Leaves are everywhere… this October and November we have enjoyed the beautiful variety of colours on the trees, and now many trees are bare. We’re feeling the chill in the air and the change in the light as we approach the shortest day. But we can still enjoy gardens and parks and appreciate the changing colours of the landscape, seeing the intricate structures of the trees and shrubs, the autumn colour palette of muted greens and browns, and gold, orange and reds of fallen leaves.
There’s lots you can do to brighten up your garden with colourful winter bedding and putting out bird feed to attract the wildlife. And it’s a great time for a seasonal tidy up as plants and shrubs become dormant.
Plantwatch
Look out for…
Hellebores – such as Christmas Rose, with green leaves and pretty bell-shaped white flowers
Cornus – red and orange stems, such as Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ red-barked dogwood
Autumn trees – in all their glorious colours
Good time to…
Keep clearing leaves from lawns, beds and ponds
Tidy up beds and borders
Plant winter bedding for colour – cyclamen, heather and skimmia
Put in spring-flowering bulbs
Gardens in the News
Parks and gardens are still a great place to visit in autumn and winter, particularly when other attractions may be closed due to current restrictions. Book ahead for Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens or the RHS Gardens (or enjoy a virtual trip via their website!). It’s also fun for children to run and explore, and for us all to get much needed fresh air and perspective.
The newly-released remake of The Secret Garden is now available on streaming services, as its cinema was delayed by this year’s events. An enjoyable film with amazing special effects celebrating the uplifting and transformative power of nature.
Like so many other venues, the Garden Museum has been inventive in coming up with online events. There are talks, workshops, cookery sessions and even an online craft fair, to help keep us entertained and educated from the comfort of our own homes.
Finally this organisation The Floral Project has come up with the idea of those with gardens growing cut flowers to give to others in their community, a lovely way to brighten someone’s day with a gift of nature.
Company News
Seasonal tidy ups in New Malden and Wimbledon
New garden maintenance contracts won by The Urban Gardeners in Coombe Hill
9000 Spring bulbs planted at a private estate
500 Cyclamen planted up at prestigious riverfront apartments on the South Bank
Please do get in touch for any of your gardening needs
Best wishes