Glorious autumn

I DO enjoy this time of year; the slowing of the season makes everything feel a little calmer, as though prompting us to pause a moment to fully appreciate the wonderful colours and displays around us. It is the shortening day length that triggers these amazing changes in plants, creating such spectacular scenes.

Shrubs as well as trees bring so much value to our gardens, from beautiful glossy evergreens to the brilliant leaf colours of deciduous plants as well as bountiful berries. Excellent examples are Acers, Berberis and Cotoneaster.

If you are seeking inspiration, there are many websites offering suggestions as to the best or top ten autumn shrubs.

I find that autumn is a perfect time to make additions or changes to a shrub border by lifting and transplanting specimens. All plants suffer a degree of stress in this process and so for larger and more prized plants, this should be carefully considered as some plants don’t always adjust well and may not survive. Also, it’s important to consider if it is practical for you: a large shrub that has been in the garden for several years will have a large root run, making it a difficult task.

If buying new plants, don’t feel you need to buy the largest specimen available; larger and older plants can take much longer to establish. A younger, smaller and therefore cheaper plant should establish quickly and will soon catch up.

Both deciduous and evergreen shrubs can be moved at this time of year as the soil still holds enough warmth from the summer to encourage growth and establish roots in their new location. A note of caution though: tender evergreen shrubs should be transplanted in spring when they have a much better chance of surviving the move.

Take time in preparing the ground when moving shrubs: ideally have a prepared hole ready to move the plant in to; otherwise, make provision to put the plant in a sheltered area, protected from frosts, to reduce damage to the roots. Do not allow the roots to dry out, it is easy to forget the damage done by strong winds, not only visibly causing scorching of the leaves, but it also has a drying effect by increasing the water loss through the leaves.

Once established, many shrubs require only minimal maintenance, aside from a pruning regime to promote good flowering and maintain shape. The addition of an annual all-purpose feed such as bonemeal offers a slow release of nutrients during the dormant period for the plant; a covering of mulch can also be beneficial and will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

If all of this sounds too much like hard work, why not pop along to RHS Garden Harlow Carr instead, enjoy a leisurely autumnal stroll and soak up the spectacular colours of the season. We’d love to see you.

Jobs to do

Protect less hardy plants with fleece or by insulating pots in bubble wrap. Ground-planted plants can be protected with a layer of dry straw or bracken.

Lawns can continue to be sown or new turf laid. Now is also the time to rake and aerate existing lawns and add an autumn feed.

Plant onion sets for an early crop next year; there are varieties available which can be chosen for their hardiness.

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

DIARY DATES

Sat, Oct 10 to Sun, Oct 11, 10am to 4pm: Autumn Food Festival

Celebrate the autumn harvest and experience all that’s fresh and tasty this season. The garden will be packed with local food stalls, expert advice, cookery demonstrations, tastings and displays. Take part in a "fungus foray" around the garden to identify edible mushrooms, and appreciate an autumn apple display. There will also be a chance to enjoy traditional craft, artisan demonstrations and family activities inspired by the natural beauty of wood. Normal garden admission.

Oct 10 to 11: Autumn fungus forays

Enjoy a foray led by members of the Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group, who will help you discover fresh fungi and edible mushrooms, all against the beautiful autumn backdrop of Harlow Carr. Prices: members £3.50, member child £1.50, non-members £12.45 (inc entry), non-member child: £6.45 (inc entry). Book on: 0203-176-5830.