Maidenhair tree (Gingko biloba)
This Chinese tree has existed for around 350 million years, making it one of our oldest trees. It is called ‘Maidenhair’ because the leaves look similar to the leaves of the maidenhair fern.
The autumn colours of this ancient tree don't last very long. But their fiery golden colour is hard to miss.
These trees are often found in cities, as they are resistant to pollution as well as pests and diseases.
Spring, summer and autumn I love gardening. It is the only thing that makes me forget I am in pain.
Gardener with arthritis
Sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)
The sweet gum tree gets its name from the gum or resin it produces from its bark.
The leaves of the tree are described as 'palmate', which means the shape is like a hand. In autumn these distinctive leaves look stunning, turning vibrant shades of red. It's a real attention grabber in parks and gardens!
Some varieties of sweet gum only grow to a modest size. This means they can be a good choice for your own garden. They also produce flowers in summer that draw in bees and other pollinators.
Persian ironwood tree (Parrotia persica)
In autumn, the leaves of the Persian ironwood tree are like traffic lights to watch! They start green, then turn yellow and red, crimson and deep purple. On some leaves, you can see all these distinct colours at the same time.
The name ‘ironwood tree’ is because the wood is incredibly dense. Rumour has it that it was used in machinery production during the industrial revolution.
It benefits me to get out into the garden in my wheelchair and take that time for myself, to be transported from your own worries to an appreciation of leaves, flowers and trees.
Joanna, gardener, stroke survivor and author
Chinese Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana)
This plant is a climbing plant that could add beautiful autumn colour to your garden grown over a pergola. Native to China, the leaves on this deciduous creeper gives a gorgeous show of oranges, reds and purples. It also produces dark blue berries during September and October.
Virginia creepers can growing to around 9 metres tall. It is less fast-growing than some other creepers. This can make it a great choice for the back of your garden, creating a living wall.
Beauty berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii - ‘Profusion’)
Towards the end of autumn, masses of tiny vibrant purple berries appear on the beauty berry. Even when the leaves drop, the berries stay for longer.
This shrub can grow to around 3 metres tall. It's a good choice for borders, or you could grow it in a big pot.
I cannot start the day without walking in the garden. I watch it change with each season, listen for the birds singing and feel the air.
Diane, Gardening Club member
So, as the nights begin to draw in and frosty evenings approach, make time to go outside and experience autumn with all the senses. Along with spectacular plant colour, you may notice the myriad of spiderwebs on display or the fine structures of spent seed heads.
Nature still has an abundance to appreciate at this time of year.
Autumn is an amazing season of change in nature. We explore how we can use each of our five senses to experience even more this autumn.
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