Fruit and Non-Fruit Questions!

Hello all...first proper post...!! :thumb:

I have just moved into a new build property, so am struggling with trying to make the gardens a little more...garden like. We have a relatively good sized rear garden, south facing, roughly 12 mtrs (36ft) by 8 mtrs (24ft). The front garden is about 10 mtrs by 4mtrs.

I'm thinking of putting in some trees, but am struggling for ideas. We have a great south facing wall (forming part of the house) which I think would be great for a fruit espalier...But...is it wise putting a fruit tree agaist the house. I know roots may cause trouble with drainage and foundations, but would a well trimmed fruit tree shoot its root deep enough and big enough??

If this is a non-starter, I was thinking about a plum tree for the rear garden. We had one at our last house and it was wonderful. Would I need to plant another fruit tree for cross fertilisation, or are there any reliable self-fertilisers??

For the front garden, I want something small(ish) and decorative, as it is facing onto a road, so needs to look smart...deciduous rather than evergreen, but open to suggestions. I quite like the look of the prunus subhirtella autumnus but think it may become too overbearing...perhaps then a Amelanchier canadensis??

All thoughts welcome!

:gnthb:

 

We've a Victoria plum grown as a fan and I'm sure they are self fertile. We've just added a second one but this will be grown as a standard and is on Pixie rootstock so will only grow to around 8'.