The delicate lobed foliage of the Japanese maple turns red, orange and yellow in autumn. Give it a prominent spot where its ornamental qualities can be admired, with shelter from both late frosts and hot sunshine. The best colour is produced on neutral to acid soil, but it will tolerate some lime. A good, low maintenance, ornamental tree.
Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' Astilbe
There is a good choice of pink astilbes, this being a rich pink for late summer. The spreading ferny leaves have a hint of bronze, and the fluffy pyramids of flowers perk up borders in sun and light shade. To get good results, make sure the soil does not dry out, with the boggy ground near a natural pond or stream being ideal. Other good pinks include the earlier flowering 'Erica', and 'Ostrich plume', which has large red plumes.
The almost black flowers of this short-lived perennial have caught the eye of many admirers. It is easy to grow in a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Dead head regularly to prolong flowering period. To propagate new plants, take cuttings in spring.
Achillea 'Cerise Queen' Yarrow
'Cerise Queen' has the typical flat flower heads of the common yarrow and dark green feathery leaves. True to the name, the flowers are a cerise crimson, darker on the margins and growing paler at the centre. This hardy perennial looks wonderful in the border or in a gravel garden where it enjoys the good drainage.
Equisetum hyemale Dutch or scouring rush
A fast-growing horsetail that has unbranched stems with rough black ribs which slightly constrict the stem. As a marginal plant in a garden setting needs confining to prevent unwanted spreading. Plant in an aquatic basket lined with Hessian to restrict growth. As the stems remain green throughout the winter provides useful winter interest, and its slightly pre-historic look makes it a curiosity for the pond.
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Vote now for your favourite garden in the BBC RHS People's Award.
"My garden aims to create the illusion of a garden on the edge of a small lake with hills in the distance. A wooden jetty joins the lake to the garden.
"I have chosen a range of dry- and moisture-loving herbaceous plants plus waterlilies, marginal plants and shrubs. The planting provides shelter and food for wildlife. Dwarf conifers and deciduous and evergreen trees have been introduced to create perspective. A small jetty and winding road provide a focal point at the back of the garden. The design has been inspired by the poem Legend."
