Pear

If you're looking for a superb tree covered in a mass of silver-grey leaves, this is one of the best. It makes a great congested mound of arching, downward-pointing growth, with a fluttering of leaves like those of an olive tree, and comes alive in spring when it erupts in creamy white flowers. This is followed by a small crop of 3cm-long, completely inedible pears. 'Pendula' is ideal for small gardens, being half the height of its species parent. It has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the RHS.