Decorating walls with autumn interest plants is one of the best ways to enjoy the flaming colour of the season in a small garden. Deciduous foliage that blushes crimson, rambling roses adorned with hips, berrying plants and autumn flowers – all are excellent options. As well as setting the garden ablaze as the weather turns grey, many of these plants provide food and shelter for wildlife.
When October rolls in, some of the most nondescript walls in towns and villages morph into spectacular waterfalls of red. Deciduous climbers such as Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), which throughout summer have been uneventful sheets of green, will now stop you in your tracks. The Chinese Virginia creeper (P. Haryana) is less vigorous than its cousin, yet still blushes crimson, especially when grown on the south- or west-facing walls.
If you have a pergola or fence to cover, there are many grapevines (Vitis vinifera) that produce breathtaking autumn colour, including ‘Purpurea’ and ‘Spetchley Red’. The sight of the black grapes against the purple and red leaves is truly wonderful.
Ideal for wildlife
But it’s not just us who can benefit from colourful climbers. At this time of year, birds need sustenance to survive the cold months. A wall of berries or rose hips provides a glut of food, and they won’t swipe the fruit until it’s soft and ripe, giving you ample time to feast your eyes on the spectacle. The wall shrub Pyracantha is a mass of yellow, orange or red berries, while rambling roses (such as ‘The Garland’) produce sprays of scarlet or coral hips.
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters