The late-autumn GARDENER'S GUIDE

 With winter just around the corner, there's plenty to be done!

- Adam Woodhams

Now that it's May, this closing month of autumn is the final "hurrah" of foliage colour before deciduous trees and shrubs drop the last of their leaves. As they do, they'll reveal their intricate framework of branches, transforming into wonderful filigree silhouettes.

It's still a lovely time to be out working in the garden, and a great month for selecting and planting a range of flowering shrubs and trees. It's also your last opportunity of the season to get those beautiful spring flowering bulbs into the ground or in pots.

ORDER BARE-ROOTED TREES

At this time of year, many nurseries release their availability and pre-order lists for bare-rooted or "bagged" trees. These are trees that are dug up during the cool seasons and, as they are dormant, they can be transported without being potted. There are many varieties of ornamental and fruiting trees, including nut trees and berries, which are only available at this time of year as bare-rooted plants. So if you've ever wished you could grow your own apples, pears, cherries, almonds, grapes, berries and more, this is the perfect time to get started.

FIND INSPO IN COOL SEASON COLOUR

There are a surprising number of gorgeous plants in flower at this time of year. The queens of cool, camellias, are often the real show-stoppers but there's much more than that going on...

• Tibouchinas in a range of pinks through to sumptuous deep purples look stunning.