Acers provide a glorious splash of colour at this time of year

I can't write an article at this time of the year without being truly inspired by the visual feast of colour that autumn provides, so I’ve decided that it’s only right to pay homage to the genus that is Acer, also known commonly as maple. This genus is part of a natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists - dubbed 'Leafers' - to the north eastern United States each year. Normally hidden and overpowered by bigger species, Acer trees truly come into their own this time of year with their vibrant flashes of colour.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of maples is the Japanese species. This rapidly increasing group of small trees and shrubs can be found in many captivating forms and offer a variety of striking foliage and colours. Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum are among the most popular species in gardens, but don’t forget about the humble sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) the silver (A.saccharinum) red (A.rubrum) and of course the sugar maple (A.saccharum), which, together with the black maple (A.nigrum), are the leading source of sap for making maple syrup; other maples species can be used to make syrup but their sugar content is lower and some can produce a cloudier product. The wood is also valued as furniture and flooring as it is the hardest and densest of the maples. Sugar maples also are commonly used in the manufacturing of bowling alleys, pins and basketball courts.

When selecting Acers for your garden, there are plenty to choose from, from large imposing trees to smaller varieties that can take a century to mature to 3m (10ft). There are many medium-sized options in between that offer a board choice for smaller gardens. These include: A.palmatum species, my favourite because they produce mounds of foliage that, from a distance, look like a curled up, sleeping friendly monster! The name palmatum refers to the number of lobes on each leaf – five, like your own ‘palm’. They offer cultivars such as 'Osakazuki' which displays the most intense red I’ve ever seen; this cultivar can be best seen in Thorpe Perrow Arboretum, one of our partner gardens, where it is represented as an avenue. 'Vitifolium', which I've newly planted along the streamside at Harlow Carr, boasts an eclectic mix of colours, from yellow to purple. There is also the 'Dissectum Group' which has a feathery texture which is very soft in appearance.

When planting your own Acers, they are generally easy to grow and are very hardy but it is advisable to shelter them as much as possible as the wind can prematurely blow off the leaves and cold winds can even damage some species, such as A.palmatum. It’s also advisable to avoid positions where late frosts may occur, followed by early sun.

Many Acers are also grown for their attractive bark: A palmatum 'Senkaki' has coral-stained

branches; A.pensylvanicum resembles the skin of a snake with shades of cream and green; the A.griseum - also known as the paper bark maple - has red, papery, flaking bark. I hope I’ve inspired you to plant your very own Acer to enjoy for years to come.

Jobs to do this week

* Clear up fallen leaves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds

* Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging

* Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year

* Prune roses to prevent wind-rock

* Plant out winter bedding

* Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem

With thanks to Katy Trohear, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

DIARY DATES

Until 27 November: Bath House Gallery – Christmas Crafts Showcase If you’re looking for unusual presents that you can’t find on the high street, pop down to Harlow Carr’s Bath House Gallery for a Christmas gift with a difference – from jewellery, scarves and hand bags to children’s baking kits and Christmas decorations. Normal garden admission.

November - March: Winter Walk 10-Year Anniversary Harlow Carr celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its Winter Walk this year. To mark the occasion, 5,000 irises have been planted and will bloom as the garden moves into early spring. Adorned with daphnes, witch hazels, birch trees and maples, the striking stem colours and variety of forms, textures and scents make this a must-see from November through until March. Normal garden admission.