Autumn colour brings a new dimension to the garden.The season may be one of mists and quiet beauty, or intensely rich colours set against clear blue skies. Although leaf colour is greatest when the days are sunny and the nights frosty, by planting a wide range of plants on different levels, you can ensure a final crescendo of colour as the season draws to an end.

Make the most of the autumnal possibilities by considering the concepts of scale and combination. The scope of autumn foliage, berries, seedheads and flowers is vast – from flame reds to deep plums, vivid purples and candy pinks or bronze, gold and burnt orange hues.

As well as stunning deciduous trees, which draw the eye upwards, consider underplantings of shrubs, vines and perennials that provide subtle harmonies or striking contrasts of vibrant tones.

Mother Nature ends the growing season with a flurry of colour, so it is well worth visiting nurseries or gardens at this time for inspiration. Mere House, in Mereworth, is an informal, six-acre garden set against a long, narrow lake. Autumn is a highlight, with mature trees, ornamental shrubs and herbaceous plantings giving a wide spread of contrasting hues.

Owners, Andrew Wells, former High Sheriff of Kent from 2005 to 2006, and his wife, Tessa, have continued the tradition of gardening at Mere House by adding to and refining the planting as the garden has evolved.

Originally built in 1780 as the rectory of Mereworth by the Lord Le Despencer, 8th Earl of Westmorland, the house was the home to a succession of rectors or their tenants, all related to Le Despencer. In 1958, Mere House became the home of the Wells family, with Sir John and Lady Wells, also a descendant of the Earl of Westmorland.

At the time that the house was built, it is thought that the lake was also created and most of the larger trees were planted before 1850, giving the garden a strong historical basis. These mature specimens of cedar, mulberry and others in the woodland walk create a framework to the landscape.

Since 1958, beds have been laid out and further trees planted such as beech, elders, ash, maples and liquidambar, along with shrubs enjoyed for their foliage contrasts.

Evergreen shrubs and trees have been chosen as foils to the vibrancy of colour from deciduous trees and the smattering of autumnal flowers. “I enjoy standing in the middle of the garden and seeing the contrasts from the mature trees my parents planted for their autumn colours against the evergreens,” comments Andrew.

Over time, the heavy clay soil has been improved and being more acidic than alkaline, rhododendrons and azaleas along with the deciduous trees do well quite naturally. Much work has been carried out around the lake, with extensive plantings of trees, shrubs and water-loving plants such as irises and astilbes, adding to the meld of shimmering reflections.

Closer to the house, autumnal colour and interest is provided by the nodding heads of fuchsias, spires of liriope, russety sedums, rose hips and plumes of pampas grass.

Opening times

Mere House, Mereworth

Sun 14 Oct (2pm to 5pm)

Admission £2, children free. Home-made teas.

Also open by appointment for groups of 15+

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