Autumn Continues

It continues to be a great year for Autumn colours. This weekend saw us at Batsford Arboretum in the Cotswolds near Moreton in the Marsh. Batsford Estate has a long and distinguished history.

The Batsford collection contains a wide range of plants from around the world.  There are over 2,850 labelled specimens including about 1,300 different trees, shrubs and bamboo.

Batsford has held the National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries since 2002 - which means we have at least 70% of known cultivars.

Other collections at Batsford also include:
Acers - We're home to many species of Japanese maples loved by our visitors for their fiery autumn colour with some also giving attractive spring flowers;
Bamboo - Batsford's home to one of the UK's first comprehensive bamboo collections thanks to original wild garden creator A B Freeman-Mitford;
Magnolia - One of the arboretum's most beautiful plants when in flower, the magnolias provide a backdrop of spring colour for the Japanese Cherries;
Pinus - Providing year round evergreen interest as well as spires of fresh green growth in spring followed by cones of all shapes and sizes;
Quercus - Varying in size from large bush to magnificent tree, the oak trees look good and offer an essential habitat for insects and birds;
Sorbus - Both Mountain Ash and Whitebeam varieties are well known for their large range of autumn berries and wonderful colour.

this really is one 'Cathederal' tree

 
There are some amazing trees

 












  
Batsford specialises in Asian and Oriental species and also has a Japanese garden

High Five for Buddha

Amongst other gems you can find on the Estate

The Hermit Cave

The Ice House

St Mary's Church

 Finishing in traditional mode :)

The Colours of Autumn

Yet again the National Arboretum 'Colours of Autumn' did not disappoint. On a crisp bright Autumn Sunday nature was ablaze.

Turning from green 

 to red

 

to gold

 

 Spot the Red Admiral :)

 

Autumn Gold

It certainly is turning into one memorable Autumn this year.

Leaf mosaics in red and brown.





Saturday saw us tread the Severn Valley Path, along with the more recognisable hedgerow dwellers -

was a more unusual offering - still it is Halloween :)

Sunday was a tour of the Cotswolds - certainly vying with New England this Fall:

Stopped off for a tour of Hidcote an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston.

When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall

It’s certainly turning into a classic autumn in our neck of the woods. Red Acers and Gold Beeches line the country lanes and fill the arboreta.  Saturday saw us at our favourite, WestonbirtArboretum.

Sunday took a long walk along the river Wye valley at Symonds Yat

To the left of the far side of the rickety bridge at Biblins campside you get great tea n cake with the view at the riverside cafe.




Back through Lords Wood to the river bank opposite the cafe and pub. The only way back across is by hand pulled ferry.