Autumn is arriving early this year, so October is looking good for exploring our seasonal delights, just like those I found at Westonbirt in the above picture. The recent spell of unseasonably warm weather means leaf colours will be much richer, whilst also allowing a last hurrah for late summer flowers in the borders. If you don’t do anything else, release your inner child and find a good pile of dry leaves to kick your way through this month. It’s a great way to have some fun and get rid of stress! You may also like to consider some of the following ideas...With around 300 gardens, the National Trust is sure to have a garden or estate near to you which is well worth a visit and their website will direct you to not only to which gardens are looking at their best, they also have plenty of autumnal activities on offer to suit all members of your family. Readers in Scotland will also find properties and events to explore via the National Trust for Scotland website.
The RHS is celebrating a Taste of Autumn this season and if you watched the Gardeners’ World special on TV recently, you’ll know there’s plenty to see at each of their gardens at Wisley, Rosemoor, Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall respectively. Each garden has its own distinctive features to explore and is a good way of gaining plenty of ideas for your own garden.
Autumn is also a season of fungi and apples and both are worth exploring this month. If you’re nervous about eating the wrong thing, then a fungus foray is a fun way of making sure your feast is delicious not deadly. Your local Wildlife Trust (as well as the National Trust) should have several opportunities for you to explore this autumnal treat.
October 21st is designated as Apple Day and Common Ground is the best place to find all the activities on offer in your county. Typical events will include apple and cider or juice tasting, apple identification, fun activities like apple bobbing and possibly a little authorised scrumping!
If you’re considering an apple tree for your own garden - and they make a fabulous addition irrespective of your garden’s size – then these events are a great way of finding a variety to your taste with the added bonus it’s most unlikely to be found in the shops. October is also the perfect month to place your tree order to ensure you get the one(s) you want before stocks run out.
Where’s your favourite place or event this autumn?
Key websites for you to explore:
National Trust or RHS Gardens - for details of all four RHS gardens
The Wildlife Trusts - from here you can find your local wildlife trust and events
