Vibrant walks for autumn
One of the delights of autumn is getting out and enjoying a walk surrounded by spectacular foliage colour. Here are just some of the RHS Recommended Gardens with memorable autumn displays - don't forget your camera.
Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire (above) is world-famous for its displays of autumn colour, and its National Collection of Japanese maples ensures an unforgettable visit. Among the highlights are Acer palmatum ‘Seiryu’, with its finely divided yellow, orange and red foliage, A. palmatum ‘Westonbirt Red’, and A. palmatum ‘Katsura’ which has delicate yellow-green leaves tipped with orange.
Sheffield Park Garden in East Sussex (left) is another outstanding autumn destination: here you can see more than 70 vivid Acer species and cultivars. ‘They are perhaps at their most memorable when planted next to the ‘Capability’ Brown lakes, where they provide striking reflections in the mirror-like surface,’ says Head Gardener Andy Jesson.
Arley Arboretum in Worcestershire is one of Britain’s oldest arboreta, and is home to good collections of Acer and Liquidambar as well as red and scarlet oaks. Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ and plum-coloured Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’ are just some of the trees providing blazing focal points.
The Quinta Arboretum in Cheshire is a good place to see colourful foliage across a wide range of species. Among the trees lighting up the landscape in autumn are golden Pinus sylvestris Aurea Group and Taxodium distichum, which casts fine reflections in the lake. ‘The Great Avenue, with plantings of beech, field maple and Sorbus aucuparia, shows what great colour our native trees can give,’ says Curator Rhoderic Taylor.
Enjoy an autumn walk at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Woodland Garden in North Yorkshire (left), one of the largest collections of trees and shrubs in the North of England. Look for Malus kansuensis, a rare native of western China with beautiful orange/red foliage and cherry-like fruits, or Betula medwedewii, with its large butter-yellow leaves.
Note: Please check opening arrangements before you travel as free access for RHS Members may not apply throughout the whole of autumn.