Savoring the Wane of Autumn according to Nigel Slater
In the heart of autumn, gardens transform into a kaleidoscope of colours, and small spaces are no exception. Here's a selection of trees and shrubs that can bring a burst of vibrant hues to your compact garden.
The speaker's garden, a testament to seasonal change, is adorned with small trees chosen with half-a-mind to autumn color. Among them are the Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus), its branches ablaze with coral orange, lemon yellow, and raspberry leaves. This small, rounded tree, growing 20-30 feet tall and spread, is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and offers ornamental spring flowers and blue-green foliage in summer.
Another striking addition is the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), growing 15-25 feet tall and wide. This tree features vivid magenta-pink spring blooms and striking fall foliage transitioning to red and orange. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, it's an excellent choice for smaller spaces, with dwarf cultivars available.
The Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) adds early spring white star-shaped flowers and good fall color to the garden. Compact, growing 10-15 feet tall and wide, it's adaptable to containers and small yards with suitable hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) is known for delicate spring blossoms, edible berries in summer, and stunning fall color. Suitable for small gardens, it attracts birds and is hardy in various USDA zones.
For those seeking larger trees, the Sweetgum, Red Maple, and Black Gum are recommended for their vibrant autumn foliage colors, though some smaller cultivars or selections might fit small gardens.
Small shrubs also contribute to autumn's spectacle. Spirea japonica ‘Little Princess’ offers burnished coppery-orange fall color, while Winterberry Holly ‘Red Sprite’ provides colorful winter berries following fall foliage.
In the speaker's garden, the leaves of the ornamental cherry outside the house descend slowly, while the leaves of the beech topiaries brown crisply and hold on to the branches throughout the winter. Last year, these topiaries lost their leaves to a stiff pruning in late autumn, but this year, it may be decided to leave them be.
The leaves of the horse chestnut trees are left to crumble to dust, enriching the root-packed ground underneath. The leaves of small, lightweight plum and apple rise and fall on the currents, their shades of butter and rust a softer contrast to the hoped-for reds and oranges.
Underneath the cherry's canopy, the majority of the leaves fall and can stay and rot. Among them are conkers, shining brightly. The beech 'bee-hives' are currently being tried to get back into shape, and an unsightly accumulation of leaves can clog the granite gutters of the street outside. Yet, a hedgehog might find a winter home in the fallen leaves.
In conclusion, selecting tree species or cultivars known for compact growth and striking fall deciduous color, such as those mentioned above, will create vibrant autumn displays without overwhelming limited space. Enjoy the transformation of your small garden into a colourful autumn wonderland!
- In addition to the trees, various plants and flowers can enhance the autumn transformation in your compact garden, such as the Smoketree and ornamental cherry with their vibrant hues.
- Applying a combination of small trees, like the Eastern Redbud and Star Magnolia, along with shrubs such as Spirea japonica and Winterberry Holly, will add to the autumn spectacle in your home-and-garden.
- When it comes to fashion-and-beauty, the foliage colors of your garden can serve as inspiration for your autumn wardrobe, with shades of coral orange, lemon yellow, and even the deeper reds and oranges found in vibrant leaves.
- Moreover, during travel, experiencing the beautiful autumn landscapes can ignite an appreciation for the natural world and encourage the cultivation of colorful gardens and the enjoyment of autumn's annual display, thanks to the varieties of plants mentioned here.
