The chemistry of colours
These autumnal colours don't come about by accident — behind the hues lies a careful balance of natural environmental reactions, resulting in the palette you'll see in special places this autumn.
Toby Yorke, gardener at Stourhead, says that the development of autumn colour begins its process according to the conditions of the seasons that come before.
"It’s the steady decrease in sunlight hours during September and October that triggers green leaf chlorophyll to break down, revealing dazzling autumn tones below.
"Throughout the year, factors like temperature, moisture and sunlight all contribute to the vibrancy of the autumn colours. A wet spring, a hot summer, followed by sunny autumn days and frosty nights usually makes for a dazzling leaf display."
