Plant of the month - August - The Olive tree

Pictured here is Head Of Plants Fiona Smart with our Italian Olive tree

Olive trees like a well-drained gritty soil and the smaller varieties can be grown in pots, as well as in the ground. They like sheltered warm areas and may need to be protected from cold weather during the winter months.

A mature olive tree that is believed to be more than 100-years-old, has brought a flavour of the Mediterranean to Monkton Elm recently.

We had the tree shipped from its grower in Italy and it is worth nearly £2,000 but would make a real statement in any sheltered garden.

Our large olive tree started life in an olive grove in the Mediterranean. We decided to order it in as we have seen a sharp increase in interest in plants from the Mediterranean during the past few years, particularly olive trees.

We think it is down to the fact that people are really getting into outdoor living and making the garden an extension of their homes. We have a number of different olive trees of all shapes and sizes in stock at the moment, which are perfect for bringing that little bit of the Med to any British garden.

Our climate in Britain is changing year-on-year and we are becoming a much warmer country with Mediterranean undertones, providing more and more opportunities to spend time in the garden.

Due to current economic climate, people don’t seem to be taking as many trips out to Spain, Greece and the rest of the Med either, so they are looking to recreate that feeling of being on holiday, while at home.

The olive tree is a Mediterranean symbol of hope, glory and peace that is recognised throughout the world, it was even used as the ‘eternal flame’ at the very first Olympic Games in Greece, making it a must have for any Mediterranean garden.

Our horticultural team at the garden centre can offer full and comprehensive advice on all aspects of olive care.

As the Olive tree is our plant of the month we have decided to give you a special offer on quarter standard Olive trees. These normally retail at £21.99 but are currently on offer at just £14.99.