Autumn colours in Victoria

Just over a year ago we replanted most of a large raised bed in front of our Victoria bed and breakfast. Our neighbour, a Master Gardener who lectures at Glendale Gardens, advised us about the four new trees which would be the focal points. Only last month did we realise just how good her advice was: their autumnal colours were magnificent, each different shades of burnt orange, yellow, red and plum. We have always enjoyed our Japanese maples and these add to our respect for them.

With December now here they are bare of leaves but one will retain rich red bark all winter. We try to make our gardens interesting all year round though the spring and summer are clearly of greatest delight in our Victoria climate. We have cleared most of the millions of leaves which fall each year (oh for just one cent for each one!) and enjoying less gardening for a change.