Well, we’d muttered about the slow move to Autumn and rolled up to changing the clocks without serious seasonal collapse and then bang it happened. A few stormy days and the leaves tumbled in a confetti shower, the paths became slick, and the lawns smudged if you ventured across them, although it has been amazing to see grass recovering after the blistering Summer.

One of the joyous things this Autumn has been the colour of deciduous trees surrendering to the advance of the year. It is one of the bonuses that should be considered when selecting a tree or shrub. If you are considering planting, then the dormant months are good. Here are a few ideas to consider, which will give you a modest sized tree or shrub. Amelanchier, Cotinus and Japanese Maples have all been a delight. The real joy for me though has been the Blueberry. Earlier in the summer, I raved about how well ours had done and how we had a bounteous harvest of fruit. My enthusing must extend now to the Autumn colour of its foliage. It has been magnificent, offering some really fiery colour in its surrendering to the Winter. If you are in the mood for planting, then bare root hedging is now available and is great value if you have need for a defining barrier.

With Christmas getting close, pot plants and Christmas trees are everywhere. Do check the calendar before getting carried away. I always feel the need to deliver cautionary guidance at this time. Please don’t be too early with taking in the Christmas tree. If you are buying a Norway Spruce (the old traditional tree) it will be dropping its needles if it is in the house for three weeks. The more expensive Nordman is a different beast and some years will hold up for over a month. Whatever you are buying, try to stand your tree in a sheltered spot in a bucket of water for a day or so and ideally after trimming a slither from the bottom of the stem.

And finally, if you haven’t done it, you’ll still get away with a few over wintering broad bean seeds. You can set them straight to the ground, but if the wet continues get a few into pots or trays for planting later. Just keep an eye open for mice, they love them.

Happy Gardening

Chris Evans
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk
www.thebutterflygarden.org