The Autumn colours are at their best in parts of Yard Wood by the back of the Azalea Drive and the path from the Rock Garden to the American Garden. There are some very good Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) in colour by Jubilee Pond. When walking down the Azalea Drive there is a scent of burnt sugar or candyfloss as you pass by the large Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). Discover these trees and many more on our Autumn Trail which can be collected from the Gate or downloaded from the website.

The main path from Gilbury Bridge to the Home Wood Path is looking very good with Japanese maples, Birch and Blueberry bushes (Vaccinium)  all giving a good display of colour.  Look out for the dwarf Korean Fir (Abies koreana) on the way to the Iris Garden as it produces masses of cones.

By Top Pond there are a number of excellent views and reflections, and it is always worth spending that extra few minutes to appreciate them. The two very large Tulip Trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) are showing off their buttery- yellow leaf colour. Walking down by the side of the Cascades to the Winter Garden will reveal some spectacular plants. Look out for Nyssa sinensis by the top of the Lower Pond. We recommend a visit to the Arromanches Plaque by the View Point and a walk along the river to take in the views.

The Herbaceous Border by the Five Arrows Gallery is looking good with a number of Anemone’s and various grasses in flower. It is recommended to visit the Gallery where there is a display of South African Nerines in flower.

Special trees of the week are Nyssa sylvatica  (Tupelo Tree ) and Sweet Gum (Liquidamber styraciflua) by the Wildlife Ponds in Yard Wood.

During half term week there is a “Spooky Tree Trail” for children to follow alongside our popular Ghost Train – can you find the Ghost Tree and Chinese Coffin Tree? There are an unlucky 13 spooky trees to discover!