Growers can inject colour with acers

Garden and greenhouse growers looking to inject some autumn colour into their green space may wish to consider acers.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the trees are "loved for their elegance and sparkling autumn foliage".

The body has put together a list of gardens where enthusiasts can see the species in its full glory.

It suggested a trip to Hampshires Furzey Gardens may be a good choice as, although it is known as a spring attraction, its 80 acer species provide spectacular viewing.

Meanwhile, the Bluebell Nursery in Derbyshire has a good selection of the plants available for purchase, as well as many other species.

"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," owner Robert Vernon explained.

Other sites on the list include Berkshires Englefield House, Cheshires Tatton Park Gardens and Gloucestershires Westonbirt.

Meanwhile the RHS is giving growers a chance to win a years joint membership by completing a survey.