Sharing know-how about UK gardening

Scottish gardens with autumn colour abound, including the outstanding Crarae Garden near Iverary, Argyll & Bute, where the mixture of maples, mountain ash, tulip trees, cherries, cotoneaster and berberis combine in a stunning display between cascading streams.

Another in this area, near Oban, is wooded Achnacloich, which boasts two water gardens and fine views of Loch Etive and the mountains as a bonus. But this is only open until the end of the season ie October 31st.

In Aberdeenshire, the place to visit is Kildrummy Castle Gardens near Alford, but again you'll have to visit soon, before it closes for the season. A garden in a deep ravine, it boasts a genuine Japanese garden and beautiful maples, plus a play area for children.

At The Hirsel (Coldstream, Berwickshire) the grounds not only supply autumn colour from the many trees and shrubs, but interest for bird-watchers too. Here, many waterfowl commute back to the grounds and its lake during autumn and winter evenings.