Autumn highlights in the garden at Acorn Bank

Autumn in the garden

Apples and orchards

Apples and orchards are the standout reasons to visit Acorn Bank at this time of year. The trees are laden with fruit including apples, pears, damson, quince, mulberries and plums. Sample some of the 175 varieties of apple which grow in the orchards, with tasting weekends throughout September and October, or bring home harvest with baby apple trees available to buy. Every Sunday in September and October offers the chance to take a tour of the orchards and discover the stories of Acorn Bank’s heritage apple trees.

Autumn colour

Autumn brings a last chance to see the gardens before we close for the season, so make the most of the autumnal weather before winter arrives. The Virginia Creeper adorning the front of the house turns fiery red in early September, and then quickly drops its leaves. A magnificent copper beech, growing on the Haha, known locally as the Twisted Sister turns beautiful shades of burnt orange, and the peony bed retains late summer colour in early September, including tender salvias, penstemons and echinacea. Grasses and aster also keep the flower borders bright at this time. Walk through the orchards where the trees are dripping in fruit, or underneath the mature cherry trees overhanging the Sunken Garden in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. Make sure to look out for the large Smoke Bush in the Walled Garden, which is orange in late October.