Head Gardener's Blog: Autumn at Abbotsford 2025

Autumn at Abbotsford 2025

With the Autumn nights closing in and the recent damp, grey skies, a little autumn cheer can be found when walking the woodland and estate at Abbotsford.

The mild weather and relatively calm days have meant the trees have held onto their leaves, providing a wonderful display of colour. In particular, the deep burnt oranges of the Beech, the bright yellows of the Birch and Larch provide vivid splashes of colour throughout the woodland. Autumn fruits and berries are also on show, with the unusual Medlar tree providing fruits which resemble a large Rosehip.

These fruits, when ready, can be made into Medlar cheese, a little like a lemon curd or a jelly.

Medlar fruit 

Sylvia Amistad, in the foreground with Rose ‘Queen of Sweden’ and Astrantia major.

Gardens

There are still lots of interesting things to see in the gardens. The weather has been kind to plants in the garden with the favourable temperatures lengthening the flowering season of various annuals and perennials, with some sweet peas still in bloom. The roses are still very healthy, providing colourful combinations so late in the season. We have a variety of vegetables still in the ground, Leek ‘Musselburgh and red ‘Drumhead’ cabbage being a couple.