Autumn is the perfect time to think about planting some hardy shrubs – the soil is still warm, and generally moist from increased rainfall. Thus, a plant establishes quickly, forming new roots to support itself through whatever the winter throws at it.
A good ‘backbone’ of evergreen shrubs is a great way of achieving important structure in any garden as they look good year-round, offering a mix of colour and texture, and once established, will not require constant watering
So, what to plant? An easy-care option that grows almost anywhere would be Viburnum tinus, and it has interest all year round. The green foliage is covered in clusters of pink buds in winter, which open to tiny white flowers in spring. In the late summer these turn into small berries. It makes an attractive shaped bush and can be pruned easily, if necessary, in spring.
If you are looking for something smaller, Christmas Box (Sarcococca) is a perfect choice for winter scent. The bushy evergreen shrubs have glossy, dark green leaves and during the darkest days of winter they produce small but highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers. It’s a great plant for having near the house to get the full benefit of its heady perfume. Growing well in a pot, it can cope with some shade.
Holly (Ilex) is another easy-care evergreen shrub which deserves a place in everyone’s garden. It can be clipped into topiary shapes, used as hedging, or allowed to grow into a large bush or tree. For the best variegation, perhaps ‘Madame Briot’ – the spiny leaves on this female variety have attractive yellow margins and the purple stems carry red berries. Berries, of course, are an important source of food for birds in winter.
Winged spindle, Euonymus alatus provides colour in autumn as the foliage turns a striking shade of crimson.
NATURES PLANTING TIME
Autumn is a good time to plant because the soil is still warm, but the air is cooler, creating great growing conditions, here’s why:
Warm soil: Roots grow quickly in warm soil, which helps plants establish themselves.
Cool air: Cooler air reduces stress on young plants.
Moisture: Autumn soils are damp, reducing the need for watering,
Less evaporation: keeping moisture in the soil.
Transplanting: Damp soil makes it easier to transplant new plants.
Autumn is a good time to plant cold-hardy plants and spring flowering bulbs. You can plant daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses now, and tulips in November.
