Its October and I want to see some colour! Summer has been a bit of a non starter this year so I have decided to stop complaining about our lack of Summer and submerge myself in the Autumn/Winter season and feel rejuvenated. I want seasonal colour - reds, oranges, purples and buttery yellows! Driving to work this morning I wasn't disappointed as I took in the road lined with beautiful purple/red Fraxinus Raywood. They had been green and forgettable just a few days previously but are now an explosion of colour and vibrancy!

I have discovered another less well known, beautiful ornamental tree which will not only satisfy your need for Autumn colour, if you're anything like me but will also give you a buzz in the Spring as it transforms into a show stopping feature tree within your garden.

The Davidia involucrata is also known as the Handkerchief tree or Dove tree. The flowers which appear in May are actually white bracts resembling small handkerchiefs drying in the breeze or doves resting on the branches. The flowers are followed by greenish brown fruit. The Davidia produces heart-shaped foliage which turn the purest butter yellow colour in Autumn. This warm yellow hue sits beautifully amongst the seasonal colour palette of red, purple and orange. When the foliage falls, the smooth grey bark is revealed. To be at its very best, the Davidia requires a deep, free draining acidic/ chalky soil and prefers sun or partial shade.

This beautiful tree with spreading branches will cast a gentle summer shade in any garden and really does have all year round appeal. Its a fascinating tree which will always court fascination and admiration. You will not only get your Autumn colour fix from this tree but many other months of pleasure besides. And if you need anymore validation than this it has been given an Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which is for plants of outstanding excellence. What are you waiting for?

Victoria Hardaker