There's nothing like an English country garden to provide inspiration for your own patch of paradise. And this time of year they're bursting with flora and fauna in dazzling shades of burnt orange, warm yellows and deep burgundies. Here are some of the country's best...
1. KILLERTON, DEVON
Admire the pallet of colours offered in this garden, including the deep orange berries of the Chinese scarlet rowan, the red berries and furry leaves of the Cotoneaster lacteus, and the Zelkova carpinifolia turning a deep, buttery yellow.
2. CRARAE GARDEN, ARGYLL
A spectacular 20-hectare woodland garden in a dramatic setting, Crarae has a wonderful collection of woody plants centred on the Crarae Burn, which is spanned by several bridges and tumbles through a rocky gorge in a series of cascades. The lush, naturalistic planting and rushing water gives the feel of a Himalayan valley.
3. FELBRIGG, NORFOLK
The Great Wood on the Felbrigg estate is full of interesting fungi in the autumn. After inspecting these, look up to see the bright copper leaves of the Victory V beeches. It's worth taking a detour (at point 6 on the route) down Lion's Mouth in autumn. The route feels like you are walking into the jaws of a lion with the tunnel of colour provided from the trees.
4. FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL, NORTH YORKSHIRE
The sweeping landscape of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is full of autumn colour at this time of year. One of the rangers has designed a deer park walk through the estate that gives you the chance to see the deer rut as well as the beautiful autumn colours.
5. GIBSIDE, TYNE AND WEAR
Buzzing with wildlife, Gibside is home to red kites, roe deer and many other rare animals. During the autumn months, you can see the colours changing on the trees below as you rise out of the Derwent Valley on this circular skyline walk offering plenty of opportunities for panoramic views.
6. MOUNT STEWART, COUNTY DOWN
Voted one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator - Edith, Lady Londonderry. There are walks for everyone, from a short stroll around the gardens to longer walks around the lake and woodlands. The lake is particularly beautiful in autumn with gorgeous red and gold foliage. The banks are lined with primulas, irises and large-leaved gunneras.
7. DINAS ISLAND, PEMBROKESHIRE
This circular walk on Dinas Island boasts some of the finest views anywhere on the Pembrokeshire coast. In early autumn, the coastal slopes are cloaked with the yellows and browns of fading bracken, while on the headland, the pinks and purples of common heather are just coming in to bloom, alongside the yellow gorse flowers.
8. DUNSTER, SOMERSET
A walk to the keep of the castle rewards visitors with a 360-degree view taking in Dunkery Beacon (the highest point on Exmoor) and the Bristol Channel. The south terrace offers views across the former deer park that will be full of colour and the opportunity to spot red deer. The area has a Mediterranean feel due to its microclimate which enables tender plants to thrive, including a row of Chusan palms.
9. WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, SURREY
During the autumn months, the splendour of Winkworth Arboretum comes to life with rich, blazing colour from the Japanese, American and Norwegian maples. The 4km walk to Oakhurst weaves its way through the woodland to the top of Hydon's Ball, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the landscape.
Visit www.nts.org.uk and www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details about the gardens.
1. KILLERTON, DEVON
Admire the pallet of colours offered in this garden, including the deep orange berries of the Chinese scarlet rowan, the red berries and furry leaves of the Cotoneaster lacteus, and the Zelkova carpinifolia turning a deep, buttery yellow.
2. CRARAE GARDEN, ARGYLL
A spectacular 20-hectare woodland garden in a dramatic setting, Crarae has a wonderful collection of woody plants centred on the Crarae Burn, which is spanned by several bridges and tumbles through a rocky gorge in a series of cascades. The lush, naturalistic planting and rushing water gives the feel of a Himalayan valley.
3. FELBRIGG, NORFOLK
The Great Wood on the Felbrigg estate is full of interesting fungi in the autumn. After inspecting these, look up to see the bright copper leaves of the Victory V beeches. It's worth taking a detour (at point 6 on the route) down Lion's Mouth in autumn. The route feels like you are walking into the jaws of a lion with the tunnel of colour provided from the trees.
4. FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL, NORTH YORKSHIRE
The sweeping landscape of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is full of autumn colour at this time of year. One of the rangers has designed a deer park walk through the estate that gives you the chance to see the deer rut as well as the beautiful autumn colours.
5. GIBSIDE, TYNE AND WEAR
Buzzing with wildlife, Gibside is home to red kites, roe deer and many other rare animals. During the autumn months, you can see the colours changing on the trees below as you rise out of the Derwent Valley on this circular skyline walk offering plenty of opportunities for panoramic views.
6. MOUNT STEWART, COUNTY DOWN
Voted one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator - Edith, Lady Londonderry. There are walks for everyone, from a short stroll around the gardens to longer walks around the lake and woodlands. The lake is particularly beautiful in autumn with gorgeous red and gold foliage. The banks are lined with primulas, irises and large-leaved gunneras.
7. DINAS ISLAND, PEMBROKESHIRE
This circular walk on Dinas Island boasts some of the finest views anywhere on the Pembrokeshire coast. In early autumn, the coastal slopes are cloaked with the yellows and browns of fading bracken, while on the headland, the pinks and purples of common heather are just coming in to bloom, alongside the yellow gorse flowers.
8. DUNSTER, SOMERSET
A walk to the keep of the castle rewards visitors with a 360-degree view taking in Dunkery Beacon (the highest point on Exmoor) and the Bristol Channel. The south terrace offers views across the former deer park that will be full of colour and the opportunity to spot red deer. The area has a Mediterranean feel due to its microclimate which enables tender plants to thrive, including a row of Chusan palms.
9. WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, SURREY
During the autumn months, the splendour of Winkworth Arboretum comes to life with rich, blazing colour from the Japanese, American and Norwegian maples. The 4km walk to Oakhurst weaves its way through the woodland to the top of Hydon's Ball, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the landscape.
Visit www.nts.org.uk and www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details about the gardens.
Source: AAP
