Why do leaves change colour in Autumn?

Autumn offers us a burst of colour and beauty in our gardens before the Winter sets in. But what really makes the leaves on the trees turn from green to colours such as red / brown and yellow?

Tress normally change the colours of their leaves due to changes in the way in which they obtain their food. Trees, like a majority of our garden plants, produce food by the process known as Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the sun into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organism's activities. Source WikiPedia

• By product of Photosynthesis is Oxygen.
• Sunlight energy is captured by chlorophyll (green chemical pigment found in leaves).
• Converts carbon dioxide and water into organic sugars.
• The sugars are stored in leaves or other parts of the plant for growth.
• By product of Photosynthesis is oxygen.

Now we know that leaves are green due to containing chlorophyll, we will understand that during autumn and early winter when there is less sun around leaves start to drain of this 'plant food' which causes decomposition causing the green to fade.

Surging sugar concentrations cause increased production of anthocyanin pigments. Leaves which contain  primarily anthocyanins will appear red. Another pigment class is carotenoids which produce orange, yellow or red. Anthocyanin and carotenoids will appear orange. Tannins are responsible for the brownish color of some oak trees.

Factors effecting chemical reaction of leaves:

Cold temperature: Low temperatures destroy chlorophyll causes green to fade to yellow. If temperatures stay above freezing then anthocyanin production is enhanced and the leaves take on a red colour.

Dry weather: Causes sugars to become concentrated in leaves which produces more anthocyanin production.

Sunny days: Chlorophyll stops in the autumn though photosynthesis can still occur on sunny days which uses the remaining chlorophyll. Sugar concentration thus increases producing higher anthocyanin percentages and the leaves turn to red.

To see the best in colours of autumn leaves then we should of had a warm and dry summer with an autumn of cold, but not freezing days and fairly dry which will intensify the colours.

 

Buxus Pyramids for Christmas.

The popular Buxus pyramid is an ideal evergreen for Christmas displays with many home owners using these 'Christmas Tree' shaped plants as a festive feature by decorating with lights and other hanging decorations. Even though the Nordman Fir remains the most popular selling Christmas Tree in the UK, many people see the Buxus pyramid as the perfect outdoor plant to decorate for the festive season.

Buxus Pyramid (Buxus Sempervirens - Hardy Box Topiary Pyramid).

These classic evergreen box pyramids are ideal for modern or traditional gardens or courtyards, they have been used for centuries. These are best planted in fertile, well drained soil in a partially shady site, they are perfect for punctuating the end of a dwarf hedge or for use in pairs for flanking a set of steps, a doorway or pathway.
These Buxus are also popular for displays at Christmas time with many people using them as miniature Christmas Trees, decorating them with lights etc.

Looking after your Buxus Pyramid:

• Ideally trim in spring time or late summer to keep it's shape.
• Create topiary and clip into the required geometric shapes or figures etc.
• These are ideal for containers though also grow well in fertile ground in gardens.
• Direct sunlight can cause loss of foliage colour and can cause scorching.

Characters:

• Has dark green foliage which is in very tight and compact form.
• Hardiness - Fully hardy and needing no protection during winter months.
• Slow rate of growth compared to other varieties.
• Propagation: Plant 4 inch cuttings for re-growth.

What Christmas Tree should you buy and why?

As we approach the month of December it will be that time of year again to buy your Christmas Tree to decorate your home ready for the festive season. There is a lot more to a Christmas Tree than you think, a fair bit of history to charm us and many varieties to choose from. So, let's look at Christmas Trees in more detail!

Some did you know facts:

• The first decorated Christmas Tree was in the town of Riga in Latvia, in 1510.
• Since 1947, the people of Oslo in Norway have given a gift of a Christmas Tree to the City of Westminster, London as an expression of good will and gratitude for Britain's help to their country during World War II.
• Electric Tree lights were first massed produced way back in 1890.
• Christmas Tree remove dust and pollen from the air.
• One acre of planted Christmas Trees provides enough daily oxygen for 18 people.
• Artificial trees will last for less than six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.
• In the first week, a tree in your home will consume as much as 2 pints of water per day.

Tips for your Christmas Tree:

• Take time to pick your spot. Decide where your Christmas Tree is to go in your home, ideally choose a well-lit corner which gets plenty of footfall though safe from being knockered over by young children or merry adults!
• Many people now purchase Christmas Trees online so when doing so make sure they are freshly harvested before confirming your purchase.
• Handle with care. Make sure if you decide to have a live Christmas Tree to use gloves and possibly even clothing that you don't mind to get stained in sap especially when getting it into position at home.
• Cut trees will be fine dunked in water, rather like a cut flower. Potted trees are also fine for home usage and can also be replanted in to your garden after Christmas, though remember they can grow very quickly so plant them away from building / structures.
• Keep your trees well watered and also not too hot (keep away from positioning right next to radiators / open fires etc). There is no need to use foods or fertilisers for your Christmas Tree at home.
• Think Recycle! There are many organisations and local recycling centres for your Christmas Tree, in most cases recycling is free of charge.

Christmas Trees species:

The traditional British Christmas tree is the Norwegian Spruce which does drop it's needles towards the end of the Christmas period. Recent years has seen an increase in non-drop varieties.

Nordman Fir: The most popular, best selling non-drop Christmas Tree variety that has good needle retaining properties that are soft, wide and flat, dark green needles.

Blue Spruce: A low drop variety which has distinctive silver/blue and a wonderful smell that is reminiscent of the Christmas season.

Traditional (Norway) Spruce: Another variety that gives off a festive scent, a good shape and is a very popular purchase with the British.

Potted Trees: Popular choice for Christmas and ideal for those wishing to keep their trees after Christmas as can be planted outside.

Miscanthus sinensis Zebrinus - Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis Zebrinus - Zebra Grass is a deciduous, clump-forming, perennial grass that has upright to arching green leaves and pale yellow / cream eye catching bands running across them to make them a wonderful feature for any autumn or winter garden. This species of Miscanthus, Zebrinus or Zebra Grass, is a full hardy and looks great either as specimen plants or planted in groups in herbaceous borders. It's flowering period is between August and September where it will offer  hairy pink/white spikelets in fan shaped panicles which stay for months giving this plant a dramatic winter garden presence.

The distinctive foliage is what makes this plant an attractive addition for any garden, the zebra effect of horizontal pale / cream strips across the green makes it stand out especially during autumn and winter months. The variegation turns a more pronounced yellow as the growing season progresses.

This Miscanthus requires little maintenance, prefers full sun and will grow in a wide range of well-drained soils. The winter foliage can be left on the plant to provide protection to the growing crown, cutting back can take place in late winter just before the new Spring growth gets underway.

Which Ornamental Grasses are good for Autumn and Winter?

For those looking to added some colour and life to their autumn and winter gardens many will explore the huge variety of ornamental grasses for sale. Ornamental grasses are fantastic for softening hard landscaping and using as a contrast to other plants where many varieties can also be architectural in their own right. Most gardens can accommodate several varieties, ornamental grasses coming in a wide range of colours and textures which makes them versatile for virtually all garden styles and situations. Great for sensory gardens where you will be able to hear the breeze whispering through the taller varieties. Smaller grasses can be used to compliment containers.

There are many ornamental grasses to choose from for your garden, below are listed some which we recommend adding to your autumn and winter gardens.


Miscanthus Herman Mussel

A beautiful hardy ornamental grass for growing in beds and borders. This is a large grass with floaty, ferny seed heads which are perfect for adding some gentle movement to the garden with a relaxing rustle.
Easy to grow and it is an all year round ornamental grass that requires virtually no maintenance. Grows up to 2 metres in sun or partial shade.

Miscanthus Sinensis Zebrinus - Zebra Grass

Making a foliage feature all year around with a sensational Zebra Grass effect, this recommend addition for your winter garden offers eye catching green leaves with creamy white or pale lemon yellow horizontal bands.

Ophiopogon Planiscapus Nigrascens - Black Ornamental Grass

An award winning grass-like plant with low growing tufts of very dark purple blades that actually appear to be black. Racemes of pale lilac / pink flowers appear among the foliage in the summer followed by black berries in the Autumn / Winter. Looks fantastic with other grasses and especially attractive within grouped tubs.

Imperata Cylindrica Red Barron - Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata Cylindrical Rubra is better known to many as 'Red Barron' or 'Japanese Blood Grass' and is a highly recommend, especially for it's colour, ornamental grass for the simple reason of it's vivid and unusual colours which will offer a stunning feature to any autumn or winter garden.
The foliage of this stunning herbaceous grass is quite literally blood-red, fading off to a nice shade of bright green at the base of the plant which only goes to highlight the vivid red colouration of each foliage blade. This grass will make a fantastic addition to any garden and looks particularly good teamed with other grasses and perennials.

Plants with Amazing Colours for Autumn and Winter.

It is not only the Holly berry bush that should be appearing in gardens for winter, there are many more colourful berry plants for Autumn and Winter months. Evergreen and berry plants for winter are a great addition for any garden and will brighten your winter landscape through frost and snow with  brilliant coloured berries and colourful foliage. Below are some suggestions of berry plants ideal for a winters garden as well as providing natural bird food and for usage within your Christmas decorations at home.

Pyracantha Red Column - Firethorn

The firethorns are all tough, very hardy shrubs which tolerate a wide range of demanding conditions, including shaded and exposed positions and make dense thorny evergreen growth ideal for intruder- proof hedging or for training on walls to display their profuse and brightly coloured berries. They also make attractive free-standing shrubs, although growth is then often more compact and arching. 'Red Column' is reliable, vigorous form, with dense growth and strong branches covered in Autumn with masses of long-lasting berries.

Callicarpa Bodinieri Giraldii 'Profusion' - Beauty Berry

This Callicarpa or Beauty Berry, as it is better known, carries colourful Autumnal fruits that cannot be rivalled for a jolt of eye catching late season colour. Shaded in bright metallic purple, there is no other shrub with berries quite like it.

Full hardy and easy to grow, Callicarpa Profusion will perform best in a well drained brightly lit position in the garden, although it will also tolerate partial shade. Deciduous and bushy, it is a fantastic addition to beds and borders. Maintenance wise, simply trim and losing it's berries to keep as a smaller sized plant or to neaten it up.

Aucuba Rozannie - Japanese Laurel

Lustrous dark green leaves and small clusters of red-purple flowers in April and May, followed by large, bright red berries. This compact Japanese Laurel is perfect for a small shady site. Tolerant of dry shade and urban-pollution. The berries are highly attractive and retained all winter.

Guide to Autumn and Winter Hanging Baskets.

Hanging baskets are not just for summer nor either just for the front of your house, you can enjoy wonderful baskets during Autumn and Winter months throughout the outside of your home. They are such easy solutions to add some real colour and interest to any space and transform garden fences and walls plus add an extra eye catching feature. The summer will offer stunning colours within hanging baskets with Autumn and Winter months offering frost hardy flower and evergreen displays.

A Hanging Basket for Autumn

Your baskets should be prepared with an inner liner such as moss, filled with a shallow layer of hanging basket compost then some good quality soil.
Ideal plants to use include:

Trailing Pansy
Cyclamen
Viola Roscastle Black
Hebe

These kind of flowers and evergreen plants will really make your display vibrant in colour and volume. There are many variety of pansy that you can purchase during Autumn to fill your baskets with which will last you through to early winter months.

A Hanging Basket for Winter

You can plant your winter hanging baskets between the months of September and October and remember that it does not really matter if they are frosted as the plants you will be using should be hardy. Winter hanging baskets are best kept in sheltered and sunny spots to give them some protection from the very coldest of days. Gardeners must be sure to deadhead regulary to prevent the plants energy going in to seed production rather then on more blooming. Normally, watering of your basket will be once a week.
Ideal plants to use include:

Ivy
Heathers
Evergreen Azaleas
Primula
Crocus

Top Tip: To create a spectacular display, you need a mix of upright, mound-forming and tumbling plants.

 

Winter Pansies:

A very reliable favourite for winter hanging basket displays and these flower non-stop for months on end so longer that on a regular basis you remember to dead head!









Clematis Winter Beauty:

The real interest is of course the flowers - in December, the plants are loaded with buds, they appear en-mass and are lovely shades of soft creamy lime, hanging amongst the foliage like small bells, they are poised with energy to continue blooming and bring joy to the gardeners heart throughout the dullest, shortest days.















Heather:

Flowering from Autumn right through to Spring they bring real cheer in the duller weather when little else is happy to put on a show.