With the wind and rain and noticeable drop in temperature, the garden has started to take on a rather dishevelled, limp-around-the-edges persona. The last of the summer-flowering perennials have all but shrivelled and the dampness of heavy dews lingers late into seemingly endless grey, overcast mornings. So thank goodness for those autumnal gems that “will flower until frost”.
Eye-popping autumn borders
Yes, there are still plenty of perennials and shrubs brightening the darkest corners, even in early November. Here are some of my favourites …
Pollen-rich Rudbeckia and Gaillardia splash the borders with the colours of sunset
The elegance of the Japanese anemone
Sedum splendour
Long-lived golden nasturtiums brighten gloomy corners
Rich jewel tones of aster and cyclamen
Autumn fruit and leaf colour: Berberis berries and the changing leaves of Virginia Creeper
So enjoy the last of the autumnal colours – in a week or so they will be all but gone.