Autumn Colour and the First Signs of Winter…

Autumn colour often lingers into early November at Batsford, with the landscape still glowing in shades of yellow and golden brown. Beech and oak trees provide much of this seasonal colour, while some of the arboretum’s more vivid displays offer striking contrasts of red, purple and crimson.

Look out for the bright yellow leaves of Ginkgo biloba, alongside the rich autumn tones of Liquidambar and the Japanese cherries. Japanese maples are also particularly beautiful at this time of year, with their leaves glowing in shades of red, yellow and deep crimson. Whether caught in the sunshine or softened by a misty, foggy morning, they make a wonderful autumn spectacle.

Berries and Autumn Fruits

There is still plenty to enjoy beyond the changing leaves. Sorbus trees are laden with clusters of colourful berries in shades of red, orange and pink, while Cotoneaster adds further splashes of bright red, with fruits of varying sizes. These vibrant displays bring welcome colour to the arboretum as the season moves towards winter.

Late-November Flowers

As November progresses, the first signs of winter flowering begin to appear. The bright yellow blooms of Mahonia bring a cheerful splash of colour, while the delicately scented white flowers of Daphne odora ‘Perfume Princess’ offer a lovely fragrance.

Look a little closer to the ground, too, where the delicate pink flowers of Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen cilicium can be found tucked among the fallen leaves. These charming tuberous perennials are just as attractive for their beautifully marbled foliage as for their dainty flowers.

 

November is a month of changing seasons, with the last of the autumn colour sitting alongside the first flowers of winter. Wrap up warm and enjoy a seasonal walk through the arboretum to discover what is looking good.