Trees and shrubs are starting to change into their party clothes before finishing for the year. Colours are emerging so much earlier than they usually do, a good month ahead of the last few years. Some trees and shrubs though are still very green, so hopefully all the lovely colours of autumn will last longer than usual.
My favourite at the moment is my little Acer palmatum disectum which has been purple since spring, now it is the most beautiful pink/red and really stands out in the gravel garden at the back.
I love the colour of the leaves and just hope that the gales we are having at the moment don’t blow them away too soon.
Another little Acer, still in a pot, has green leaves for the summer and is now turning a beautiful red,orange and yellow.
There are so many different colours here, each leaf is gorgeous!
Acer sango kaku in the woodland, has turned its usual pale yellow but the leaves are unfortunately rather crispy in places.
Amelanchier leaves now decorating the lawn. There are still lots on the tree, but it is sad to see tham lying on the grass.
A little almond tree up by the pond is starting to change colour, I haven’t noticed it turning red before.
Azalea Persil by the dead oak is far more colourful and a lot earlier than usual.
The silver birch by the back door is well on its way to becoming a fountain of gold.
This is just the start of a colourful couple of months, I hope. The garden is having a final fling before its winter rest and I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully our hot summer is going to make a difference to all the colours and this could be the best year yet!
I’m sure I’ll be doing more foliage posts before all the leaves come down.
It’s a beautiful time in the garden when the party attire is donned. The acers always put on a nice show. A festive way to bid adieu to summer. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Albert Camus
The whole garden looks different Peter, when the main colour changes from green to red, yellow and orange. It seems I’m going to have staggered colour from my Acers this year, a couple show no sign of altering yet, so they will keep the show going after the first ones have finished. I like your quote, it is certainly very true.
You have some lovely autumn color already out in the garden. There’s not much here, but we do have a lot of evergreens.
Thank you Alison, I can hear the wind howling round the house at the moment, I just wonder how much colour I’ll have left by tomorrow! The evergreens are the backbone of the winter garden after all the colour has gone from the deciduous trees and shrubs, each is important for different seasons.
The color on that first Acer palmatum is just astounding – so clear and bright!
It is gorgeous isn’t it Jason, it was a dull purple all summer, and look at it now – dazzling!
It’s the same here Pauline. An unknown acer I inherited is already a flaming red, the rest have barely turned a leaf. If they survive the weather I hope they’ll be well spread out and we can enjoy the colours for a little longer yet!
My old faithful Osakazuki hasn’t really started yet Jessica, so I think the autumn tints will be extended this year. I just hope they will all survive the gales and torrential rain they are forecasting for this weekend!
Your acers are just lovely Pauline. Looks like you’ll be sitting in a sunny spot on your Lutyen’s bench with a cup of coffee…. and enjoying the view!
Thank you Denise, I am rather pleased with the wonderful colour that they are providing at the moment. I don’t think I’ll be on my bench this weekend, I’ll be sheltering indoors out of the wind and rain!
It’s surprising how much color your trees are showing. I always expect things there to be a few weeks behind us in the autumn, as we sink into snow flurries and leafless trees!
I’m sure there will still be plenty left to see in October.
All the colours seem to be coming earlier this year Frank, and our frosts! Normally we never get frost before October 15th, this year it was September 24th! This will start more leaves to change, I’m hoping for a good colourful autumn!
Gorgeous colours, especially the Acer palmatum disectum. The leaves of our one have gone crispy with the harsh winds we get here.
Thanks Alistair, I love the changing colours of the Acers each year. I had the same crispy experience as you did with yours, Acer Sango Kaku did change colour to the lovely butter yellow, but was so crispy, it was such a shame, I think the long hot summer did the damage to that one here.
Wow, you already have some gorgeous fall foliage! Nothing here yet. It still feels like summer!
My two Acers have already dropped their leaves Debs, I’m now waiting for the others to change colour. We are getting cold nights now with sunny days so the colours should be good this year.
Glorious colour, Pauline – my acers are only tiny and in pots but I haven’t noticed them changing yet.
Thanks Cathy, the two in the post are in pots, the others planted in the garden are just about starting to change, but even they are way ahead of their usual time. I’m hoping with the cool nights and hot sunny days, that the colours will amazing when they come.
Hi Pauline, that Acer palmatum disectum is really something! Nature continues to impress at every turn. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying your garden.
Yes Susie, I agree the colour is stunning. I have always thought that Nature is wonderful, but at autumn time she excels herself! Thanks for your thoughts Susie, I’m doing ok, but struggling a bit with the garden, I hadn’t realised how much my lovely husband had done to help in the garden.