As the days begin to cool, it's the perfect time to reset the garden. With the soil still warm, new plants establish quickly and autumn crops get off to a strong start.
Creating a calm, cohesive garden
Beyond the jobs of planting and tidying, this is where a garden really starts to come together. Through thoughtful combinations of colour, texture and form, a few well-chosen plants can create a space that feels balanced, cohesive and easy to spend time in.
Trees are where that structure begins. They bring height, shape and a sense of calm to the garden, setting the tone for everything around them. With a mix of seasonal colour, soft foliage and sculptural form, varieties like Japanese Maples, Crepe Myrtle and Cercis help anchor the space and create year-round interest.
Trees for structure & year-round interest
Japanese Maple 'Orangeola'
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Orangeola'In spring, Orangeola bursts into life with finely cut, lace-like leaves in vivid orange-red tones. As the season progresses, the foliage deepens to a rich reddish-green through summer before transforming again into brilliant hues come autumn.
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Crepe Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Tuscarora'Prized for its patterned bark and spectacular autumn foliage, Tuscarora is an impressive specimen tree equally at home in a large garden bed, as a street planting, or in an avenue.
Forest Pansy
Cercis canadensisA compact, rounded deciduous tree with spectacular masses of rosy-pink spring flowers and heart-shaped foliage that emerges purple before maturing to bronze-red. A wonderful small specimen with year-round interest — and suitable for large containers.
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Coral Bark Maple
Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'A striking Japanese Maple prized for its vivid coral-red stems that glow through the cooler months, when the bare branches are fully exposed. Exceptional year-round interest, with a peak in winter that most trees simply can't match.
More information →Shrubs, groundcovers & the finishing touches
Once your trees are in place, shrubs and groundcovers do the quiet work of pulling it all together — adding structure, softening edges, and creating that calm, finished feel.
Shrubs for balance
Varieties like Rhaphiolepis Oriental Pearl, Nandina Lemon Lime and Gardenia offer a mix of evergreen form, fresh foliage colour and seasonal fragrance — bringing balance, contrast and year-round interest to the mid-layer of the garden.
Groundcovers to soften the space
Creeping thyme, Asiatic jasmine and Scleranthus biflorus provide dense, low-growing coverage with minimal upkeep. Perfect for underplanting, between pavers, or simply tying a space together with that calm, finished look.
