Beautiful Autumn 2025

October is a very special month of the year here at the Garden as the autumn colours vibrantly glow up the space almost everywhere you look.

The trees and plants transform at different times so there is never a single best day to visit but this whole month will be exciting to see what’s reaching its colour peak day by day.

I usually recommend the very end of October or beginning of November for the best colour display but of course that results in some plants already being past their best.

Today, for example, the cherry tree that over hangs the Koi pond – is looking sensational! Its bright orange tones can be seen lighting up the entire side of the pond. By the end of the month this will be past and likely the leaves will have fallen.

This is one of the most enchanting things about autumn – the speed at which things change. There is a sudden burst of colour – almost overnight a tree can transform from it muted summer tones to vibrant autumn shades. The colour peaks and then the leaves all fall and the branches are bare. This yearly ritual raises feelings of nostalgia for me every time I visit the garden and anywhere where I can feel nature actually.

Its not always easy to let go – I am certain guilty of this! But autumn is the time of year when we have to: let go of the colour, the visual saturation, the summer, the warmth, the time of growing is ending and the time for rest is almost here.

I love this about the autumn season and its emotional journey.

My visit today was overcast and so not filled with sunshine and golden light – but many of the plants were still glowing. Check out my photos – pictured below –