Yes, there are still plenty to visit in autumn, often boasting floriferous displays too. For this is the time of year when heathers, Michaelmas daisies, dainty woodland cyclamen, autumn crocus, nerines, sedum and Japanese anemone come into their own to brighten up corners of the garden. While you may have room for one or two of these in your own plot, they make spectacular displays when grown en masse and are worth seeking out.

Of the shrubs and trees, there are several that have reliable autumn colour, with others contributing to the show only if there's been the right amount of frost. The richness of azalea leaves, and those of the maples, along with certain cherries and apples, viewed in the low rays of the sun, is one of the delights of this season.