’ Manoj says. ‘They are abundant at Buckingham Palace. There are 98 Plane Trees, 85 different species of Oak, and 40 types of Mulberry.’ While there may be more Plane Trees on Buckingham Palace’s grounds, the expert suggests that the Mulberry is more suited for a domestic garden.
How to take care of a Mulberry tree
Mulberry trees can grow up to 10 meters tall, so they may not be one of the best trees for small gardens. However, if you have a sizeable enough space, you can make this statement work. ‘They need a sunny position, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil,’ Manoj says. ‘Make sure the tree is staked when first planted to prevent wind rock. Once established, the stake can be removed.’ The landscaper adds that you should keep a newly planted tree well-watered, as this will encourage its roots to establish into the ground. In the springtime, Manoj adds that you should give the tree a ‘generous helping of mulch’ – to promote healthier growth. ‘They provide structure in the garden, habitat for wildlife and are good for the environment and for capturing pollution,’ the designer says. This royal garden landscaping idea will elevate your exteriors just in time for the brighter seasons ahead. However, Manoj Malde’s (opens in new tab) tips don’t end there. UK-based readers can discover more inspiration via Secrets of the Royal Gardens on More4 on Wednesdays at 9 pm (GMT).
