Things Are Hotting Up..

cobwebs-001-wm

The cone atop the bird table in yesterday’s early morning mist.

At risk of incurring Mike’s wrath, the photograph that just had to be taken on the way to an appointment for which we were already late. To add further insult to injury a road was closed necessitating that Devon classic, the 10-mile-out-of-your-way diversion down single track lanes with grass growing up the middle, a land where pheasants reign supreme. Five minutes through this quest into the unknown the diversion signs fizzle out. Navigation on the phone? No signal.

As we pull up at a junction a miraculous two bars. For once it is enough. Sat Nav suggests a turn to the right. In the exact same instant I impart this critical piece of information, Mike turns left.

“What did you do that for?!”

“There was a bloomin’ great tractor coming up behind me, I had no choice!”

A rapid about turn in the entrance to someone’s drive.

At least there was an excuse for being late.

 

Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'

 

Acer shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’

Autumn started on a slow burn. It’s been warm for the time of year and, until a couple of nights ago, no hint of frost. Leaves have been slow to colour up. I love this acer’s subtle mottled tones and even more the shape of each leaf, like a little chubby hand or paw. Apparently next Spring the new foliage will emerge bright red. And all the better for this latest acquisition being a bargain at half price.

 

fungus-on-log-001-wm

 

With mist and cobwebs come fungi. I am no fungi expert so absolutely no idea what this is. Pretty though, huh?

 

Anemanthele lessoniana

 

Anemanthele lessoniana, the Pheasant’s Tail grass. Planted as a foil for the Rudbeckia, it’s taking on a tinge of red.

 

Pseudowintera colorata 'Mount Congrieve'

 

Pseudowintera colorata ‘Mount Congrieve’. New Zealand Pepper Tree.

Not just for Chri autumn, this slow growing evergreen shrub has red tints all year. Possibly an acquired taste as the yellow tinged leaves do tend to have you reaching for the acid drench but, no, this is how it comes. It provides the perfect bit of structure to the hot border and there will be more. Those shoots have cuttings written all over them don’t you think?

 

the-bank-077-wm

 

The tapestry of foliage colour on the lower slopes of the bank. Cornus, Enkianthus, Davidia on the top row. The bright yellow leaves of Hydrangea petiolaris. And centre stage, Acer ‘Osakazuki’. It will turn scarlet red over the next week or so.

 

the-bank-076-wm

 

Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’ a couple of days ago..

 

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

 

Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’ yesterday. Two colder nights have really brought the colour out.

 

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

 

Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’, late afternoon light

 

Coprosma 'Fire burst'

 

Coprosma ‘Fire burst’

A new one to me but another half price bargain. The red colouration should last all winter. It’s marginally tender so best against a south facing wall.

 

Have you warmed up enough yet? No?

 

acer-011-wm

 

Our inherited (NoID) mature acer at the bottom of the lawn. A sickly yellow when shaded by those ugly old beech trees. Now, with the benefit of light, coming into its own. Leaves on fire.

 

Hamamelis-x-intermedia 'Diane'

 

Hamamelis-x-intermedia ‘Diane’

 

Geranium sanguineum striatum

 

Geranium sanguineum striatum

 

Enkianthus campanulatus

 

Enkianthus campanulatus

 

Shall we say Autumn’s now arrived??

Linking to Christina at My Garden of the Hesperides for Garden Bloggers’ Foliage Day.

hotting-up

pin it?