Acers ideal for adding autumn colour

Brits may wish to add some autumn colour to their garden by growing an acer, it has been suggested.

The trees offer "elegance and sparkling autumn foliage" that should help brighten up the landscape in fall, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) claimed.

Those looking for a good example of how the species looks when fully grown should head to Furzey Gardens in Hampshire, the organisation stated.

Over 80 varieties of acer can be seen at the site, which is open from 10:00 until 17:00 from March to October.

According to the RHS, the attraction is best known for its spring blooms, but is also beautiful in autumn.

Those wishing to purchase an acer were advised to head to Derbyshires Bluebell Nursery, which stocks a number of varieties, as well as a range of other trees.

Owner Robert Vernon explained: "As the arboretum is only 16 years old, visitors can see young maples as they will look in their lifetimes, as opposed to plants in more established gardens that may have been there for many years."

Meanwhile, the RHS revealed that horticulture fans have a chance to visit the Italianate gardens and pleasure grounds of the Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, which is raising funds for their restoration.