Bobert, Southeast of England is pretty temperate.

Summers never much above 30C (usual temps in the mid twenties).

Winters are mainly mild compared to other parts of the world, with night time lows maybe -4C minimum during cold spells (at which point the country freezes up in shock and we have lots of news items about the terrible weather!).

As for rain, well they say it's the driest part of England here, but we still seem to get our fair share! Though there are sometimes hosepipe bans at the height of Summer, I don't exactly have to worry about plants suitable for desert conditions.

Van, yes a Rowan might work well. Very pretty tree in berry too. Pity about the hedge though. I'll have to give that some consideration.

I'll be mainly away from Mudcat for a while. But I will continue to check in on this thread when I get the chance.