As the leaves start to fall, and the flowers die back, autumn is a time that begins to reveal the real ‘bones’ of the garden. Here Margie Ribton of Tendercare chooses her favourite plants for year-round structure.
BOX (BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS)
Box is an ideal plant for creating formality in the garden, be it in pots or in the border. Its evergreen element ensures that the garden looks good throughout the cold, wintry months. Neatly clipped balls or cones are classically chic, but box is a great candidate for topiary so why not get creative?
BEECH (FAGUS SYLVATICA)
Beech has a long season of interest, with leaves changing from yellow-green in spring to glorious orange-brown in autumn – and they hold on right through the winter, too. Trained into an arch, they are invaluable for creating striking views and vistas within the garden.
PLEACHED TREES: THE ‘ART’ OF TRAINING TREES
The enthusiasm for the use of cleverly-trained trees to establish the architecture in a garden has been gaining popularity as they are easy to grow and keep in shape. Many forms of this style are available in both flowering and evergreen plants - these ornamental pears are one of my favourites.
EVERGREEN TREES
Mature evergreen trees are ideal for boundaries and for screening purposes. Growing as a nicely symmetrical pyramid, this broadleaf holly, Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Dragon Lady,’ is a particularly good choice with glossy leaves and distinctive scarlet berries in winter.
WISTERIA (SINENSIA ALBA)
True, Wisteria flowers only for a relatively short time, but the sight of its elegant purple racemes clothing an arch or wall is one of the joys of early summer – and needs careful planning. Wisterias are notoriously slow to flower – up to 20 years from seed is not uncommon – so for instant impact, you might want to consider buying a more mature plant such as this beautiful white variety. Now is the perfect time to plant them out.
Tendercare specialises in mature plants. Find the nursery at Southlands Road, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 4HD.