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At
the same time, red is the dominant colour from the Spindle Tree, Euonymus
europaeus, which is also native. With fiercely glowing foliage
and the gift of red fruits opening up with orange seeds, this late
performer is hard to miss.
At
this time of year, it’s very tempting to oil the loppers, clean off
the shears and chop everything down in the goodwill gesture of tidying
up. Before you do, however, take a few minutes to consider what those
plants will do as the days get shorter and the frosts return. Many
perennials, like the ornamental grasses will have seed heads that take
on a new lease of life when caught by a sharp frost on a bright
winters’ morning.
Other
late performers like the Mahonia will be budding up for their winter
display. It’s not impossible to get fragrance in a winter garden if
you keep the secateurs away from the Winter Sweet, Chimonanthus
praecox, with a perfume to rival many of the summer flowers.
So,
whilst your garden is providing its autumnal banquet, what about a feast
for the soul? Time to grab hats, gloves and car keys and head off to
Kent’s arboricultural paradise, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Gardens. Situated in Goudhurst, Cranbrook, this really is a place for
letting nature envelope you with her seasonal fireworks display.
Rare
oaks and maples assail the visual senses as you tour parts of its 320
acres. Whilst hosting the worlds finest selection of conifers, Bedgebury
is a ‘must see’ at this time of year, as bird enthusiasts can also
view Hawfinches and Crossbills, feeding on the autumn berries. Walk
through the trees and let your senses be massaged by the soul-calming
glories of autumn.
Gardening
is all about feeling good after all the work you’ve put in. Autumn is
nature’s way of saying thank you
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