Seven ornamental trees brighten garden

Seasonal color from small ornamental trees does not have to fade with the crabapple blossoms in spring. In fact, I find myself recommending crabs less frequently these days, having reached the conclusion that there will never be a dearth of their cheerful blossoms in spring.

It's up to gardeners to shop "outside the box," recruiting summer and fall bloomers such as stewartia, seven-son flower and sourwood to extend the blooming season. Planting these out-of-the ordinary species increases diversity in our landscapes.

Pekin Lilac (Syringa pekineansis): In early summer, two months after common lilac blossoms have disappeared, the Pekin lilac begins its extravagant display. This …