This thread is worth bumping. There was a big fad in the (I believe) 1980s for Rhus typhinia, common name Stag's Horn Sumac. It is a sub-species of the Sumac genre. The leaf shown between the teeth in the photo almost certainly is one. "The weed of the prairies" as it is known in North America. As trees go, this one is short-lived and as they begin to die they do indeed throw off runners which will pop up as saplings in seemingly random spots at some distance from the, by now sick, parent plant. Usually it is not so much a matter of lack of cooperation but lack of understanding and a failure to grasp how this method of propagation works in plant life. Hence the unwelcome proliferation of bamboo, Japanese knotweed and some other invasive species well beyond the boundaries of their initially proud owners. Their common theme is that they all propagate in this manner. Buyers knew they would need space enough for a tree when they bought Rhus so there are hopefully not so many to cause as much trouble. Having said that, in two of my own clients' gardens I have one still looking healthy and one that is all but dead and sprouting nascent offspring. So beware. If your or your neighbour's tree's leaves are that shape, they turned various rather beautiful shades of red, yellow and brown last autumn, the branches are evocative of stags' horns and the tree has reached its maximum height of around 5 metres, it may be worth inspecting the area below ground immediately around its roots. Try and cut them out before they really get going.

If you do an online search, you'll find good advice. The main point is that it/s best to use weedkiller on it rather than cut it down, since the roots need to be killed entirely.. Fortunately for your mother and her neighbours, the end of the summer is the best time to treat it. It may need more than one treatment.

Next to the spa is a great spot as the bank is quite wide there.. (I have not got that right on the drawing). It's odd, the Rosemary did fantastic by the path, and then when moved to the top corner (by the garden store), the mint up there strangled it to death! The DOG haha... I rather thought a 1.5metre high wall would protect the plants/ deter him, but no.. he hops right on up there. Green fingered I am not, and forget green houses etc. If I could have more closer to the house, I would, but the orientation doesnt allow for it really. There used to be a full on allotment on the summer/shed area... now it's being killed/concreted/built on to stop "undesireable" plants coming through such as the dreaded knotweed and unruly neighboring land. Any area has to be strictly controlled down that end I think!

Thank you, Printesa and T Grey, I didn’t see your messages until now. It’s been 2 months since we bought it and I am still not over the shock of being so lucky to wake up and see that view every day. We’ve been busy, very busy actually, trying to find tradesmen to sort out some things. Firstly, we discovered 5 wasps nests and (unfortunately but necessary) had them destroyed by this very chatty guy. Then we noticed some gutters were blocked and had another chatty chap around to clean them. Then came the chimney sweeper, the guy who is going to sand&varnish the floors, the painter-decorator, electrician, and so on. Plus we ‘inherited’ a gardener (thank the gods!) I was having nightmares thinking about maintaining all that garden on my own. Also, our architect friend agreed to take on the barn renovation and already submitted a pre-application plan to the council. So everything is on track; however I am ‘not allowed’ (says Andrew) to buy any furniture until the interior renovations are done, I had to restrict myself at getting tableware and bedding and towels (John Lewis had wonderful stuff on sale last month). I’ll probably start pestering this forum soon! I’m rubbish at choosing blinds and curtains and the likes, plus I am unclear about how to furnish a couple of rooms. Many thanks again (and here’s a pic of a rainbow)!