Carpets of many-coloured leaves now draw your eye down, rather than just up to the treetops, as you wander the gardens. It may be a different kind of beauty to the bright autumn peak, but it is undoubtably lovely in its own right.
Plants of interest
The brightest offerings are the Liquidambar (sweetgum) and with their near complete leaves of cherry red gradating down to a reddish-yellow. Our Gardener Chris has seen leaves on some of the Liquidambar into January so, depending on weather conditions, hope to see some colour accompanying your walk right through the festive period.
The birch trees are also bringing some nice colour with bright yellow and green-tinged leaves.
As with earlier in the month, many of the native trees are looking lovely. Our oak (Quercus) and beech (Fagus) offer a muted yet dramatic backdrop to the gardens.
The Acer griseum (Paperbark maple) near The Shant are a wonderful sight with their deep brown ornamental bark and plenty of patches of bright red leaves.
Autumn isn't all about falling leaves. There are also signs of new life with an unexpected bloom to greet you near Cascade Bridge. Look out for the delicate winter flowering cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) between Lower Woman’s Way Pond and Birch Grove.
