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You can't beat the autumn colour of acers, especially Japanese maples. Their bright, burning colours defy the cooling temperatures that have put a chill in the air over recent weeks. But their ephemeral beauty won't last long; a few sharp frosts

haven't really experienced 'challenging' winter weather for many years now, I doubt if this Phoenix canariensis has had to put up with much in the way of cold during its lifetime, but there has been some frost and snow. From what I've observed over

ways. The oldest variety I grow, and the earliest to flower, is 'St Ewe', which I planted directly into my border soil. Now I wouldn't claim my clay soil is ideal for camellias, which enjoy a lime-free and water-retentive soil, but this one has

like plums: never in the winter or during wet weather - for fear of silverleaf. Find them a sheltered place as they blossom quite early, so are a bit vulnerable to frosts. However, do not be scared off as there are lots of cultivars (some even from

apples and, once we have had a few frosts which tend to soften the fruit, they will provide a good food source for birds.There are five varieties in particular to which I would like to draw your attention. Ladies and gentlemen:The first is Malus 'John

my fingers crossed that night frosts stay away. These are very damaging to fruit blossom, and are one reason why despite a good show of flower no fruit is forthcoming. Those delicate inner parts of a flower are easily killed by cold, so even

I love early September: the sun is still hot but the nights are not stifling. The majority of plants have flowered and faded away but there are still some, particularly the dahlias, that are flowering their little heads off. There was a time when

We have had a couple of mild frosts over the past week so we can assume that autumn is properly with us: further denial is pointless. Instead it is time to appreciate the turning leaves before they too have gone and we are left alone with only

I have always found plants with big leaves fascinating. I love hearing raindrops pattering on leaf canopies whilst pushing through an overgrown path, surrounded by plants that are bigger than me. It is probably a deep-rooted jungle instinct. I have

, while others have flooded. No wonder the plants are confused.In September, the RHS reported that the unseasonably warm weather was causing plants to flower later than usual, sometimes causing them to bloom again. This was down to climate change