FALLing in love with Deciduous trees this AUTUMN

The beautiful season of Autumn is yet again on us, and, we have to admit, it's one our favourite seasons. There's nothing quite like listening to the sound of leaves crunching underfoot and sipping on a warm coffee while wrapped up in a cozy blanket!

It's a season that also brings about many changes in the garden - the changing colours of the leaves of many deciduous plants, the most visual.

This spectacular natural phenomenon brings a bright and colourful element in the garden, and trees like Oaks, Maples, Planes, Celtis and Liquidambar provide beautiful interest this time of the year.

But so many gardeners have a dislike in deciduous trees, preferring to plant evergreens because they "do not make a mess".

But how misinformed!

In reality, did you know that deciduous trees shed leaves annually only for a six to eight week period. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, shed their leaves all year round, requiring raking on a continuous basis.

Futhermore, in Summer, deciduous trees provide protection from the elements (in hot February especially we welcome the cool shade that it creates); but from Autumn onwards we are thankful for the warm sun rays that shine through its open branches into our homes.

In the garden, deciduous trees let in much needed sunshine in winter, where evergreen     trees often create too much shade for many plants to be able to survive under their drip lines.

After shedding all their leaves, the structure of their clear and open branches add another form of stunning visual appeal to the garden.

And let's not forget that the shedded leaves of deciduous trees decompose, adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improving its fertility and structure. 

So, when choosing a tree for your garden the next time you visit us, remember the benefits of deciduous trees and just think how your garden can be transformed with beautiful, bright Autumn shades this time of the year.