Twenty two years ago a present given to Cathie Kenney left a lasting impression - a tree that inspired her and husband, Neil, to turn their back on daily routines and start a new enterprise. SelectLiving catches up with the couple who have made trees a growing success.
 Spend just a short time talking to Cathie Kenney talking about maples and it isn't long before the uninitiated start to gain an insight into what makes these trees so special.
It might be the shape of the leaves - delicate, feathered varieties or those boasting bold creations in vivid reds, deep gold or rich pinks. The barks, that even in the depths of winter, have a glorious texture and the shape of a tree that will transform even the smallest garden into something special.
"There are so many colours, so many different shapes of leaves and I can't get enough of them," says Cathie, who first got interested when she received a tree on a long forgotten birthday. "They are totally unique and I think there is a maple to suit everyone. Every garden should have a maple." Cynics could be forgiven for thinking that the Kenneys are more than a little prejudice - they spend four months each year selling maples at prestigious garden shows and rely on these sales to keep the nursery in Warwickshire on a good business footing. But to Cathie and husband, Neil, the maples are more than a way of making money. "I still love maples and have never tired of looking at them," says Cathie. In spite of having no formal horticultural training, the couple have transformed their love of maples into an award-winning enterprise. A coveted gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society earlier this year confirmed what many already knew - here are a couple who understand that when it comes to growing trees there are no short cuts. The award made at Malvern brought tears to Cathie's eyes. "The shows are hard work but we rely on these events to sell the maples. Winning the gold was special," she says. The daily routine demands that the thousands of trees being nurtured are properly watered - site restrictions means this has to be done with a hosepipe rather than a sophisticated irrigation system but there are no complaints. "We never seem to get bored of looking after the maples," says Cathie, whose favourites include one called Pam Palmatum that has small, delicate leaves and changes colour through the seasons. Visitors to the Larchfield Trees stand are often surprised to discover that the maples are hardy and there is no need to ensure the ground is in dappled shade. "The leaves look delicate but can stand up to a lot," says Cathie. One of the next shows is BBC Gardeners' World Live 2007 being held at the NEC in mid-June. "It is great to meet people who want to know more about maples." Be warned - one conversation with Cathie and you might just become another convert. She says: "If you look out over the trees then it is something special. These are better than flowers because of the colours - I love them." * The maples can be found along the show's plant mall - stand PM1412/14. For more details about the show, which runs from Wednesday, June 13, visit the website at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com | 
