Advice & Guides 05 October 2026

Colour, Fruit & the Joy of an Autumn Garden

Make the most of this lovely long summer into autumn, with colourful crab apples, homegrown fruit and roses on sale that need a little love. Enjoy time outside, keep watering well and savour your garden before the cosy nights ahead.

What an incredible stretch of summer into autumn we’ve enjoyed. With the autumn equinox behind us and the nights drawing in, let’s make the most of time outside whilst we can.

As much as we love these blue skies, our trees, plants and wildlife would welcome a little rain. Check the soil and water thoroughly when needed, especially around newly planted trees and plants in containers. Give water time to soak down to the roots, rather than just wetting the surface, and keep a shallow dish of fresh water available for visiting birds and wildlife.

Whether you’re choosing one special tree or adding to a growing collection, here are a few favourites for colour, homegrown harvests and the simple pleasure of watching things grow.

fruity favourites

Apples - a harvest to be proud of

There’s something rather special about picking an apple from your own tree. Watching the blossom appear, seeing the fruit develop and finally taking that first bite brings a sense of achievement that shop-bought fruit simply can’t offer.

Our Apple ‘Scrumptious’ is a self-fertile eating apple with attractive red fruit and spring blossom. With a very dwarf M27 option as well as a larger MM106 rootstock, you can choose the tree that suits your space. The smallest option can be grown in a large pot, provided you water and feed it regularly.

Even one apple tree gives you something to look forward to, with blossom for bees and the possibility of a little fruit to share with visiting wildlife.

Apple 'Scrumptious'

fruity favourites

Pears and cherries - grow your favourites

If you’re planning a little orchard—or simply making room for another favourite—pears and cherries are wonderful choices. Their spring blossom brings beauty and food for pollinators, followed by the pleasure of your own harvest.

Pear ‘Conference’ on Quince Eline rootstock produces sweet, juicy autumn pears and reaches approximately 2.5–3 metres. It’s a good option for a smaller garden, in a sunny, sheltered position.

For cherry lovers, Cherry ‘Sweetheart’ on Gisela 5 offers sweet fruit and spring blossom on a compact tree. Planting one gives you future summer harvests to anticipate—and the birds may take a keen interest too!

roses rose roses

Roses - finding beauty in the imperfect

Our roses are enjoying the last of their repeat flowering, and our rose SALE is a lovely opportunity to choose something for the seasons ahead.

Life isn’t always picture-perfect, and neither is a garden. Some have tired leaves, fading flowers or a slightly untidy appearance after a long summer outdoors. There’s real pleasure in giving a plant time and care, watching fresh growth appear and enjoying what it becomes. A little effort and patience can be wonderfully rewarding—and the time spent outside tending it is a reward in itself.

Rose ‘Arthur Bell’ is a cheerful choice, with repeat-flowering golden-yellow blooms that soften to creamy white as they age. There may still be flowers to enjoy this year, although further blooms aren’t guaranteed. Choose with next season in mind, and embrace a little imperfection along the way.

Roses

Crab apples - one tree, a wonderful display

Our crab apples are currently covered in tiny fruits and colour, and it’s hard to walk past without stopping to admire them. Just one can make an amazing specimen tree, bringing character and a beautiful focal point to the garden.

Crab Apple 'Evereste' is a lovely example, with bright red fruits that often remain on the branches into winter. Add spring blossom for pollinators and golden autumn foliage, and you have a tree that gives you plenty to enjoy across the seasons. Leaving its fruit for the birds makes the display all the
more rewarding.

Crab Apple 'Evereste'

cosy nights ahead

Enjoying autumn

This long summer slipping into autumn has been such a treat. There are cosy nights ahead, but for now let’s enjoy every chance to be outside—admiring the colours, gathering fruit and watching the birds among the branches.

Here at our small family business, these everyday garden pleasures mean a great deal to us. We’re always happy to help you choose a tree or rose that will bring a little of that joy to your own garden, this autumn and for years to come.

autumnal sunshine