A few days ago DW said she wanted a tree removed in our 8'X10' front garden. It was as tall as the overhead electrical wires coming into the house so it had grown too big! I'd had misgivings when she planted it and had said it needed to be taken down for a few years, partly as I had concerns about the roots undermining the foundations
This morning I took it down but apparently she had changed her mind, without mentioning it, and now the garden looks bare so I have to plant something to fix that. I know nothing very little about plants, my role in the garden is generally physical.
Its a small garden which is gravelled mostly for easy maintenance. It is exposed, east facing with no real shelter, well draining soil, I guess slightly alkaline as its a limestone area, we are on the side of a hill and prone to frosts and strong winds.
Something low maintenance which stays below 4' would be good I'd quite like an acer as my parents grew them when I was growing up but I don't think that is viable.
Happy to plant through the gravel/membrane or use tubs if needs be, nothing too dear though as stuff sometimes gets pinched from our front gardens, even plants.
Ideas?